Electric Power Steering build for track car

[e30gentry]

I want to keep this short as I still haven’t done a proper introduction on myself and the track 2009 M3 that I’ve started building. . . that’ll come at a later date because it has history.

What I’m looking for is information from someone who has either been hands on with doing an electronic pump conversion or someone who has had one done.

What I’m looking into: Volvo or similar pump and either make my own CAN controller with potentiometer or find a small premade one.

I am also throwing the idea around for a rear mount system to put a little weight back in the rear, but is the added hoses/wiring weight worth it?!?
Can the heat exchanger be bypassed?

Heater core and EVAP core and condenser are out of the car and a lot of wire thinning is done.
Being a 09 I can simply remove the power steering pump.

[DRLane]

Been done a bunch and it’s not difficult. Definitely anything to pull weight off the front axle is worthwhile.

Bracket: https://ebay.us/m/15KHK9 not the best, I had to bend mine as it was misaligned.

Pump: https://ebay.us/m/i6w3xB

Hoses - self serve depending on routing and mounting location.

Just needs power via switch. I believe Alex (move over) mounted his in the rear and ran smaller diameter lines to increase pressure. But you should dm him, he hasn’t been active here in a while. If you have no luck, give me a shout and I can text / call to try and connect y’all.

[e30gentry]

Originally Posted by DRLane

Bracket: https://ebay.us/m/15KHK9 not the best, I had to bend mine as it was misaligned.

Pump: https://ebay.us/m/i6w3xB

Looks like this pump has popped up a in some of the post I’ve found.

Just needs power via switch. I believe Alex (move over) mounted his in the rear and ran smaller diameter lines to increase pressure. But you should dm him, he hasn’t been active here in a while. If you have no luck, give me a shout and I can text / call to try and connect y’all.

Does this option not need CAN set up like the Volvo, is it auto variable or fixed pressure rate?
If there’s a way we can connect that’d be great!!

[DRLane]

Originally Posted by e30gentry

This option doesn’t need CAN set up like the Volvo, is it auto variable or fixed pressure rate.
If there’s a way we can connect that’d be great!!

Why do you want variable pressure? Ditch all those M-mode controls and aids.

Of course assuming this is a race only build.

[e30gentry]

Originally Posted by DRLane

Why do you want variable pressure? Ditch all those M-mode controls and aids.

Of course assuming this is a race only build.

Sorry that’s not what I meant at all. I mean for the pump to adjust based on demand for consistent feel or does it need a can controller with dial style potentiometer

[e30gentry]

[QUOTE=DRLane;32371035]Bracket: https://ebay.us/m/15KHK9 not the best, I had to bend mine as it was misaligned.

Pump: https://ebay.us/m/i6w3xB

Are there US vesions for sale?

[omgzirra_exe]

Originally Posted by e30gentry

Sorry that’s not what I meant at all. I mean for the pump to adjust based on demand for consistent feel or does it need a can controller with dial style potentiometer

i know what you mean, i have a e-power steering on my IS300 based on a volvo unit, you need a custom PCB for this to work and it would be standalone from the DME.

i adjust my steering heaviness with a knob lol.

[e30gentry]

Originally Posted by omgzirra_exe

i know what you mean, i have a e-power steering on my IS300 based on a volvo unit, you need a custom PCB for this to work and it would be standalone from the DME.

i adjust my steering heaviness with a knob lol.

Right that is what I was referring to and looking at since they are obtainable in the US.
I’m very interested in what DRLane mentioned as it may not require that but I definitely want some real world feed back from those who’ve relocated to the back and even deleted the cooler in the process.

[omgzirra_exe]

Originally Posted by e30gentry

Right that is what I was referring to and looking at since they are obtainable in the US.
I’m very interested in what DRLane mentioned as it may not require that but I definitely want some real world feed back from those who’ve relocated to the back and even deleted the cooler in the process.

the same thing can be done with the Porsche GT3 e-ps pump, just needs a PCB for that.

you would need some AN lines into your steering rack then route it to the rear of the trunk with the e-ps pump. iirc. that's probably the only annoying part.

idk the rest of the installation or exact dashes you would need though.

You could buy the kit from Alex Miller and it makes it easier to install.

[e30gentry]

[QUOTE="omgzirra_exe;32373297"]the same thing can be done with the Porsche GT3 e-ps pump, just needs a PCB for that.

you would need some AN lines into your steering rack then route it to the rear of the trunk with the e-ps pump. iirc. that's probably the only annoying part.

idk the rest of the installation or exact dashes you would need though.

You could buy the kit from Alex Miller and it makes it easier to install.

I’ll have to do some research and find that pump.
I would want to retain the banjo bolts and have them pressed onto the needed size hose, I’d assume would need to run something smaller than an AN 6 when relocating to the rear.

[Tod5151]

Late reply but if you're still after info I run the same pump in my track car. It does not require any CAN connection or potentiometer, just power and ground and optionally a switched power to a separate trigger wire to spin the pump up faster when you start the car.

I know a number of people using these pumps on various track cars as they are readily available in Australia, none of us use coolers with them and have no issues.

I have mine mounted in the passenger footwell so can't help with line size if you move it to the rear.

[e30gentry]

Originally Posted by Tod5151

Late reply but if you're still after info I run the same pump in my track car. It does not require any CAN connection or potentiometer, just power and ground and optionally a switched power to a separate trigger wire to spin the pump up faster when you start the car.

I know a number of people using these pumps on various track cars as they are readily available in Australia, none of us use coolers with them and have no issues.

I have mine mounted in the passenger footwell so can't help with line size if you move it to the rear.

Thank you for the reply! I’d love some time to pick your brain!

[mmuller]

Originally Posted by Tod5151

Late reply but if you're still after info I run the same pump in my track car. It does not require any CAN connection or potentiometer, just power and ground and optionally a switched power to a separate trigger wire to spin the pump up faster when you start the car.

I know a number of people using these pumps on various track cars as they are readily available in Australia, none of us use coolers with them and have no issues.

I have mine mounted in the passenger footwell so can't help with line size if you move it to the rear.

Some pics of that also would be awesome!

[Tod5151]

Originally Posted by mmuller

Some pics of that also would be awesome!

Sure, I'll get some in a few days when I next go down to the factory.

[Tod5151]

Few photos, it's a bit of a mess at the moment as I've pulled everything apart to fit a roll cage.

You can see I've put AN fittings with banjo adapters on the rack then run the lines into the passenger footwell using the hole in the firewall for a RHD steering column.

Power I've run from the jump post in the engine bay with a 60a mega fuse as the pump draws a lot of current, ground is just using the factory post in the footwell.

To turn it on I've just got a fused switch that's usually mounted on the dash when the cars not in pieces.

[e30gentry]

Originally Posted by Tod5151

Few photos, it's a bit of a mess at the moment as I've pulled everything apart to fit a roll cage.

You can see I've put AN fittings with banjo adapters on the rack then run the lines into the passenger footwell using the hole in the firewall for a RHD steering column.

Power I've run from the jump post in the engine bay with a 60a mega fuse as the pump draws a lot of current, ground is just using the factory post in the footwell.

To turn it on I've just got a fused switch that's usually mounted on the dash when the cars not in pieces.

Thank you for the reply, I wish on my end the photos were loading

[mmuller]

Thanks for the pics. Very helpful!