EZ power steering

[Tony]

Thinking of fitting the EZ power steering to my 62 Series 1 Roadster. I am fed up trying to get out of tight spots and the effort required, plus I am getting lazy and want to make the driving more pleasant in my old age. As I understand it, it only works at low parking speeds so should not affect the feel of the car. I do run wider wheels and tyres so my steering is very heavy when manuvering. etc.

1. Has anyone fitted one and would you recommend it.
2. Is it a reversible process.
3. Does it devalue the car.

I cannot think of anything else to ask for, for that period that cannot (or should not) be mention before 2 weeks before it happens.

Incidentally beware of a new scam going around. You order up a new handbag and silk scarf for you wife and and a set of tyres turn up. It's disgusting how low these scammers will go.

[288gto]

Incidentally beware of a new scam going around. You order up a new handbag and silk scarf for you wife and and a set of tyres turn up. It's disgusting how low these scammers will go.

I don't think it's a scam Tony just a mix up with the deliveries. I wanted tyres but a handbag and scarf
arrived.

As regards your question, I have electric power steering and it has transformed the car at very low speed.
Are you going for the speed sensitive version as in my mind that's the best option? I tried Uryk's at E type Fabs one but at the time that was not speed sensitive and just gave a set amount of assistance throughout the speed range. You really only need assistance under 10mph. It also allowed me to go down to a 15" steering wheel, with dare I mention it on here, 205 tyres.
It's a shame we've got all this Covid nonsense going on otherwise you could pop over and have a look.

Simon

[chrisfell]

As you asked for opinions.....
It does make low speed manoeuvering much easier. I tried a friend's E with Lite Steer, another alternative.

So strictly answering your questions.
1 No but see above.
2 Everything is reversible. However the steering column top section may need to be modified to permit the power assist to do its job, is which case a spare might be needed.
3 Only if your car is a precious trailer queen, which if you are driving it suggests not.

The Lite Steer alternative is £2k plus VAT fitted.

[MarekH]

If you go to a scrapyard and pick up a complete MGF setup, then it needs very little doing to make it work in an etype. There may be something in the etype club magazine iirc from ~2010-2012 about this conversion.
kind regards
Marek

[Gfhug]

Tony, have you tried out 185 tyres, even if on fatter wheels? Could be a cheaper option? Maybe there’s someone local to you whose set you could borrow?
Fitting 185s instead of the 205s it came with made my FHC so much nicer to drive and not uncomfortably heavy at low speeds. As you’ll see there are suggestions elsewhere to fit 185s on fatter wheels to fill the arches without losing the nicer driving feel.

Just a thought

Geoff

[bitsobrits]

I have an early, load sensitive, but not speed sensitive version from EZ. Works great at low speeds with my 215 section tire on 6.5" rims. Not so good in medium and higher speed corners when it adds assist when I'm not looking for it. I later installed an on/off switch, so now I'm happy: Switch on for parking lot speeds, off for everything else.

No modifications to the steering column parts were required, as the kit came with all required parts for installation. So 100% reversible.

[Tony]

Thank you all for the comments and suggestion. I will check the other makes you have suggested and see if I can dig out my old E type magazines to look at the MGF option. SNG are doing the EZ system at the moment I believe.


PS . Simon, the tyres are on the way, I hope you have not been wearing the dress in the meantime.

Tony

[Tony]

Well, I have bitten the bullet and ordered up the EZ power steering kit from SNG. Hopefully will receive it on Friday and see how easy it is to install and how well it works.

It has been a busy winter so far starting with a respray and fixing some minor body issues, so it has been an expensive year. Other bits and pieces have also been happening.

1. The rev counter generator not working which ended up being the shaft which was spinning inside the rotor. I burred the shaft and forced it back in. Now seems OK so a cheap fix.

2. Next the indicators were not working which was a blown fuse and new flasher unit. Another cheap fix.

3. The wiper were not working so stripped, renewed the brushes and after a lot of help from the forum managed to get them working. Again a cheap fix if not frustrating.

4. Fixed all my oil leaks. (we shall see how long I can boast that one}.

5. Had a problem with a knocking noise from number 3 higher up the cylinder. So had my oil analysed which showed no signs of wear in the engine. The knocking seems to reduce once the engine is warmed up. So a bit inconclusive for now without stripping of the head and sump to check number 3 cylinder.

6. I have done a full service on the car, new filter, oil and greased all joints etc,

7. Done a lots of detailing in the engine bay and under the car and touch up any bit of chips
etc.

8. So now it's down to fitting the EZ power steering and what ever else I can find.

So 2020 has been a crap year in many ways but it could have been a lot worse as it has been for a lot of people. So who am I to complain. Look after yourselves and thanks to the forum for all your help and advise. It is to early to wish you a Happy xxxxxxx as this should not be mention until at least 2 weeks before the unmentionable occasion.

Stay safe everybody

Tony.

[WoodyMaj]

So how did you get on Tony?
Would you recommend the EZ power steering option?

[Tony]

Hi Woodymaj,

The fitting of the power steering was relatively straight forward and not that difficult to do. It has made a hell of a difference and makes the car far easier to drive and park at low speeds. The power assist cuts out at about 20mph so has no effect at higher speed driving .
If there is one small critercism it is that if you are going around a long slow bend at 20mph then you can feel the system cutting out or in depending if you are going above or below 20mph. It just takes a bit of getting use to . I would prefer it cut out at a lower speed of say 15mph. I have asked EZ if this is adjustable but I am waiting a reply.

But on the whole I am very satisfied and would not go back. It must help save the steering wheel a bit as the E Type wheel is quite a flexible wheel and one wonders if trying to manourver at low speed is putting a strain on it, especially with 205 tyres.

[Tony]

Hi again,

Please find attached the photos as promised. I have tried to indicate where my spring is attached. I do not know if this is the official position but it works.

The accelerator pedal is obvious as it has a hole in it at the position shown.

The other end is a bit more suspect, but there is an hole in the position show at what looks like a seam .

I have had a reply from EZ and they state that the transition should be smooth and progressive and not be noticed. They have suggested that it could be an electrical connection problem and I should check all the connection or that the voltage regulator is working correctly.
As I am running on a positive earth, regulator and Dynamo
It could be a case of the regulator cutting in and out.

I will check what they say and let you know.