TR Power Steering

Well I said I was going to get started this weekend, but I've spent the weekend in the attic fixing AC plumbing. Lots of fun and added bonus of weight loss. Anyway I did take some shots of the power steering unit and cables. This is for a 512 TR, but my 91 TR has all the same steering components as a 512 TR so I should be good to go.

Next weekend I will get started on the mod and will have step by step pictures of the install.

John
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Adam is correct. This is aftermarket unit from a company in the Netherlands called EZ Powersteering. The parts are all quality parts mostly from NSK. One of the problems is this is really not a kit. There are no instructions or anything like that, so I am the guinea pig here and will chronicle as best I can the install.

It has some very interesting features like the ability in having speed variable assist and it has a fail safe system that if the system fails for any reason there is a break away clutch on the motor that will allow it to function as non assisted.

John

 

Thanks Adam. I hope to get at least half as good as you at documenting this. I start off with the best intention but I start getting some headwind and soon forget to take pictures. I will be going slower this time.

As for the Diablo I'm not sure of the interface between the wheel and floorboard. I would say nothing is impossible, but what needs to be made is another thing.

John

 

Still in the process. I am having to make new mounts since the ones that work for a 512TR will not work on a TR.

John

 

Hey, I've taken pictures and I am re-designing the bracket. I will note what the differences are and what I went though to get to a successful conclusion.

John

 

Sorry for the long delay, but about 6-7 weeks ago I decided to semi-retire. I should have just sold the business since I have been busy every day. Anyway I can tell you that I was successful in being the first (that I know of for a Testarossa) to install power steering. I know that Melvok has his in the 512TR, but typical with Ferrari everything is different on a Testarossa.

I had to re-design and remake all the mounts. I had to cut and reweld the the telescoping universal joint. I had to make room everywhere. So today I had only a few wires left to hook up so I just temporarily hook them up and started the car. Sitting still with 18" wide front tires I could easily turn the smaller steering wheel with one hand.

Next I will finalize the wiring and beautify the harness. Then take it out and set the speed control. I should have a complete write up in a couple of weeks (business cooperating). On a Testarossa this is not a modification for the timid. You should have good mechanical skills and be prepared to remake all the mechanical mounts.

John

 

Adam,
It made a huge difference. The cool part is it has a rheostat that you can use to determine how much assist you want. Then you have push button that use once you get to the speed you want to stop the assist. Then when you drop 2 mph under that it starts the assist again. I believe on the 512TR it would be a much easier install since it was original designed for it.

In hind sight I would have taken more of the dash apart since this was really the hard part (being 6'1" & 230 lbs). There is little room under the dash.

John

 

Billy,
Thanks for invite, but I wouldn't do this again for any amount of money. But, I don't mind giving you guidance on it. I would comment that Ferrari changed the components in the steering system several times and you never know until you see what you got to see what needs to be made. Really the hardest part is having the room to move under the dash. I'm 6'1' and about 230 lbs. In hindsight I would have removed everything I could to make room (drivers seat, dash, and several other things). While it sounds like a lot of work (it is) it will save you a lot of aggravation and bruised ribs. Was it worth it? Absolutely. You can pm me if your really interested and I wouldn't mind guiding you through the mind field. Electrical hook up is really easy, it's the mechanical that is very trying, since it is so hard to reach everything you need to reach. I still plan on showing the install pics with what I did to assemble this.

John