LocostUSA.com

My daily driver is an Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV.
Today I have checked my steering wheel's lock to lock turns, and I was shocked, that it is only a bit over 2 turns, maybe 2.2.
It is electrically assisted of course.
I'm wondering if it could be used for our cars? I could remove the electric motor, and make a blanking cover to close that hole.
Sounds crazy, but maybe it is doable?!
I haven't check lengths yet, most likely it is to long and needs to be shortened.
What do you guys think about this crazy idea?

Tibor

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Tibor


'20 Alfa Romeo Stelvio daily
Locost/442E in progress

Not crazy, and it's being done more and more often. A really good video on this is one from SuperFastMatt, https://youtu.be/TpZkHs4Y5Ko

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Midlana book: Build this mid-engine Locost!, http://midlana.com/stuff/book/
Kimini book: Designing mid-engine cars using FWD drivetrains
Both available from https://www.lulu.com/

Alternatively, given how light these are, why not go for a non-powered steering/depowered rack?
My former Locost had a manual rack & was on 10" wide Hoosiers, and steering effort was pretty easy, sitting still.

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1975 MG Midget
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=24382
13B Powered Rotus Geauxkart
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=20899

I'm trying to find something that has less turns lock to lock.
Also, less modification to it the better.
I have a 442E chassis, so something around 21-22" from ball to ball would be preferable.


That electric steering column is very cool, but I'm thinking about using an electric steering rack, without the electric motor.
I have found some that have some damages, and this way they are cheaper.
I'm wondering, without the motor assistance, how they work? They even work without it, or they are much harder to turn?

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Tibor


'20 Alfa Romeo Stelvio daily
Locost/442E in progress

You may be able to unplug the one in your car to find out. Would be worthwhile to jack the front up so you can feel what no resistance from the vehicle would be.

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Cheers,
Logan

Makes sense. As with any rack, get the intermediate shaft or at least the pinion coupling to tie into whatever is coming off the column.

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Miata UBJ: ES-2074R('70s maz pickup)
Ford IFS viewtopic.php?f=5&t=13225&p=134742
Simple Spring select viewtopic.php?f=5&t=11815
LxWxHt
360LA 442E: 134.5x46x15
Lotus7:115x39x7.25
Tiger Avon:114x40x13.3-12.6
Champion/Book:114x42x11
Gibbs/Haynes:122x42x14
VoDou:113x44x14
McSorley 442:122x46x14
Collins 241:127x46x12

There are 21 screws to remove the bottom cover under the car.
Maybe at my next oil change. Or just go with the Mazda steering rack.

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Tibor


'20 Alfa Romeo Stelvio daily
Locost/442E in progress

I never understood the specification of the "turn to turn lock". What I would be more interested in is how many inches the rack moves per turn AND turn to turn lock. This, combined with the steering arm length makes more sense. We don't know anything else about your front end design compared to the OEM setup. The sensitivity changes with the length of the arm.

My donor was the RX7. I depowered a previously power steering rack, used a smaller steering wheel, and shortened the rack. I never felt the need for power steering. The steering was sensitive but not difficult to get used to. I attribute that to the smaller steering wheel since the rack gearing and the uprights were the same as the OEM RX7. The lack of PS was not an issue. I don't know anything about a Stelvia.

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Chuck.

“Any suspension will work if you don’t let it.” - Colin Chapman

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This is just a thought, most likely won't go with this steering rack.
It seems like I did not explain myself well enough.
I'm not trying to go electric steering. I'm thinking about using an electric steering rack, as a manual steering rack, removing the motor part.
I agree with you about the lock to lock turns, but I would like to get a steering wheel, that is not 4 turns. At least have a good starting point.

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Tibor


'20 Alfa Romeo Stelvio daily
Locost/442E in progress

Here's a few links I've accrued to keep you entertained when researching electric power steering.

Depending on whatever rack you choose, an electric column may be beneficial since the less turns lock to lock generally means greater steering effort.




Subaru WRX/STI/BRZ and Toyota FRS electric steering retrofit
https://b.obsdian.com/category/retrofits/

Some chevy electric power steering info (toyota prius I think too)
https://forums.hybridz.org/topic/125428 ... /#comments

Chevy equinox column into a Datsun 240z
https://www.dropbox.com/s/uwtsk97izkkz4 ... .pptx?dl=0

Lots more info on steering column swaps
https://www.corral.net/threads/35-elect ... s.2321889/

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My build -> viewtopic.php?t=15585

Thanks for all that, but I went with a Miata NC steering rack.
Electric feels more artificial, which is contrary of what we are trying to achieve with these cars.
Maybe it is a good idea, if the steering effort is great.

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Tibor


'20 Alfa Romeo Stelvio daily
Locost/442E in progress

I'd imagine an NC rack will be fine. Personally I'll be using an electric rack. Not much more work for me and I will be able to adjust steering feel/stiffness.

Different strokes for different folks I guess.

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My build -> viewtopic.php?t=15585