Mini Cooper Rack in NA1?

[CB72]

My wife had a mini Cooper S a couple of years ago and when the power assisted steering let go, I noticed that it was a hydraulic assisted rack with an attached electric motor providing the high pressure fluid.
It looked quite compact and I was wondering if it would fit the NSX?
The steering feel was pretty good probably due to the hydraulic assistance?
The bonus is that this rack fits behind the wheel axis just like the one on the NSX.
Here's what it looks like:
https://www.auto-doc.fr/era-benelux/8149025
BTW for non OEM racks, I've never seen any concern about the distance between the tie rods?
This could negatively influence ride and roll steer if I'm correct?

 

[RYU]

[MENTION=19738]CB72[/MENTION] - this might not be the best thread to start this. Maybe look at these threads (though i'm not trying to derail [MENTION=36953]bogle[/MENTION]'s or [MENTION=6927]nsxmugen[/MENTION]'s threads either).
http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showthread.php/215217-Quaife-quick-ratio-manual-steering-rack
http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showthread.php/205188-S2k-rack-on-NA1

I just spent a lot of time under there this wknd updating my S2K EPS and unfortunately there's no way that Mini rack would fit. Clearancing of the chassis itself would be needed. It barely fits with the S2K rack. McLaren also still uses a electric assist hydraulic rack as did the last gen MR2 IIRC.

My wife had a mini Cooper S a couple of years ago and when the power assisted steering let go, I noticed that it was a hydraulic assisted rack with an attached electric motor providing the high pressure fluid.
It looked quite compact and I was wondering if it would fit the NSX?
The steering feel was pretty good probably due to the hydraulic assistance?
The bonus is that this rack fits behind the wheel axis just like the one on the NSX.
Here's what it looks like:
https://www.auto-doc.fr/era-benelux/8149025
BTW for non OEM racks, I've never seen any concern about the distance between the tie rods?
This could negatively influence ride and roll steer if I'm correct?

 

[CB72]

[MENTION=19738]CB72[/MENTION] - this might not be the best thread to start this. Maybe look at these threads (though i'm not trying to derail [MENTION=36953]bogle[/MENTION]'s or [MENTION=6927]nsxmugen[/MENTION]'s threads either).
http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showthread.php/215217-Quaife-quick-ratio-manual-steering-rack
http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showthread.php/205188-S2k-rack-on-NA1

I just spent a lot of time under there this wknd updating my S2K EPS and unfortunately there's no way that Mini rack would fit. Clearancing of the chassis itself would be needed. It barely fits with the S2K rack. McLaren also still uses a electric assist hydraulic rack as did the last gen MR2 IIRC.

Ah too bad!
I can imagine the nightmare trying to get another rack in the NSX.
I should probably try the S2K rack?

 

[RYU]

Ah too bad!
I can imagine the nightmare trying to get another rack in the NSX.
I should probably try the S2K rack?

Unfortunately, that's not something I can answer for you. There are pros/cons. The purist "driving feel" folks will probably hate any EPS rack. I will say though that on drifts it's much easier to control since I haven't really found the need to remove my hands from the 9 o'clock & 3 o'clock positions. It's also been much easier for me to recover from aggressive oversteer "moments". As a side note, if you're car is snap oversteering/unexpected oversteer tankslappers, that's a different problem IMO.

 

[drew]

You might consider something like the Prius EPS. NSX steering columns aren't very expensive either, so get one to hack up.

https://www.ffcars.com/threads/35-e...e-no-ebay-module-and-no-caster-issues.581378/

SuperFastMatt has some background on this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpZkHs4Y5Ko

The Mini Cooper eps is just a power hog and complicated IMO.

 

[CB72]

You might consider something like the Prius EPS. NSX steering columns aren't very expensive either, so get one to hack up.

https://www.ffcars.com/threads/35-e...e-no-ebay-module-and-no-caster-issues.581378/

SuperFastMatt has some background on this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpZkHs4Y5Ko

The Mini Cooper eps is just a power hog and complicated IMO.

Interesting info!
I'll look into that.

 

[RYU]

You might consider something like the Prius EPS. NSX steering columns aren't very expensive either, so get one to hack up.

https://www.ffcars.com/threads/35-e...e-no-ebay-module-and-no-caster-issues.581378/

SuperFastMatt has some background on this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpZkHs4Y5Ko

The Mini Cooper eps is just a power hog and complicated IMO.

Yes, indeed! I considered the BRZ/FRS/GT86 swap because it's very similar to the Prius but with better ratios. The problem is mounting the shaft mounted electric motor. There's just no room under the dashboard at all unless you change to a simplier aftermarket "race" steering column entirely. At least, that's been my observation. I'd love for some one to think of a way to get the Toyota unit to work.

 

[drew]

I have pulled the steering column and I suspect there is enough room between the first U-joint and the column bracket. It will be tight, but depending on the column EPS model, it can be quite small....might even be able to use the included u-joint.

I was just throwing out an option for somebody handy with a welder. A used NSX steering column can be had for a reasonable price because they are not a wear item and EPS motors are inexpensive.

 

[RYU]

I have pulled the steering column and I suspect there is enough room between the first U-joint and the column bracket. It will be tight, but depending on the column EPS model, it can be quite small....might even be able to use the included u-joint.

I was just throwing out an option for somebody handy with a welder. A used NSX steering column can be had for a reasonable price because they are not a wear item and EPS motors are inexpensive.

Unfortunately that section falls in between the clutch and the brake pedal. Contorting my body into that cramp space is not fun so i'm hoping i'm very wrong on this one.

Here's a photo of the NSX steering column for everyone's reference. I've owne a BRZ. The steering feel is good.

 

[nsxmugen]

Yea the mini cooper rack would be a long shot to get it working, but if you spend that time customizing might as well get generic EPS EPAS system, below is link. There is no NSX specific kit so you would have to start from a generic kit. It's fully customize system for retrofits, but like it was said before there is not much space and the steering column adjustments with springs will have to go for starters. Steering column in the middle has cramp zone that once you disconnect the springs it will be tough to get it right. It would make sense not to modify the original nsx steering column at all and keep it as return to stock peace and fabricate whole new steering column for EPAS. This would mean new mounting brackets for turn signals etc.. it's def unique.

https://epasperformance.com/collections/all-products

 

[CB72]

Yea the mini cooper rack would be a long shot to get it working, but if you spend that time customizing might as well get generic EPS EPAS system, below is link. There is no NSX specific kit so you would have to start from a generic kit. It's fully customize system for retrofits, but like it was said before there is not much space and the steering column adjustments with springs will have to go for starters. Steering column in the middle has cramp zone that once you disconnect the springs it will be tough to get it right. It would make sense not to modify the original nsx steering column at all and keep it as return to stock peace and fabricate whole new steering column for EPAS. This would mean new mounting brackets for turn signals etc.. it's def unique.

https://epasperformance.com/collections/all-products

I liked to see how simple it is to mount their EPS in an old 911 and I didn't realize the complexity of the NSX steering column.
Doesn't look promising!