EZ STEERING GTJOEY ITS A NEW WORLD!

[gtjoey]

Im too tired to post pictures but.......
Most know Ive driven ETYPE 's for over 30 years on a continual basis.
I appreciate original owners and the quest for the perfect 100 point car. God Bless Them!
But, Im enjoying my 67 coupe and had a wonderful discussion with Julian Barret.
Im averaging 1,000 miles per month! since my rebuild over the winter.
I cherish all modern upgrades as long as it doesnt BUTCHER the car such as Crager wheels and flared fenders, IMHO
Now to the topic above.
I run 205 michelins with triple lace 6 inch tubeless mws wheels along with vented Zeus front calipers.
I just installed the EZ KIT.
The word to mind........SPEECHLESS.
Its not 1974 station wagon power steering, its an assist for just the right amount.
Ive put 300 miles on the unit in 2 days.
Its expensive to the average Jaguar owner BUT , well worth it.
It totally changes the car for the better.
Im not getting paid or favors for the unit, just a big enthusiast.
Mine is the most current, no dials, just a complete unit.
Any questions, email away!
I LOVE IT!
GTJOEY1314

[politeperson]

Glad to hear it Joey, I have just fitted one to an S1 FHC. Hope to be able to test the rest of the car when it is together next month.

[paulsco]

I’ve been following this on JL Joey and finding it very interesting.

I must be getting weak in my old age as I am finding the steering quite heavy, even with 185 tyres.

I am thinking about making my own system though, possibly MGF or Corsa B or C.
I can’t justify the expense of the EZ system.

Paul

[gtjoey]

James /Paul I’m always happy to hear your thoughts
If this kit was 1,500 dollars U.S.
90 percent of E Types would have one fitted!
With that said I don’t know HOW they made such a quality product for only 3 plus grand!!!
Safety and test time play a big role.
I understand the cost factor but building your own to me is just not worth it
It’s not a 1974 dodge power unit, this is being controlled be the speedo and the info to the box.
I tried everything!
Hard stops,going into ruts trying to fake it out and find a fault
I just wish I had this 20 years ago!!
Pulling into the driveway or gas station what apleasure and sweeping into turns at 50 to 80 the car is a rock
The middle unit is the buffer to the front end
It’s wonderful
Imho
Gtjoey1314

[gtjoey]

Update, I have now done 1,500 miles in a month or so since my first post.
The transition to the HIGHWAY is incredible.
The center section blocks out the kick back from the rack and wheels and creates a very solid feel unlike the original column set up.
Anything up to 80 mph , the wheel and car feel VERY solid and stable. After that its a 55 year old car.
But the drifting or pull because of ruts or seems in the road are gone.
Theres an article somewhere on how the inner works go but its past my pay grade.
Again if this kit was sold for 2,300 dollars Id bet to say 90 percent of all Etypes would have it!
Great, great upgrade.
gtjoey1314

[Robbiee]

Great to hear you’re so happy with the upgrade but I’m not sure why you’d need it??
My etype steering is finger light at any thing over walking pace. Agreed it’s heavy when parking but I don’t spend much time doing that
Am I missing something??

[gtjoey]

Robbie, Yes you are........The unit is like any modern unit in todays car.
Unless you have driven it, you cannot really explain it.
I do ALOT of driving in my Etype.
The vibration, the 2 cheap nylon bushings and NO BEARING in the column all take a toll on you after long stints.
This takes all that away, it truly transforms the steering.
I have 205 Michelin xwx tires along with 6 inch mws wheels.
The car is transformed, my arms are not tight and you do not muscle turns any longer.
I love it, to each his own, but again if this kit were 1,500 dollars, 90 percent of ALL Etype ownerswould switch.
IMHO
GTJOEY1314

[Gfhug]

Put 185 tyres on to 5 inch wheels and you’ll have no problem at all.
You created the problem by putting on fat tyres and wheels. imho!

Geoff

[Heuer]

Yes, which is why Jaguar fitted the S3 with power steering as standard. It had 6" wheels and 205 tyres.

When my car was fitted with 6" wheels and 225 tyres it was a pig to manouvere at low speeds and pretty dire to drive. I fitted 5" wheels and 185 tyres and it was a revelation - superb handling, sublime ride comfort, finger light steering and the extra ride height helped with speed bumps. A new set of wires and tyres is about half the cost of the EZ steering kit and you will end up with a nicer car. Obviously for those with disabilities or age related weakness the EZ kit will allow continued use of their car.

[Robbiee]

Quite

[gtjoey]

Well
As I said before to each his own
I’m driving Etypes 35 years.
I’m averaging 1,000 miles a month on the 1967 coupe.
I’ve had many 185 tires but the roads are now third world and the average suv will pass you by at 90 mph
The stability and lack of kick back transforms the ride
It’s not to loose not to stiff.
205 tires are a great improvement on the highways
Dare I ask how many miles you drive on the 185s?
Most Etype owners today live in the past say 30 or 40 years since the last drive.
Yes vented discs, 123 ignition a 1 wire alternator and a solid 10,000 miles a year make for a wonderful , safe and worry free ride!
Thoughts?
Gtjoey

[Robbiee]

It’s great to see you use and enjoy your etype so much ..that’s why we have them !!
I only manage 3000/ year ..work is only 10 miles each way
But I’ve had some great trips this year to some beautiful parts of the U.K.
I’ll stick with my light steering and 185s though

[Heuer]

50,000 miles over 18 years, dropped dramatically over the last couple of years for obvious reasons.

[1954Etype]

Just back from a Continental trip and covered over 800miles in 4 days. No power steering. This week the EZ kit we ordered prior to going was waiting for us. Going to fit it over the next few days to evaluate.

As previously stated, no issues with non power steering with 185s fitted just getting heavier at low speed. Having driven a car recently with it installed, I have to say it was a really enjoyable experience. Will put some miles on it and report back.

[gtjoey]

See…… if we put aside Watching Fox News , CNN, BBC and all the rest .
We can have a civilized conversation
Now, I love it and think it’s great!
Others like the original set up!
Imho when you drive it
It changes the characteristics to a modern car without losing its charm.
Imho
In the welfare state of New York the roads are beyond third world
It’s a disgrace
Imho with my last set of 185 I was THROWN around the ruts in the road , it was terrible.
So let’s see what our other friends say that are on this thread.
It cost a bit but to ME well worth it
Ps I have the Welsh 1inch smaller wheel as well
Love
Gtjoey1314

[Series1 Stu]

Hey Joey, we're feeling the love.

I follow Harry Metcalfe's YouTube channel, Harry's Garage. He has had EZ steer fitted to a couple of his cars and he sings their praises. However, after he had his Espada restored, during which time the steering was overhauled, he found the EZ was over-assisting. He did say though that it can be turned down a little. Not sure whether it has been done yet.

I think I'll get a set of 185's fitted to my spare set of wheels and do some comparisons when the car hits the road. Actually, I have a set of 185's on my Daimler.....

Regards

[gtjoey]

Stuart that unit is now optional
Most come with the speed sensor on the back of the speedo
That’s the unit I got as they calibrated the power as per the speed
I’m running the 205s
Most thinks it’s power steering
It’s really an assist but the best feature that makes it is the new main shaft and all the workings
It’s a 2021 steering box in a 67 Etype
I like it a lot
Gtjoey
Love you back

[JulianBarratt]

Hi All,
A bit of my own feedback on this subject that may be of interest.
I have always been of the view that power steering is surplus to requirements on an E-type and i have covered 1000s of miles in our development car - the series 1 4.2 roadster that many of you may know as 50EE.
At SNG Barratt we started stocking the EZ power steering kits simply to satisfy customer demand and, once we had listed them, our sales teams started to have questions around how the steering feels with the EZ fitted - specifically around whether or not the driving experience is negatively impacted once you are out on the road.
So, my guys asked me if they could fit an EZ system to 50EE and I (somewhat reluctantly) agreed.
However, I have to say i am converted and having driven a good number of miles with the EZ system fitted. The handling on the road is no different to how it always has been but the ease of manoeuvring the car in situations such as parking or moving into and out of a garage is such a huge improvement that I soon overcame all my previous concerns.
I really dont want this to come over as a sales pitch as its not as there is nothing wrong with the steering beforehand the EZ is fitted - its just my experience coming from a standpoint of initial scepticism and reluctance to one where i am a huge fan. In my view, anything that makes it any easier or more appealing for owners to get out and drive their E-types gets a thumbs up from me!

If you are in the same position as me but are curious and fancy a drive around the block in our car with the system fitted, i am sure this is something i could arrange so do drop me a message and lets see what we can do (the car is UK based im afraid!)...

[Heuer]

Angus is fitting an EZ to his FHC next week and intends to write up a review for us. Joey is very enamoured with his system and drives his car a lot but as he is wearing 205's on 6" wheels his experience maybe does not directly apply to those of us with narrow wheels and tyres. Not sure what 50EE is shod with (Julian?) but Angus is on the skinny's so it will be interesting to hear his thoughts. Only time I feel the need for PAS is doing a three point turn on a narrow road but there is an appeal in not having kick back into the steering wheel over ruts which can make long distance touring tiring.

One thought - will the CMC or other removable steering wheel fit?

Look forward to hearing the experiences.

[Philk]

Only time I feel the need for PAS is doing a three point turn on a narrow road but there is an appeal in not having kick back into the steering wheel over ruts which can make long distance touring tiring.

Look forward to hearing the experiences.

Same here..... look forward to hearing how Angus gets on. Like David, it's only when turning the car at very low speed that I miss assisted steering. I'm perfectly happy with how mine drives at all other times.