EZ power steering

[andrewh]

Some years ago there was a thread about power steering and its disadvantages versus plus points. I am considering this for my car as a recent drive with my 205 Avons confirmed that I am getting older! I dont really want to have the discussion here about the merits of 205 vs 185 tyres as I have read all about that and have 185 tyres on my 3.8. I chose the wider tyres on the 4.2 and won't be changing from that. IN fairness I have not tried running the 205 at much higher pressures, but to some extent whilst that will mitigate the effect on the steering it will create greater wear and less compliance . So you can see why I am considering EZ power steering.
I am therefore asking for opinions from those that have experienced the steering and have been living with it for a while. I know David ( Heuer) and Angus both commented some years ago, but perhaps they have changed their views.
I must say, knowing how tight everything is under the dash panel, I am not looking forward to fitting this but if its worth it I will do so[/URL]

[1954Etype]

Transforms the car Andrew. Not only the slow speed maneuverability, but comes into its own at speed where the wheel just feels solid. We hide the ECU inside the bulkhead so only the motor is on show. I'd definitely go for it - we also fit solid rack mounts.

[bitsobrits]

I run 205/70's and have had EZ steering in place for many years now, and find it extremely helpful at low speeds and especially reversing/parking. I do have an early load sensitive version that can give more help than desired at times, so I've used a switch to turn off the assist when not desired. I believe the current units may be speed and load sensitive.

[andrewh]

Thank you Angus, thats the sort of feedback I wanted. Solid mounts interesting. I guess easy enough to try it with the existing ones to start with. I guess you are finding a bit more feel with the solid mounts after the EZ fitment. Not sure where the ECU is meant to fit in the standard set up? In the engine bay or visible underneath the knee area? Its all pretty tight under there, it looks like both original brackets come off, the large bracket and then the aluminium bracket. I must say I put the air in my 185s up to 34 on 6 inch rims and it felt powered in its own right. Then I manoeuvred the 4.2 around on 205s and it was hard to say the least.

edit, I meant to ask if you go for the little knob adjuster or the speed sensor?

[mtnjag]

Any pictures of an installed unit available?
Interior and eng bay?

[andrewh]

Thank you Steve. I missed your comment when I replied to Angus. Did you fit it yourself Steve ?

[bitsobrits]

Any pictures of an installed unit available?

There is nothing to see in the engine compartment, as everything is under the dash (essentially the upper section of the steering column is replaced). I can work on getting photos of the under dash, but it tucks up pretty well, so not much is visible.

I did install it myself. Was the better part of a Saturday, only because I repainted a few bits along the way.

[politeperson]

I have fitted it a few times. It is easy to do, even the horn works. And the steering still slides in and out.

Its an essential upgrade for the modern E type driver. We are not as tough as our grandfathers any more.

It is important to take the main supply directly from the battery, not the fuse box, like it says in the instructions.
Otherwise it wont work!

The other thing is that you reuse your old upper inner column shaft. It slides into the new column provided.
Or it will do if you spend some time rubbing it with emery cloth so it slides nicely in and out. I was pretty dubious about this the first time.
If you dont do that, it will get stuck as you assemble it and you will have fun getting it out again.
That is in the instructions too.

[andrewh]

Thank you chaps. Sounds easy to be fair. I wonder why one cannot take a feed from the fuse box ? There are several terminals with full battery amps that could be used.

[caveman]

Julian Barratt mentions EZ briefly in this months Barratts Banter article within the EType Club Magazine. Seems he still runs it on 50EE, his S1 roadster, and quotes it as a 'game changer' in terms of usability.

[andrewh]

Thank you thats good to know. I am sure it is for a certain combination of wheel, tyre age of owner etc etc.

[Gfhug]

A game changer? I have no problem with people fitting power steering but I can’t say I’ve ever felt the need for it in my circa 20,000 miles in our S2. (OK significantly less than Angus, David, et al have done, but enough to appreciate the character).Like all cars of the period you have to drive in the period style, don’t expect to turn the steering wheel to full lock while the car is stationary. Yes, it is heavyish at low speeds, but not such that I can’t easily enough steer, reverse or park. At speeds above 20mph it is light and responsive and I spend far more time above 20mph than parking or reversing.

Everyone to their own and I’ve respect for those that like it. Modern cars with their well designed power steering and other aids can be just as pleasant to drive, just different.

Geoff

[caveman]

[andrewh]

What wheels and tyres are you running Geoff. Nobody is suggesting that an Etype has heavy steering on a standard set up least of all me

[Gfhug]

Andrew, when we got the car it had 205/70s on standard wheels which were heavy, but not knowing any better I still got on with it. 185s are much better and I can appreciate and understand why you are going this way with your car and the 205s.
My comment was as much about the “game changing” claim, which sounds more like marketing words.

I’m sure you’ll get on well with the ez system, knowing how well Angus likes it, and I’ll enjoy hearing how you like it when fitted. It makes the E closer to modern cars and if that encourages younger drivers to buy one, then all to the better.

Good luck with it.

Geoff

[andrewh]

Thanks Geoff. I have had both 185 ( on my 3.8) and I changed back to those after 205s. However the look is great with the 205 imho. That said I like the Etypes whatever boots they are wearing. In a previous life I owned a DB5 with 205 it was almost un drivable in garage manoeuvring scenarios. I really think a 185 is getting to the limit of what’s easily manageable without pas but not something I would have thought 10 years ago !