I have a 61 Plymouth Valiant. Thinking on installing electrical power steering.

Anyone done this conversion? What, if any, benefits & the preferred approach.

Thanks, Peter.

Peter; From my viewpoint as a retired industrial maintenance electrician that also kept CNC machinery running, I wouldn't trust electrical steering for a motor vehicle. I've seen far too many sensors and processors start doing freaky stuff as they fail, or do nothing at all as they fail. When it comes to directing 3000-5000 lbs of a moving mass in traffic, both pedestrian and motor, I would like something that has a proven track record.

I'll concede that even manual and/or hydraulic-over-manual steering can also break, but at least they are very unlikely to cause one a complete and catastrophic loss of control.

Perhaps Dan can shed a little more insider knowledge than I am privvy to, but I'll leave you with this...........If man can build it, it WILL break, and most likely when you're trying to use it.

Roger

I am not VERY familiar with electric power steering but, from what I understand, if it fails it is just like manual steering. Just the power assist goes away. This is no different than the hydraulic power steering we are all used to. There are quite a few car models with electric PS, and it is not really new, anymore. I would consider it a viable option.

_________________
Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

My question is why? What benefits does electric steering assist offer that make the effort and cost worth the conversion?

I can think of an obvious situation. Early "A" body with headers. There is no header that will fit a slant with power steering. The steering box interferes with the header collector.
Also if you want to run a low mount driver side alternator on a slant. The alt mounts in the same location as the PS pump.
How about if you want to run multiple carbs, and AC and PS. Multiple carbs will require the AC compressor mount about where the PS pump would be.
Granted not easy, or cheap, but could solve some problems.

_________________
Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

Thanks for your comments. I only have steering difficulty in tight parking spots (I am old ).

In that case I wouldn't go through the expense and trouble. Just head for the gym.

_________________
Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

Check this out:
viewtopic.php?t=66961&hilit=electric#p513176

_________________
1975 Dodge D100 225 c.i., HEI, Parallel Offenhauser, Motorcraft 2150, 904 auto, 9.25" 3.55:1

PM ProCycle

_________________
I don't do texting

Honest question:

I reviewed the EPAS thread, manual, and video.

It looks like it's a completely manageable project, but significantly harder, and more expensive, than just installing power steering from a junkyard (which I did years ago on a '67 Valiant), and harder, though no more expensive, than installing a "fancy" Borgeson power steering system, for those looking for tighter steering.

I can see the space-saving benefit when you've got a big block V8 in the car, and there's just no space down there, but what's the benefit on a \6?

Or is it just for fun, which, since these are now toys, is a perfectly fine reason.

– Eric