6 to V8 no power steering in RTS LX, how heavy?
#1
Posted 24 April 2017 - 08:32 AM
#2
Posted 24 April 2017 - 08:59 AM
Not much
Plus you'll be able to steer with your right foot
#3
Posted 24 April 2017 - 09:41 AM
Now that I think about it, I dunno if I've ever driven a six cylinder LH/LX Torana... if I did then it can't have been very memorable!
Anyway, I'd expect the size of the tyres and the wheel alignment specs will have a far bigger effect than the difference in engine weights?
Looking at the first page to pop up on google, a six cylinder auto LX is listed at 1230kg and a 4.2L auto at 1270kg, so bugger all in it really. (And before the smart-ass comments start, no these aren't necessarily 'official' weights, nor weights that some engineer/authority will accept, nor do I care, that webpage was just the first result in a google search, which I use for comparison only)
#4
Posted 24 April 2017 - 10:38 AM
As above, steering is only heavy when you have grippy wide tyres or lots of negative camber, or sparrows Kneecaps for muscles!
#5
Posted 24 April 2017 - 11:28 AM
My LX runs a small block V8, with cheese cutters on the front (15x 4's with 165/80 tyres). It is an absolute pleasure to drive, super light and easy to steer and park.
Previously I've run both smaller diameter steering wheel and mini spooled diff, and it was much worse.
My Dads standard V8 (253) LH used to run 14 x 8's with 245/50's on the front and it was a pain in the ass, super heavy.
#6
Posted 25 April 2017 - 08:34 AM
Ben just put power steering on it then you won't have to think about how heavy the steering is going to increase with additional weight. 4L60E are a fair bit heavier than a Trimatic. Interesting with the weights, my hatch weighs in at 1,430 kg and the SLR 1,465 kg. The weight soon increases with the addition of a few mods and comfort items.
#7
Posted 25 April 2017 - 09:49 PM
Only reason is because with air con im gonna be pressed for room, will standard VR commodore setup fit in a LX (aircon and power steer on drivers side, alternator on left, guessing not.) At the moment I cant dummy fit anything but would be interesting to see if it would. Unless I go electric power steering pump.
#8
Posted 26 April 2017 - 06:45 PM
There are a couple of alternatives...
Some cars had an electrically driven hydraulic pump (obviously not needing to be engine-mounted), which uses any power steering rack you can modify to fit. There are also after-market versions available, for example:
https://www.ultimate...ering-pump-kit/
And other cars had an electric servo-assist arrangement built into the steering column, which makes use of the standard manual steering rack. A unit from a Barina is a fairly common conversion with after market electronics available to adjust the sensitivity. Mick (mick_in_oz) did a write-up of fitment to a Torana here:
http://www.gmh-toran.../80937-lx-epas/
and looks like after-market kits available for them from Ultimate too...
https://www.ultimate...nk-input-shaft/
#9
Posted 27 April 2017 - 08:50 AM
Ben both my cars have A/C and power steering . The SLR has an injected VR5lt engine alternator on the left and P/S pump and A/C compressor on the right. I used the original VR compressor bracket assembly but decided to fit a neater looking Saginaw pump and fitted serpentine pulleys and belt for nice quiet operation.
Attached Files
#10
Posted 02 May 2017 - 06:56 PM
#11
Posted 02 May 2017 - 07:17 PM
Ben, when I bought the engine it come with accessories drive on the front. The engine was originally from a VR clubsport. The only thing I didn't have was the power steering pump. I had a new type two. Saginaw pump in the shed so I decided to go with this pump and also covert to a serpentine drive system which I sourced from Summit Racing, which was listed as a small block Chevy. Included the alternator, water pump, crank pulley and power steering pump pulley. Yes the A/C bracket uses the three head accessories bolts. I had to modify the alternator mounting bracket as the alternator hit the left chassis rail when I tried to adjust the belt tension.
#12 _Bomber Watson_
Posted 02 May 2017 - 07:27 PM
That is some super neat packaging Axistr.
#13
Posted 28 July 2019 - 09:20 PM
There are a couple of alternatives...
Some cars had an electrically driven hydraulic pump (obviously not needing to be engine-mounted), which uses any power steering rack you can modify to fit. There are also after-market versions available, for example:
https://www.ultimate...ering-pump-kit/
...
I ran out of space between to fit the pump pulley and belt: 80 mm Adrad radiator + AU fans + Romac balancer and silly Gilmer drive.
So will be going the TRW Astra route, figured it is easier and cheaper to do that then re-do the radiator or the belt drives.
https://www.youtube....h?v=Yy6oQPJJ2qY
Will let you know how I go...
#14 _LH8VD69_
Posted 14 December 2019 - 07:20 PM
I ran out of space between to fit the pump pulley and belt: 80 mm Adrad radiator + AU fans + Romac balancer and silly Gilmer drive.
So will be going the TRW Astra route, figured it is easier and cheaper to do that then re-do the radiator or the belt drives.
https://www.youtube....h?v=Yy6oQPJJ2qY
Will let you know how I go...
Seems to work well but damn it’s noisy. Maybe instal it high up in the guard and build a noise dampening box around it. All I want to hear is Motor. Lol
#15
Posted 14 December 2019 - 07:52 PM
#16
Posted 15 December 2019 - 03:02 PM
yel327 My hatch with SBC is running a Saginaw type 2 pump which is mounted on the left front head and the A/C compressor below. Just like the SLR I purchased a Summit Racing SBC long water pump(350) serpentine pulley kit. I x 6pk belt drives the water pump alternator and around the crank. The second 6pk belt drives the A/C and power steering pump. Works great never slipped or thrown a belt, however my son took the car out with his girl friend for the day cruise and the next time I jumped in to start it I noticed a slightly different noise coming from under the bonnet. I quickly found the serpentine belt for the alternator jumped one v on the belt. Quick fix and hasn't done it since. However straight after I put the belt back in place I got the laptop out and dropped the fuel cut back to 5,800 rpm from 6,500 rpm. I think the boy might have been giving it a hard time trying to impress his little flower.
I use an Astra pump to pressure test the power racks after reconditioning. On initial startup they do emit a bit of a high pitch whine, and after about 5 seconds they drop back to around half speed and are very quiet. Both my cars are reasonably quiet because of ADR compliance, but I don't think I would ever hear the pump with the engine running. The external E.F.I electric pump is noisier than the Astra electric P/S pump. Depending where and how its mounted you would only just hear it with ignition on engine off. If you mount it with the original rubber mounts they only emit a slight hum.
DSC_00302920.JPG 145.74K 2 downloads
DSC_0135_12345.JPG 212.21K 2 downloads
#17
Posted 15 December 2019 - 04:25 PM
https://wheelswithin...&product_id=565
#18
Posted 15 December 2019 - 08:31 PM
#19
Posted 15 December 2019 - 08:45 PM
#20 _austo_
Posted 26 December 2019 - 10:06 AM
where have people put the astra pump, its bigger than i thought,thinking rear quarter of hatch,running lines under car,
#21
Posted 26 December 2019 - 08:11 PM
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