EPAS for the Stratos

[Ken Tomblin]

I’m looking at fitting EPA’s to my car would the corsa d be a good compact unit to fit or does it need to be the corsa b any help or thoughts welcome

Regards Ken

[Normb666]

There was a discussion about this somewhere on the forum a coupla years ago. Dave Evans and Robin Tyler-Morris have it fitted to their cars and I believe it's an option on a LB kit now. Ask them or Craig, to save you reinventing the, er, wheel....um, sorry....

[Strat Fan]

I’m looking at fitting EPA’s to my car would the corsa d be a good compact unit to fit or does it need to be the corsa b any help or thoughts welcome

Regards Ken
Hello Ken,

For the LB it has to be the Corsa B but I think for the Hawk you could get away with the Corsa C as well.
Andy P might be the best man to ask though as I think he's already part way down the journey of fitting one to the Hawk chassis.
Personally for me I found the simple dash mounted potentiometer the easiest way to control the Corsa column although David E has successfully used the speed sensitive version.

Regards

[Media]

I’m looking at fitting EPA’s to my car would the corsa d be a good compact unit to fit or does it need to be the corsa b any help or thoughts welcome

Regards Ken

Hi Ken, I used a Corsa B on my Fiat 131 grp4 replica, you will also require a speed control box from ebay. Checkout Grp 4 fabrication they produce a complete kit for a Escort which can be modified for a Stratos.

Geraint

[ducatiman]

Only the Corsa B will fit............tried to install the Corsa C unit but it is too long.

[Ken Tomblin]

Thanks Andy for the info is theCorsa d to long as well as there’s one local to me! Do you have any dims of your brackets they look very neat.
Regards and a very happy new year to to you and Carol Ken

[john]

I'm looking at this at the moment Ken. For my LB.
But there are a lot of columns out there to choose from now.
Nissan Juke is a short unit which might suit.
I'm hoping to get hands on with a few alternatives in the next few days.

[Ken Tomblin]

Thanks John. Could you please keep me posted with your progress

Regards Ken

[ducatiman]

Purchased my Power Steering Shaft and Joints from GRP4 Fabrications for the Corsa EPAS Installation.............Geraint already mentioned GRP4 Fabrications earlier in the thread.

https://www.grp4fabrications.com/suspension-steering/steering/power-steering-kits

[Ken Tomblin]

If I use a Corsa b EPA’s unit how difficult would it be to fit my x1/9 stalks or would it be a better option to use a Fiat Seicento EPA’s unit

Regards Ken

[Normb666]

I'm thinking it might be easier to join a gym and get those arms pumped up instead. Or, talking of pumping up, run the fronts at 30psi.....and just don't go above 30mph. :)

[john]

Hi Ken, if you look at post 66 in Dave Evans thread " LB part deux", I'm pretty sure the photo shows the Fiat stalks affixed to the end of the Corsa B column.
Easy-steer will install an epas unit to your existing column ( in most cases) and they now do a 'mini' motor unit to graft in to your existing column, which may mean it could be possible to graft on to even the Hawk column. You would have to ask them of course. Pretty sure they would need to do it in house if it is possible.
My own approach, as I am starting from scratch, is to source a suitable column which can be supported by their speed sensitive controllers, and instal it myself on fabricated bracketry.

[Strat Fan]

If I use a Corsa b EPA’s unit how difficult would it be to fit my x1/9 stalks or would it be a better option to use a Fiat Seicento EPA’s unit

Regards Ken
Hello Ken,

The X1/9 stalks do not fit directly to the Corsa B column without some well thought out surgery.
Basically you need to fabricate a new upper column sleeve, machine the shaft & reposition the upper bearing to make this work.
It's doable because it's been done but if the Siecento can be made to work it might be easier provided there is a controller available/adaptable.

[Steve65]

Hi Ken, as Craig say's it is quite possible but complicated. The main issue I found was adapting the Corsa outer column to take the X1/9 ignition barrel as I wanted to retain the X1/9 shroud's. If you PM me your email I can send you some photos of my version if you want to go down this route.
Cheers Steve

[ProtoTipo]

If I use a Corsa b EPA’s unit how difficult would it be to fit my x1/9 stalks or would it be a better option to use a Fiat Seicento EPA’s unit

Regards Ken

'See my email Ken.

[Ken Tomblin]

Steve PM sent

Regards Ken

[Longtimefan]

Ken, further to my PM, forgot to mention, that even the steering lock functions using the X1/9 barrel, all covered by the X1/9 shrouds.

Robin

[john]

Sounds like a right faff.
I couldn't be bothered with that.

[john]

Let me qualify that.
I find myself wondering why you would go to the lengths of modification outlined for the Corsa B column when Easysteer can add an assistance motor to virtually any column.
I've just heard back from them after I sent some video and photos of my initial setup. They don't seem phased at all about adding a motor into the x19 column I've used to mock it up.
On my LB the column is hung off a 40x40 cross tube using one of Craig's brackets.
I've sneaked the column rearward ( towards the driver) more than intended (I think) so the bracket will need replacing. But what this does is bring the bottom end of the outer column to a position where the Easysteer assistance motor can be grafted on the end of the column tube in a position where there is 7-8" of clearance to anything else from 9 o'clock round to 3 o'clock so I'm pretty confident it's doable. They don't have any availability until next month but will go up there then and get a motor trial fitted to the column.
I can then bring it back here to the car and fab up whatever bracket is required. Once that is finalised they can make me a telescopic inter shaft to connect it all up and keep the IVA man happy.
It won't be cheap but Corsa B columns are not peanuts these days and when you add in a load of faffing about just to make the switchgear etc fit I can't see the point. Unless I'm missing something. Wouldn't be the first time.
Apparently the problem.with the later Corsa D columns is not that they are dimensionally wrong but that the electronic controls are that integrated into the cars management that the column is impossible to control in any other vehicle.

[Strat Fan]

Only the Corsa B will fit............tried to install the Corsa C unit but it is too long.
Thanks for the confirmation Andy.
One of the upsides of the Corsa B is that it is all but identical in length to the Fiat column which allows it to be fitted as a replacement to the X1/9 without compromising the steering wheel position.
Not relevant for Ken but for IVA then it is better to have a collapsible steering boss present. This brings the steering wheel about as far back into the cockpit as I'd like it to be, spacing the column rearwards is not really an option for me.
To satisfy German TUV we've had a bespoke column made in mainland Europe but as with anything bespoke it came at a cost.

[Stratos Fear]

John I'd be interested to hear how you get on with Easysteer . I was looking at the cost of a (secondhand) Corsa b unit and it seems to be in the region of £300 plus and for someone like me who would need someone to fit it I'm thinking it would not be an inexpensive operation. Presumably also you would need to upgrade the alternator ? I'm thinking there wouldnt be much change out of £1500 or maybe up to £2k ?

[john]

I will keep up reports of progress Peter. But I don't think there will be any more progress for a month or so.
It's worth keeping in mind that my own LB chassis is of the earliest variety so my installation might not be applicable to later ones.
Early indications are that a bespoke installation of the new Easysteer motor to my column will be less than half the kind of figure you estimate!
I would not see any need for an uprated alternator. Not from any information supplied by Easysteer so far anyway.

[Strat Fan]

J. I was looking at the cost of a (secondhand) Corsa b unit and it seems to be in the region of £300 plus and for someone like me who would need someone to fit it I'm thinking it would not be an inexpensive operation.
£150 ea on FB marketplace Peter

[Stratos Fear]

I'm obviously looking in the wrong place Craig (not for the first time!) . My prices came from E-Bay - I've not used FB Marketplace . I'll have to check it out. Thanks P.

[hedge]

It were a Corsa steering rack that my Alfa 4C had fitted to it recently. Cost an absolute bloody fortune - mostly in labour - but absolutely transformed the car. The single thing I'd recommend to any 4C owner over any other mod.

Cheers,
Hedge

[john]

Finally got up to Chorley to see Easysteer and talk the epas possibilities with them.
As usual I've had to rethink it all again!
Like everyone else who knows what they are doing they are really busy and it was going to be May before they could do the job for me. So Rick talked me through it and convinced me I could do the job myself.
I've come away from there with a big bag full of bits.
I've opted for their 'Euro' system with GPS speed control for the assistance level.
The motor/gearbox unit has an integral torque sensor which analyses how much steering effort you are putting in.
The only actual machining necessary is to shorten the x19 column shaft and turn the end down to fit in an adapter sleeve supplied with the kit so I'm happy enough doing that. But I have opted to do a couple of chassis mods so that I can instal the whole thing a little higher for extra knee room. I think later LB chassis may have the 40x40 tube hanger for the column at a higher level and there may be enough room for the motor without my mods.
I've shortened the x19 outer column by 45mm. I wanted to retain the column switches and steering lock, plus both column bearings so 45mm was the max I could shorten it by and still have enough room for the adapter plus 25-30mm of 'collapsibility' in the column itself.
Coupled with a splined collapsible intershaft ( which I also got in kit form), and the angled intershaft I'm hoping it will satisfy the IVA man.
So the shortened x19 column is grafted on to a steel sleeve projecting from the motor which can also be shortened to suit.
Just to make life that little bit more difficult for myself I'm also going to try a good strong hinge mount at the rear end of this motor so I can adjust the rake of column and wheel.
Anyway, enough theorising, I'll get back to some practical steps.
Here's a couple of photos of what I'm working with.

[Stratos Fear]

Great project John - I'll be interested to hear of your progress as you work through the challenges. You will be blazing a new trail for EPAS conversions !

[ducatiman]

Would you like to share the cost for the complete kit and controller.

[john]

It's commercial information I'm afraid.

[STR_Strat]

Finally got up to Chorley to see Easysteer and talk the epas possibilities with them.
As usual I've had to rethink it all again!
Like everyone else who knows what they are doing they are really busy and it was going to be May before they could do the job for me. So Rick talked me through it and convinced me I could do the job myself.
I've come away from there with a big bag full of bits.
I've opted for their 'Euro' system with GPS speed control for the assistance level.
The motor/gearbox unit has an integral torque sensor which analyses how much steering effort you are putting in.
The only actual machining necessary is to shorten the x19 column shaft and turn the end down to fit in an adapter sleeve supplied with the kit so I'm happy enough doing that. But I have opted to do a couple of chassis mods so that I can instal the whole thing a little higher for extra knee room. I think later LB chassis may have the 40x40 tube hanger for the column at a higher level and there may be enough room for the motor without my mods.
I've shortened the x19 outer column by 45mm. I wanted to retain the column switches and steering lock, plus both column bearings so 45mm was the max I could shorten it by and still have enough room for the adapter plus 25-30mm of 'collapsibility' in the column itself.
Coupled with a splined collapsible intershaft ( which I also got in kit form), and the angled intershaft I'm hoping it will satisfy the IVA man.
So the shortened x19 column is grafted on to a steel sleeve projecting from the motor which can also be shortened to suit.
Just to make life that little bit more difficult for myself I'm also going to try a good strong hinge mount at the rear end of this motor so I can adjust the rake of column and wheel.
Anyway, enough theorising, I'll get back to some practical steps.
Here's a couple of photos of what I'm working with.

"Sounds like a right faff.
I couldn't be bothered with that."

Much easier to just use the tried and tested Corsa B and graft on the X1/9 stalks:)

[john]

Finally got up to Chorley to see Easysteer and talk the epas possibilities with them.
As usual I've had to rethink it all again!


Like I said.
I'm confident I've spoken to the right guy about how to go about it.
It is more hands on than I wanted, or have time for to be honest.
The advantage for me is I hope I've got everything necessary in one hit and even more so the parts are sat here on my bench. If it doesn't get done now there's no one else to blame.
He didn't elaborate but Rick was fairly dismissive of the Corsa B . Laying them side by side it's not actually any more compact than what I'll end up with and the technology is so yesterday.��

[Strat Fan]

We had this made for an LB car destined for Germany,
It is a TUV compliant EPS unit made from new parts which is designed to accept the X1/9 stalks and ignition barrel.
It is also bracketed to be a direct fit to the LB chassis and uses the standard lower link shaft.
For UK customers we have also developed the equivalent column using the Corsa B as a base which again accepts the X1/9 parts and is also bracketed to fit to the standard LB chassis.
1927419275

[john]

That's a nice bit of kit. It looks like the motor locates directly below the 40x40 tube.
Is my guess correct that that tube is marginally higher on the later chassis than on mine?
Any collapsibility in the column itself or still fitting a collapsible boss?

[Strat Fan]

That's a nice bit of kit. It looks like the motor locates directly below the 40x40 tube.
Is my guess correct that that tube is marginally higher on the later chassis than on mine?
Any collapsibility in the column itself or still fitting a collapsible boss?
The tube is in the same place but the floor is lower on the later chassis.
The Corsa B has collapsibility in the upper shaft and uses a collapsible boss, the TUV one uses an approved collapsible boss.
There are no welded joints or cut and shuts in the system.

[john]

I see. Thanks. I was only basing my guess on the fact that the top bolt on the door hinge plates is missing the steel of the chassis so I assumed the whole hinge post and 40x40 crossmember was lower on mine.
The only welded joint I will have is where I graft the inner column into the adapter and that can be pinned too so, for me, it's not exactly a 'cut and shut' with all the connotations that implies.

[Strat Fan]

These 4 positions look correct but it is a low quality pic so cant see if they are actually what they appear to be.
19276

[john]

It's no big problem. There were 9 holes in each hinge post but none matched up to any of the mounting holes for the stainless hinge plates. I've room to add a 40x20 on top of the existing 40x40, and with a closed end that will catch the top bolt and give the body more support.

[ducatiman]

I have modified the Hawk Chassis so it is converted from RHD to LHD. For any Hawk owners you have to specify for the chassis build if your going RHD or LHD as it is not symmetrical down the centre. The LB Specialist Car Chassis design allows you to build or covert to RHD or LHD a lot easier than the Hawk Chassis. Converting the Hawk to LHD it is tight but just about possible. I had installed the Corsa B EPAS originally only on the LHD but had welded in the bosses for the RHD option.

Today as a test for Hawk Owners I moved the EPAS over to confirm the Corsa B EPAS will fit on a RHD without hitting the side wheel arch and the top box section.

All the brackets that have been made do have some minor adjustments and are suited to the position of the steering column for myself............

19497

19498

19499

19500