First impressions of RV8 power steering
Impressions of an RV8 power steering conversion
David Driver has enjoyed MGs for much of his life and was delighted with the RV8 he has had for the last two years but found the steering very heavy. He sought the views of many fellow RV8 enthusiasts and encouraged several threads on the V8 Register's bulletin board on the topic. He found the quality of the technical and insurance disclosure issues raised on the board were very helpful. He had read Peter Garton's detailed workshop note on his RV8 PAS installation prepared following his conversion of his car back in December 2005. David also considered fitting a castor reduction kit to achieve lighter steering but in the end decided to have an electro-hydraulic PAS system. (27.3.08)

The RV8 PAS conversion was carried out in March 2008 and as soon as the car was returned from the workshops, David took the car out on a test run. He found the steering effort much reduced and the RV8 was a pleasure to drive. This was particularly the case at slow speeds where previously the heavy steering had been an unattractive feature - particularly for someone like David who describes himself as "not in the first flush of youth!" You are soon aware of two noticeable changes - the self-centrering effect was not quite as before, but not something he could not get used to, and there is a slightly increased turning circle.

One of the major changes in the PAS installation from those on earlier RV8s, like Peter Garton's, is the hydraulic oil reservoir and pump have been moved from the engine bay, located over one set of exhaust manifolds, to the front of the car. Four advantages are cited - first there is a cooling effect on the reservoir, second the filler cap for topping up the hydraulic oil is very conveniently located just under the bonnet at the front, third the system appears quieter in operation as the pump is further forward from the driver and fourth the relocation overcomes some of the earlier safety concerns of an oil reservoir over the exhaust. Naturally there was concern that anything upfront might affect the cooling airstream to the radiator on the RV8 so David discussed this with Roger Parker. His


view was that "locating the reservoir and pump there may affect the cooling very slightly but as the principal airstream is below there is nothing to worry about".

David is delighted with the workmanship of the conversion and feels it was a professional job. He also values the informed support from Roger Parker too who has been very happy to talk over a number of the technical issues with David. The installation took around 18 hours, costing around £2,350 including VAT although the quotation states that additional charges may be made should parts be found that need replacement. David elected to have the RV8 collected and returned by special covered trailer so the car rolled on to his drive spotless.

Finally David contacted his specialist classic car insurance broker and formally disclosed the modification made to his RV8 following the PAS conversion. He had previously obtained confirmation from Peter Best Insurance Services that the insurer would accept an MGOC electro-hydraulic PAS conversion fitted by the supplier's workshops and was pleased they would not require an adjustment to the premium or impose any additional policy conditions or exclusions.

The V8 Register first brought you news of an RV8 PAS conversion back in December 2005 - see Peter Garton's detailed report. RV8NOTE235 (15.3.08)
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