The system is now operational and works as advertised. My friend and partner Ray did the install and offers the following comments:
One (general) - There was no wiring diagram, just the direction, "Connect all plugs belonging to both the computer and steering column."
Two - The car has air conditioning. The evaporator takes up the space under the glove box, so the ECU will not fit in the directed location. I mounted the ECU on the cabin-facing side of the air distribution box for the car's heater, over the transmission tunnel, with the wiring facing up. That was possible on this car because there was sufficient space between the heater box and the back of the A/C evaporator case. Only two mounting screws were used to not interfere with the operation of the heater internal distribution flap.
Three - It was difficult getting the new steering column to move sufficiently to the right to engage the two retaining bolts from the dashboard. Interference came from the power steering column-mounted motor attachment contacting the left side of the heater distribution box. I needed to move the column assembly about 10mm to the right to engage the left support bolt (front-to-rear slot, the right bolt is slotted side-to-side and was not a problem.) Applying a little side force on the column allowed the heater box (plastic) to distort just enough, and, combined with modifying the bolt (using a grinder, tapering the mounting bolt to a cone on the engagement end), to allow threading into the (welded) receiver nut. Note that the left support nut is completely accessible (the right nut is not) while doing this, so, it might be best to leave this nut loose and slightly enlarge the slot.
Four - With the adapter, the speedometer cable barely clears the windshield wiper linkage. We have pointed this out to EZ Power Steering and suggested that the tube be shortened.
Cars without power steering had a steering ratio of 22.8:1 (4.1 steering wheel revolutions from left to right) the cars with the factory power steering had a ratio of 17.2:1 (3.2 steering wheel revolutions from left to right). So while the system allows the car to be easily maneuvered at low speeds, at higher speeds the steering seems a bit ponderous with the combination of the power assist and manual steering. If you desire a sportier feel, you might consider using a sealed-up power steering box. We also pointed this out to EZ, suggesting that they offer this as an option. C&M Hydraulics confirmed that the worm from power steering box will not work in the manual box.
EZ further commented:
"Please note that if you decide to use a hydraulic steering box (without the pump) that we recommend connecting the in- and outgoing hydraulic lines with each other so the oil can still move freely from one side of the steering box to the other.
Please note that the Powersteering box has a torsion rod to determine how much assistance (and to which side) the assistance must be given. When the pump is not connected this torsion rod will give a minimum amount of play, some sporty drivers have it welded so there is no play whatsoever."
That's it. We'll continue to follow the car and report.
CT
