JacksonD

Ok so I have heard in multiple places that when Honda updated (facelift) the ep3, among other things they changed something with the EPS "based on Honda literature, this facelifted (FL) model was targeted at addressing customers' and critics' feedback such as understeer on the limit (due to the front Macpherson strut setup), numb steering response and lack of low end torque."

So I have done a little searching but to no avail. What is different between the 02-03 and the 04-05 EPS? I am also surprised that no one has worked on swapping parts either from old to new or new to old to supplement this "Criticism". I personally think the EPS is almost indistinguishable from standard (traditional) power steering in other cars under daily driving and some spirited driving (havent had enough experience autox with the EPS yet to really make a personal decision). Unfortunately there is no way to compare an ep3 with EPS vs an ep3 with traditional power steering to get a real comparison. If anyone with some experience could chime in I would appreciate it. I will post similar threads on H-T and cep3 seeking knowledge as well. Thanks for your time :smokin:

CLIFF NOTES:
What is different in EPS between EP3 gens?
Can parts be swapped between generations so for example a pre-facelift model could have these benefits of better p/s?
Would it even be worth the time, money, or effort to swap/source such parts?

Type-Spaz

damn I will definitely have to look into this as I was not aware there was any difference...

SHG_Claudio

SHG_EasyE just converted his 02 EP3 to the hydraulic system of a RSX. Check out his build thread! https://honda-tech.com/forums/appearance-build-threads-122/shg-back-easys-ep3-goes-under-knife-2748948/

Type-Spaz

why LOL I love the EPS better but if he tracks it I can understand the hydraulics more

JacksonD

Ya, I am also interested in SHG's input to his reasoning of the swap. BTW SHG I have browsed your build thread a few times and I just wanted to say that you have done some pretty beautiful things. I found some info on ephatch, just that the part numbers for various things are different, so there IS something different but part #'s only tell so much.

Lordeldor says:
"I had never heard that the steering rack was revised.

I don't know any of this from first hand experience, but I dug through Majestic's catalog and these were the differences I saw.

First off the whole steering rack assembly has different part #s.
02: 53606-S5T-A61 011 001 RACK ASSY., POWER STEERING
04: 53606-S6A-G31 011 001 RACK ASSY., POWER STEERING

So then if you look at the steering rack components these are the part numbers that differ:
02: 53602-S5T-G01 011 001 MOTOR
04: 53602-S6A-G31 011 001 MOTOR SET

02: 53611-S5T-G32 015 001 HOUSING, SLIDER
04: 53611-S5A-G61 015 001 HOUSING, SLIDER

Obviously different part numbers only tell you so much.

If it truly is an upgrade the motor would be trivial to swap, but the housing would be an involved job. "

http://www.ephatch.com/forum/showthr...PS-differences

SHG_Claudio

I've talked to him about this and when asked about how he felt about the stock EPS system when his car was stock he said it felt good. In his opinion it didn't provide as much assist as he would like but that was just his preference. It was good though, just wished it had a little more assist but purely preference.

Now when he upgraded to 17x9 RPFs in the front, the wider wheels had a hard time tracking straight on the highway and he had to keep making little corrections and now the EPS felt like it really lacked assist because of that.

With the RSX system fitted he said its perfect and just right. Also has no issues tracking straight so it worked for him. Keep in mind though, its the wider wheels that requires more effort to turn so the new system helped a lot.

Thanks Jackson, still a major work in progress haha.

JacksonD

Interesting, what year ep does he (easy) have? I'd check but I'm on my phone and too small letters to sick with it. If he has a pre facelift is be interested to see how the facelift model compares with his bigger tires

SHG_Claudio

2002

poeticfinesse21

Sorry to bump an old thread but has anyone thought about the EP3 Type-R EPS? The Type-R came with 17x7 wheels and 205/40/17 tires so I'm sure it's more responsive than either USDM EPS. Maybe the Type-R EPS would be a good investment?

gsxremep3

I'm in for any other info on the differences and would like to know about the Type R EPS.

BWek

i think the Facelifted cars had a slightly faster ratio.