The Git'rDun Challenge

[GottaCruise]

Originally Posted by drmiller100

DC ampereage is load related. What this means is the electric pump for the PS won't take full amperage unless you are in a parking lot going very slow.
in that case, the battery will help you for the few seconds needed.

That makes sense, thank you for the feedback.

I still may go with the MR2's steering ECU, which incorporates a PWM controller that varies amperage output by vehicle speed, to give the Sporty's stock wiring some breathing room, as this is the daily driver.

Almost all the material I've found so far for the MR2 electric steering pump install is a (direct) hookup running at full amp. draw, so alternator life is a concern - a high-output (direct replacement) alternator is costly for the Sportage, $250-300, I'm hoping I can procure the the MR2 pump & controller for the same, or less.

I found this site: Toyota MR2 Power Steering System
that gives excellent info. on the ECU pinouts & hookup, very thankful to John Grigg for posting it.

[brucepick]

GottaCruise,

Not to derail your project, but did you consider merely taking the belt off the ps pump and looping the steering rack hoses? Or is the weight and balance of the Sportage such that it truly needs power steering?

[GottaCruise]

Originally Posted by brucepick

GottaCruise,

Not to derail your project, but did you consider merely taking the belt off the ps pump and looping the steering rack hoses? Or is the weight and balance of the Sportage such that it truly needs power steering?

Unfortunately, it does.. 20 years ago, I might have managed it, but as I get older, the more mechanical assistance is required.

The vehicle is just too heavy to be without power steering.

[viio]

I'll commit to getting some rear wheel fairings and a new belly pan fitted!

(By next weekend :P )

[drmiller100]

ok you scabs, I pulled the trike out today. saw a few things I wanted cleaned up and fixed, and ATTACKED!
did the first 60 percent of the rear suspension - now need to mount it ot the chassis and finish it.
added some bracing to the frame in the engine bay, finished up a few mounts.

ordered some more resin. dug up anohter gallon of bondo.

what did you lazy bums do lately????

[eco_generator]

Made progress on getting track car back to together. Made progress on selling Camry, also known as getting it ready to sell.

Twas a good week.

[brucepick]

Got the EPES just about fully installed. Still needs one more fuse and a box to mount the switches, but they're all hooked up.

Haven't gotten to the rear aero project. It's a challenge. This weekend I want to swap out the gearbox lube and advance the timing just a couple degrees... and I probably have a couple other relatively minor things on tap too.

[JethroBodine]

Wheel bearings and rear brakes forced their way to the front of the list. Still collecting glass mat and resin.

[brucepick]

Originally Posted by brucepick

Yes. Well said, drmiller.

My Git'rDun items - hopefully completed in time for the Watkins Glen Green Grand Prix on April 20-21:

1) Finish installing the EPES: Externally Powered Electrical System with full complement of fuses, switches etc. My thread at: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...tor-20008.html

2) Finish redesigning/building/rebuilding the rear spoiler mod. Right now it's in the garage where it spent the winter. Warmer weather is upon us.

I got the second fuse added to the EPES. Still need to fully secure the battery in the trunk... I think I can, I think I can.....

Haven't touched the rear spoiler yet this year. Everything always seems to take longer than intended.

[drmiller100]

got engine/trans mounted and mounts welded today. will have to redo them again. for the fifth time.

got suspension welded in and tack welded in. will have to redo some of that also.

got tires on it. It is a "roller" now. hood is too high - got to lower it 3 or 5 inches.

carmel in a month might be tough.