Um, power steering?

Thesee guys have been going a while http://www.ezpowersteering.nl/type/161/49/Ferrari_308_GTS.html

 

I installed the EZ power steering when I changed the rack for a fast ratio, and put on a smaller steering wheel. It's reversible, but you need to cut a hole through the firewall above the middle section of the column to fit the motor. I installed it myself, to ensure a neat job. Absolutely invisible, and works like a charm. Assistance tapers to zero at about 35kph. The fast rack transforms the car.

 

But you will lose the Fangio shoulders sore feeling when arriving home after another victorius journey on the road

 

Totally agree with the concept! This looks interesting: https://www.cityracerllc.com/products/electric-power-steering-for-ferrari-308-328 But I have absolutely no knowledge of the company or the product. However, their ad copy says no mods necessary while the instructions call for a square hole to be cut. In my mind, THAT is a modification...

 

If you think you need power steering in a 308 / 328 , you out to sell your car ...Thats like asking if there is an automatic gearbox that you can install,,,The world has really gone insane,

 

I don't NEED power steering, or a fast rack, or a smaller steering wheel, or HID headlights, or LED tail lights, or remote central locking, or adjustable, stiffer suspension, or a space-saver spare, or Schedoni luggage, or 17" Compomotive wheels, or better air conditioning, or a custom exhaust... in fact, I don't need a Ferrari at all. But I've got one (more than one), and I'll do what I damn well want with it. I also don't need to correct your spelling, but I will - the word is "ought"

 

Thank you for the spell, I knew that,,,lol

 

yes the world has gone insane... every F1 car on the grid has power steering for a long long while
now. they started putting them in around 94

 

Two different applications all together IF you have trouble steering your 328 / 328 you OUGHT to sell your car Im playing devils advocate so its not personal , maybe your to weak or to old OR YOU DONT KNOW HOW TO DRIVE THESE CARS lol The entire experience of these cars are the NON POWER STEERING rack and pinion, It links you right to all of the wheels FOR MAXIMUM FEEDBACK, not only from the steering,but from the suspension. In modern day F1 cars, the drivers are pulling maximum Gs for 1.5 hours in a much larger chassis so a little help from whatever power assisted steering they are using helps but I assure you, whatever system they use it does not take away from the feedback these drivers are feeling for. This would negate the entire drivers experience in a 348 ,328 ,512, 308, F40 . Im not sure about the Testa Rossa or F50 . The 328 / 308 have EXCELLENT MECHANICAL GRIP and such resistance on the steering wheel is perfect . I had the chance to drive a 355, I believe this has a power assist unit Ferrari got it right because it felt really good all around and I could tell you that this car has excellent mechanical grip and excellent feedback, but the 355 is also a very different machine. Im not sure what schedoni luggage has to do with this lol except that its a complete waste of money. lol But like he said whichever makes you happy. Maybe someone will come up with an auto gearbox so u dont have to shift anymore, wouldnt that be nice !!

Thank you

 

The standard steering isn't that great on these things - the design of the chassis and suspension is 40+ years old. As most of us know, they're no match for any modern car. BTW, my 50+ year old Lotus Elan has better suspension and steering. I used to have a series 1 Lotus Elise (now 23 years old). After driving that, the Ferrari felt like a truck. The power steering has given a new life to the QV, enabling me to instal the fast rack and wind up the castor, which really makes the car feel a lot more lively and responsive. It doesn't negate any "drivers (sic) experience" - I know, because I've driven both.

 

Interesting comments. While I would like some help turning the wheels when the car is sitting still, I hadn't thought of the other benefits.

It seems though that it is question about what of the car's eccentricities are unfavorable. Its partially some sort of Stockholm Syndrome effect but I've gotten quite accustomed to the slow steering rack and no longer mind it at all. Likewise the castor, which presumably causes all of the kick-back to the steering wheel, now seems more like part of the car's character than a defect.

I understand your preference for power steering. It is just personal preference.

 

I've had many cars without PS, including a 911 and a Camaro ('73 with a stick and 350). The trick is to keep the car moving. As long as there is some roll, PS isn't necessary. Trying to crank the wheel when stopped is a pain though. I find myself only moving the wheel while rolling even in cars with PS. Less wear and tear on the equipment.

 

You bring back memories of my wife, who is 5'0", driving my 1957 Ford. The steering wheel was so big, she looked through the space between the dashboard and the steering wheel. She muscled that front engine, non-PS, 3-speed manual just fine though (… although she may say differently).

 

Ferrari designed the 308 / 328 with Laudas input, which makes the car an even greater driving machine right from the factory . The only change I would make, and I did, is to use 17 inch wheels from a newer F Car, which makes the resistance and feedback through the wheels even greater. Any " buffer" thats between the factory steering rack and the steering wheel is going to diminish the feel that Ferrari has built into the design of these machines, no matter what any body else says about PS. I know because I have driven my 328 for 20 years and 128 km / 80 k miles . My friends 08 Twin Turbo is a great car, I believe with EPS , I have driven this car and my 328 has greater feedback through the steering wheel. Im sure a Porsche GT3 would be one of the ultimate cars to drive these days from what I have read . Good subject and as usual another great F Chat thread.

Thank you

 

"EZ' is easy to deal with, the kits are easy to install. I have them in my Ghibli and Daytona. They transform the cars. Talk to them, they were prompt and easy.

 

I found that when the 328 became my daily driver in Maryland from '08-17, my interest in power steering went from none to "why the H#LL doesn't this dang car have power steering?" Parallel parking in Annapolis and just generally operating regularly in the Home Depot and Safeway parking lots changed my view!

FWIW, people look at you funny when you drive as 328 out of the Home Depot parking lot with 2x4s sticking out of the window!

 

Saw a guy picking up building material items in his Lamborghini Countach (real deal) at the Kalispell Montana Lowe’s. Big thumbs up and lots of smiles.
Bet you made some people’s day.

 

I'm getting it installed at the next service, but I'm not getting the speed sensitive version. I'm getting the effort sensitive version.

 

que?

 

If there's something you feel you would get a benefit from, its your car and do what you want. It's not like this ruins the entire integrity of the vehicle. It is really for the low speed city and parking lot moments when something will help. If you care about winning a concourse, don't do it. If you like your driver, go for it! I also guess with the fast rack it is really needed. I am eventually going this route.

 

I have the fast rack and power steering is not really needed, but I'm going to do it anyway.

I actually have less of a problem at low speed and more of a problem when it loads up during high speed cornering,which is why I don't want the speed sensitive version.

 

Like you've ever done high speed cornering...