Ok, I am sure that this will start all sorts of comments. But am seriously wanting to get some power steering on the 348 (age is catching up with me). Has anyone done this, or does anyone know how this can be accomplished with minimum pain? (and dont tell me to buy a 355...) Cheers guys.
I suppose it's not impossible, since the Mondial T has power steering. If you can get hold of the parts manual for the 348 and for the Mondial T, you could compare the two to see how many of the parts are different. To start, you would need a fluid tank, hoses, a pump, brackets, and a steering rack. Not an easy job.
Yup, that is the exact reason why I feel it should be possible, if I source second hand Mondial T parts I should be able to find some room in the 348 to make it happen? Anyone actually ever done it? Would love some pre advice before I think about getting serious on this project.
For this question I would page either Dr_Ferrari or Rifledriver, our Ferrari experts (especially with the 80s cars). Knowing these cars inside and out, they would be able to tell you exactly how big of a hole you would be digging for yourself
You'll be putting more money into the 348, while reducing it's resale value dramatically. Sell the 348 & buy a 355.
He asked that it not be recommended that he buy a 355. Obviously, this gentleman wants to customize his car -- a car he likes and a car that does not belong to the community -- regardless of cost.
There is another power option in addition to the Mondial T and 355's hydraulic power steering: electric power steering. The NSX uses electric power steering (or some Honda/Acura uses it, anyway). If you go that route, you'll be able to avoid mucking in the engine bay with a new pulley arrangement, new belt, new hydraulic lines, new hydraulic reservoir, etc. ...and either route that you go, you'll still be changing out the steering linkage in front. So the electric power steering route will cut out half of your labor and more than half of your parts. You'll just have an NSX steering component up front.
On another note, before going the power steering route, I'd suggest installing very lightweight wheels and light tires up front for a test. Ditto for lightweight brake rotors. Might as well remove the carpet and all possible contents from the front trunk, too. The 348 Competizione's kevlar/CF front bumper would save some weight, too. A good weight reduction program for your front area will make your steering require less effort. For instance, you can have your battery moved from front to rear.
Thanks for that. Have also been considering that option and it would probably be more viable. Not too sure how much work would still be involved and the issue of power drainage is something that I am still not sure about.
Economically it may indeed make more sense but there are very few good 355s left in Singapore and cost wise I am just not up to buying an unknown car and starting over, where I know the 348 I have back to front and it is extremely reliable and already pretty much customised how I want it (with the exception of the power steering).
Actually, you need to buy a Honda. If you were here in person, I'd strip the "F" badges off your shirt!
Please don't ruin your 348 with power steering Do consider No Doubt's advice on lightening the car. It will improve the car, and give you lighter steering, as you desire. Lighter magnesium wheels alone will reduce steering effort, and improve the car. It will also be a reversible mod Start with that.
Try taking a bit of caster out of the front alignment. I have done this for others and it suited their needs. You wont get the snap back of the steering wheel on exiting a corner. A compromise my customers were happy with. Dave
Harold, Actually, I think the steering will be a lot lighter with the stock 17"s which I'll provide you for an even swap with those multispokes you've got on your 348 now Just drive over the border and I'll meet you at the immigration checkpoint (I can't drive my 348 into S'pore, remember?). You can thank me later for saving you the cost of the aftermarket power steering...
getting older? might just make the leap to the Mondial T valeo and give it up. just kidding. don't believe the T's steering would work correctly without a LOT of mods in fuses, mounting etc. front ends are much diff. However, didn't some 348's come with PS towards their run's end?
In all seriousness, reducing unsprung weight should reduce steering resistance. You might try lighter wheels and tires formulated with less rolling resistance. I switched from Bridgestoen to Pirelli tires and it was a remarkable positive difference. I personally do not like too light of a feel and I think my car is dialed in with 355 wheels and the Pirellis. You do want to be careful about how much weight you remove from the front axles, however, or you could unbalance the car. Narrower stance, less negative camber and caster all move to this end, but you might end up with a badly handling exotic death trap.
Actually have the Challenge Magnesiums (race version) and they are not that light by todays standards. Might have to look at some new technology lightweight rims from the Japanese. May just be better to hit the gym more often... hang on... driving the 348 is like a work out in itself...
