A lot of e30ers have resorted to deleting their PS systems using something like this:
(old bad link deleted, so sorry guys)
here's one from another site:
http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=130389

Looks a lot cleaner than having an exposed loop most would do.

Has anyone experimented w/ something similar on the R50/53? This could be a simpler/cheaper route to solving all the PS related problems the 1st Gen has. Advantages are said to include weight shaving & better road/steering feel on e30s.

Feedback, anyone?

 

I'm not sure why you would delete it with an electric pump? No parasitic drag...

 

I've driven 1 with failed PS. Drivable, but far from ideal. Was just wondering if anything like this $35 delete kit could be a possible alternative to an expensive PS pump replacement w/o risking rack damage. Since our system is electro-hydraulic, not belt driven, having the same expectations as those in e30s would be a long shot.
Anyone w/ empirical info? Please chime in. Thanks.

 

i don't know, but every time i switch from my mini (main driver) to my BMW, the BMW steering feels very heavy and the BMW feels sllllllllllllow. love them both though.

 

I'd be for a delete option for when mine goes out. My favorite sports cars have always been manual steering.

I suppose when it finally does go fizz I'll look into it if noone else has put anything out there.

 

Be careful with the link. Was on the site when my security software caught a trojan.

Kevin

 

Dang, I think I may have gotten it there also!

 

Thanks for the warning, Kevin. Here's the same product from another site:
http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=130389

 

Why this may not be a good idea

-The BMW has less weight over the front wheels making the steering lighter
-the bmw may have a steering geometry that better lends itself to a manual rack (the whole front geometry on the mini is kinda sucky to begin with). Caster and scrub radius should be looked at and compared. I would not suggest doing the running this with wheels that have a low offset number.
-the bmw may have beefier steering columns with beefier bearings supporting them. The steering columns and associated bearing in our car are not that good. The U-joint seen on that BMW is far more robust looking then the one on our car

Also:

We do have a parasitic drag on our car, the only difference is that it comes as extra work to turn the alternator (to power the huge electric motor) rather than a PS pump. So there is a gain to be had there.

 

1 point I'd really like to find out is how the ecu would react to this type of mod. The reason why newer cars are opting for electric PS pumps isn't only to eliminate parasitic drag, but also to allow variable ecu control over the steering.

 

Agree with some here that I would never consider driving my Mini without a PS pump. It's a great pump and when the car gets up to speed, the pump is hardly working, so you always still have that pure rack and pinion feeling.
The ECU plays no role in the operation of the PS pump. It's self contained as far as how hard it works. It's why it is used by some other race cars. So the ECU could car less about deleting it. Your arms will though. ;-)

And Charlie is right, there is no "free" work when it comes to using an electric pump over a belt driven one. The Alt works hard at low RPM, but when up to speed the pump draws quite a bit less.

 

Great to know the ecu has no hand in the PS.
Your expert advice, knowledge & input are greatly appreciated, Greg!
Really admire your work! Up to now, I'm still in awe at your MINI's evolution!

 

I am interested in manual steering. Would we need to alter the steering ratio? Is 2.4 turns lock to lock too quick for a manual rack?