Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hi all,

Has anyone tried the power steering option for the plus 2 Zetec from Spydercars? Opinions appreciated.

Thanks

Rob

Is that a delayed April Fools' joke?

Why would a person need power steering in a Lotus????

Rob,
I hope to have a go next week and will report back. The system utilises an electric power steering unit from a Vauxhall Corsa or similar. It fits under the dashboard inside the car.

Steering effort at parking speeds is quite heavy on a Spyder +2 Zetec conversion, wider stickier tyres don't help matters. Its not an upgrade I'm planning myself, but it doesn't hurt to try it out.

I would rather spend the money on the new Air Con upgrade

I think these are the same items that are sold for the MK1 and Mk2 ford escort. May be worthwhile to check those sites out.
James

Ah . . . "new air con upgrade" . . . now you've got my attention

I'm a fan of Spyder, but if they need power steering in a plus two, there is something wrong. I've run 205's for 25 years and never wanted it. Shimmed in a degree of castor and it made it just a touch heavier at a standstill, but to the extent that my finger gets dented spinning with the wheel spoke

I expect it's more a case of what customers have asked for than needs it.
Just because an enthusiast doesn't want it doesn't mean it shouldn't be offered.

Thanks Alan and James - very helpful.

Rob

Incidentally, I don't think I want it either but I was just interested from a technical perspective in how good it is.

Alan
man up

I have driven small cars[an 85 CRX comes to mind], that needed power steering. Many modern cars though small, weigh quite a bit, and with front wheel drive putting all that weight up front, and torque steer etc, power steering is a welcome addition in many cars. My former M100 had power steering and I was not offended, but people have asked my if the Plus Two had power steering when watching me park, so it is bewilderment at the need or desire more than dogmatic fist shaking that makes me comment.

I have quite literally driven my Plus Two with two fractured elbows with no ill effect, so that is my perspective...........

The steering geometry is different on a Spyder Zetec, it doesn't use the Triumph steering rack and the hubs and uprights are from a Ford Sierra, steering effort is increased over a standard +2. I don't have a problem with it, but those used to moderns or those encouraging partners to drive may have.

Wonder if they have reduced the turns lock to lock, lots of castor, or some other thing that increases effort

Spyder fan wrote:The steering geometry is different on a Spyder Zetec, it doesn't use the Triumph steering rack and the hubs and uprights are from a Ford Sierra, steering effort is increased over a standard +2. I don't have a problem with it, but those used to moderns or those encouraging partners to drive may have.

I have converted my Plus 2 to the Sierra hubs and vented discs. The wishbone are identical geometry to the originals. The hubs are Sierra, but the uprights themselves are exactly similar to original Lotus, except for the bottom ball joints. So it would seem the steering geometry is unchanged. I don't know the gearing of the Zetec rack, so steering effort might be different.