Adding Power Stearing To A 964

[si Banker]

How hard and expensive would it be to retrofit power steering to a 1993 RS America. I have Parkinson's and am loosing upper body strength

I don't think it would be hard to redo it back to stock. Also, I do not care what the changes do to the value because all a RS is is a 2wd drive 964

[JordanPryce]

It's not impossible, but it's not an easy job. Costs for the rack pump and all the related bits will run a few thousand plus installation. RSA racks are easy enough to sell, but I'd keep it with the car.

With the values of RSA's at an all time high, you should really consider selling it and buying a new Cayman or Boxster. They are amazing machines and much easier to deal with at low speed.

[Vandit]

Instead of retrofitting an OEM setup (which was never available on an RSA), consider an electronic power steering pump mounted in the front tub. There's a Porsche Motorsport pump that is popular for such applications and the third generation Toyota MR-S/MR2 pump is also popular. Basically you'd need a power rack off of a C2/C4 and do some fabrication of lines and give the pump power.

For example, using a Mercedes A-class pump.
http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/10470846-post96.html
http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/10485574-post114.html

[metalracer]

+1 On the Toyota pump. I have it on my C2 track car for weight and power savings and it works great.

[Vandit]

^It's on my "modification wish list"

Looking at the mess of OEM PS hardware and lines in the engine compartment annoys me. I can't wait to ditch all that.

[si Banker]

Thanks for the great idea. I was not looking forward to dealing with all the Porsche parts. It sounds like what I really need is the rack of a C-2.
Thanks for the infof

[kuehl]

I recall the ratio is different on a 993 vs. 964, you may want to test drive
a 993 and see for yourself.

[GeorgeK]

Who here has first hand experience with the electric PS pumps?

I am pondering replacing my (leaky) setup with an electric pump, and would like more info about the level of assistance. The 964 steering is a light assist, not a buick style one finger steering job.

[Spenny_b]

These guys are getting a lot of press coverage over here in the UK at the moment --->

EZ Electric Power Steering

EVO magazine's Harry Metcalfe had them fit a system to his Countach, Octane recently fitted one to editor Crouchers classic Jaguar. All the systems have variable assistance via a potentiometer hidden from view - everything looks bone stock and is of course reversible should you want to sell the car on. No affiliation, but a pal of mine also makes very similar setups for rallying and racing Ford Mk2 Escorts, with great success.

HTH

Spencer

[si Banker]

Any body have a c-2 or c-4 rack for sale

[RS America]

Thanks for the link Spencer. I just wrote them a email to get more information about their system. I'll post their reply when I get it.

I'm in Spain for the winter. If I get a reply from them I like, I'll drive my RS America to them in April or May for installation. I'll post about that too.

Driving around Europe with manual steering can sometimes be a real ***** on narrow medieval streets. Yesterday I was driving on some to get to a castle. There were spots where I was lucky to have 3-4 inches of clearance on the rear view mirrors. I was actually driving half on the sidewalk to get past some cars and no there isn't enough room to turn around. Backing up is scary. A wide body would be screwed.

[mreid]

If you decide to go stock, I have all of the engine mounted components (pump, bracket, pulley, belt, etc.)

[RS America]

Googled EZ Electric Power Steering and found this. Real Interesting.

Installation of EZ Electric Power Steering

[Vandit]

I don't think that setup is gonna work on a 964. The only place you'd be able to mount anything like that might be under the dash, and you can go look down there, it isn't spacious at all.

[Vandit]

si Banker: Was this you at Cars & Coffee this month?

[Dan J]

I've installed power steering racks and 997 cup PS pumps on several RSA's
IMHO it's a great improvement and not terribly hard to do.
Due to the electric pump having lower pressure I think the steering feel is better then a standard 964. I like to use the 993 rack

[Vandit]

If you decide to go stock, I have all of the engine mounted components (pump, bracket, pulley, belt, etc.)

I believe you'd also need to open up the motor to swap out the camshaft since the RSA cam doesn't have the PS pump drive gear on the end.

[Vandit]

si Banker: you have PM

[RS America]

Got this email back from them. Sent a email to the shop in the Netherlands, think that would be the shop I'd go too.

Hi Don,

Thank you for your e mail, it sounds like you get around in your Porsche, where are you based? I only ask because our main workshop/ factory is in leerdam Holland. And they have converted a number of LHD 911's

The price varies between 1300-1400€ ex vat & fitting depending if it's a car with A/C

Or I am able to do the installation here in UK (Devon) for £2,350 fitted inc Vat

Kind regards

Mike Waters

EZ power steering UK

07967 439596

[panzerfaust]

si banker

if you do convert over to the power steering i would love to purchase the manual rack from you. or does anyone else out there have one for sale?

regards

pf