Call me crazy, but I guess sometimes it’s nice to embrace modern convenience and perhaps even more practical technology than the aging technology of yesteryear.
I guess what I’m saying is, a guy put an idea into my head that actually makes sense and sounds pretty cool if done properly. Someone who stopped by where my 68 is said “I’d ditch that power steering setup and go with the electric steering from a Prius.” I thought he was BS’ing me, but come to find out this is actually a pretty popular swap among guys restoring their own classics?
In order to make the swap work, you definitely need some fab skill - but it seems to be worth it. Now me, personally I’m too far into this to go a different direction. Had I heard of this swap earlier I may have pursued it and actually tried to make it happen for the car! Though it may not be too late, as it’s still possible.
The benefit of this setup is eliminating the HP that tradition PS pumps use up on our engines. Though any gain is minimal, it’s still nice to also eliminate the possibility of a failing PS pump also… No more leaks! Plus, there are millions of these cars out there. Looking more into it, there’s even a great article on motor trend highlighting the install of this very swap onto a classic car.
You’d basically need the column, power steering motor, and ECU from a donor Prius. I forgot to add that this comes from a 2nd gen (04-09) car. Usually the whole setup can be had for about $250. Not too shabby if you ask me.
The only thing stopping me from actually doing this (since my car is DEFINITELY not all original) is the fact that I’d need a manual steering box. I guess there’s a way to bypass your normal PS box but I don’t like the idea of it at all. Unless by some chance I’m able to score a correct C Body manual steering unit, I’m sticking to the original setup designed by Ma Mopar. But that still doesn’t mean some other Mopar I’ll get my filthy mitts on won’t fall victim to this swap…
https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/150-electric-power-steering-junkyard-prius-delivers/
In my head too, it’s also just a cleaner look for your engine, no big ugly power steering pump in the way! Obviously, if I was doing some kind of points restoration - it would not be considered. However, I want my 68 to just be a fun family car and cruiser - something even my wife can feel comfortable driving. It’s why I’ve went ahead and upgraded to the 72 Disc Brakes and am basically doing any other safety upgrade I can. Sure, the long wait sucks and I’m dying to drive this thing but I guess it will also be so worth it to have a nice functional and practical car even!
I guess what I’m saying is, a guy put an idea into my head that actually makes sense and sounds pretty cool if done properly. Someone who stopped by where my 68 is said “I’d ditch that power steering setup and go with the electric steering from a Prius.” I thought he was BS’ing me, but come to find out this is actually a pretty popular swap among guys restoring their own classics?
In order to make the swap work, you definitely need some fab skill - but it seems to be worth it. Now me, personally I’m too far into this to go a different direction. Had I heard of this swap earlier I may have pursued it and actually tried to make it happen for the car! Though it may not be too late, as it’s still possible.
The benefit of this setup is eliminating the HP that tradition PS pumps use up on our engines. Though any gain is minimal, it’s still nice to also eliminate the possibility of a failing PS pump also… No more leaks! Plus, there are millions of these cars out there. Looking more into it, there’s even a great article on motor trend highlighting the install of this very swap onto a classic car.
You’d basically need the column, power steering motor, and ECU from a donor Prius. I forgot to add that this comes from a 2nd gen (04-09) car. Usually the whole setup can be had for about $250. Not too shabby if you ask me.
The only thing stopping me from actually doing this (since my car is DEFINITELY not all original) is the fact that I’d need a manual steering box. I guess there’s a way to bypass your normal PS box but I don’t like the idea of it at all. Unless by some chance I’m able to score a correct C Body manual steering unit, I’m sticking to the original setup designed by Ma Mopar. But that still doesn’t mean some other Mopar I’ll get my filthy mitts on won’t fall victim to this swap…
https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/150-electric-power-steering-junkyard-prius-delivers/
In my head too, it’s also just a cleaner look for your engine, no big ugly power steering pump in the way! Obviously, if I was doing some kind of points restoration - it would not be considered. However, I want my 68 to just be a fun family car and cruiser - something even my wife can feel comfortable driving. It’s why I’ve went ahead and upgraded to the 72 Disc Brakes and am basically doing any other safety upgrade I can. Sure, the long wait sucks and I’m dying to drive this thing but I guess it will also be so worth it to have a nice functional and practical car even!
