I'm in the process of trying to retrofit power steering in my 90hf with a b16 swap. This CRX originally had a manual steering rack which is worn and making lots of noises. I am running HCP motor mounts as well as AC with an HCP mount and wondering how I am going to get this to fit in. The JDM CRX SIR has PS, so I should be able to make it work with the right parts. My largest concern right now is fitment of the pump, as there is only 2.5 inchces of clearance between the corner of the valve cover and the front corner of the engine compartment above where the AC compressor fits. It opens up a bit as you go deeper due to the contour of the head, but not a whole bunch.

So far I picked up;

USDM EF (civic EX) power steering rack, and skid plate (I didn't get the subframe, it was damaged and I can't see how the subframe from the manual wouldn't work, except the fact that there alot of baggage to remove with all the plumbing/clips/grommets on the donor.)
USDM EF (civic EX) power steering resevoir and brackets
USDM EF (civic EX) power steering lines and brackets
USDM EF (civic EX) power steeing cooler (mounts in front of radiator)

I tried a b18b1 ps pump with the smaller civic ex pulley and it doesn't fit. The ps brackets aren't spaced far enough apart and also hang the pump to close to the part of the engine compartment I've mentioned above.

I found a guy on ebay with a original CRX SIR b16 pump and brackets (PR3) which he didn't use, so now I am going to try that.

I hope it works. In general don't all the USDM aftermarket b16 mounts (HCP/hasport) simply mount the motor a little lower since the usdm hood is sculpted lower? Do any of them move it more forward?

Otherwise I might be looking for SIR motor mounts.....I'm not concerned about the hood, I have a SIR one ready to go on.

Has anybody done this before, I've been searching the archives off and on for weeks.

Please no comments about not needing PS, I know it adds weight, isn't really necessary on an alrealdy lightweight and extra hassle which robs power, but I'm going to try it anyway.

Comments on the installation appreciated, thanks!


Modified by stegs at 8:08 PM 9/4/2008

 

I'm not trying to sound like an *** or anything but, why do you want power steering so bad? My CRX is my daily driver, and I never miss having it and I'm in it quite a bit.

 

the ps racks have a better, (quicker) ratio. Its better for sportier driving, say auto-x and when having fitted wider tires as I have. Plus my wife drives the car.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dlaub25 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm not trying to sound like an *** or anything but, why do you want power steering so bad? My CRX is my daily driver, and I never miss having it and I'm in it quite a bit. </TD></TR></TABLE>
My mother has arthritis in her arms so no power steering hurts her arms and she misses driving my car so this might be an interesting thing to do one day

 

My b16 (Xsi V belt type) came with the ps pump you are looking for just pm me and pay for shipping its yours free. Just make sure you have the right pulley on the crank the older b16's use a V belt the newer b16's use a 4 ribbed belt(like the alternator belt). anyway you WILL need the subframe. the hole that the the rack sticks through for the linkage is larger on ps equipped cars. I have tried already you will need the subframe (doesnt fit with the stock subframe short of dangerous cutting), you will also need the vss part that has holes for the ps lines to go in, if your b16 was from an integra you should have this, I dont know that the ex's use this, if they dont you will need 90-93 integra lines. Or you can do like Im going to do and run a electric power steering pump and make custom lines. cheers

 

I never knew that they had a better ratio, its interesting though. I would have thought that a car without power steering would have a better ratio, just so that it would take less turns of the wheel to make a turn. I guess you learn something new everyday huh.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by stegs &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the ps racks have a better, (quicker) ratio. Its better for sportier driving, say auto-x and when having fitted wider tires as I have. Plus my wife drives the car.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I autox my b16 hatch with no power steering of course and the feedback is a lot better then a power steering equiped car. I run slicks also 225/45/13. I just don't like the soft/spongy feel of power steering especially during an autox. Once the car is moving its really know big deal.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Crx Jimmy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">My b16 (Xsi V belt type) came with the ps pump you are looking for just pm me and pay for shipping its yours free. Just make sure you have the right pulley on the crank the older b16's use a V belt the newer b16's use a 4 ribbed belt(like the alternator belt). anyway you WILL need the subframe. the hole that the the rack sticks through for the linkage is larger on ps equipped cars. I have tried already you will need the subframe (doesnt fit with the stock subframe short of dangerous cutting), you will also need the vss part that has holes for the ps lines to go in, if your b16 was from an integra you should have this, I dont know that the ex's use this, if they dont you will need 90-93 integra lines. Or you can do like Im going to do and run a electric power steering pump and make custom lines. cheers </TD></TR></TABLE>

I have the older b16 with the crank having the v belt design. My CRX sir ps bracket and pump arrived friday, so I'll see if it clears in a few days. Will post results.

Thanks for the tip on the subframe, I'll have to get one.

Could you describe the VSS and the lines choices you recommend. I did notice a DA LS integra at the boneyard and although the subframe and lines looked similar I did notice the main feed to the rack from the pump did have an electrical connection to it. I'm not sure what you are saying I will need to do...

I'm running a cable trans, so no VSS in my application. Maybe I'll simply have the stock line modififed to fit the b16 pump. They should be able to crimp a new end on it with the right tool. I imagine I'll have to visit a shop that does this...had this done before for custom AC charge lines on another vehicle....

 

yes I know you have a cable vss but where the cable goes into the transmission there are power steering ports which alter fluid flow, look at a da setup and you will see what I mean. unless you can find some sir lines I think you might have to make a hodge podge of lines maybe some from the ex and some from the da or a combo of both.

 

I am doing a similar swap. The parts I have gathered are 90-93 Integra parts.
You'll need the subframe from the PS 4 door EF.
I grabbed the cooler, rack, reservoir, and lines that run up the side off the EF.
Then I grabbed the VSS and all the metal and rubber lines from the DA.
I am running an SIR cluster so I needed an electric VSS. I ghetto rigged an electric VSS onto the cable but I didn't like it so after some searching a found a prelude with the DA style VSS with power steering hookups and an electric sender. The only bolt hole on the VSS that holds it to the trans was a little off so I enlarged it till it fit.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Crx Jimmy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">yes I know you have a cable vss but where the cable goes into the transmission there are power steering ports which alter fluid flow, look at a da setup and you will see what I mean. unless you can find some sir lines I think you might have to make a hodge podge of lines maybe some from the ex and some from the da or a combo of both. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Hate to sound stupid but I am confused. If you started with a manual rack CRX like mine and a SIR cable trans, then I don't have or need a vss (vehicle speed sensor). I should be able to PS run lines the same way the civic ex ps systems runs, excluding the main line to the top of the ps pump since the b series connection plumbing has a different end.

If I recall correctly, there are 3 lines in the civic ex standard d series powered system.

1.) main feed from top of ps pump to rack. (resevoir feeds the pump)
2.) Return from rack to grill cooler and then back to reservoir
3.) bypass/overflow between reservoir and rack

I understand the DA LS integra has an electrical connection on the main line, I assume this to be an electrical VSS feed to alter flow based on engine speed. (I don't care to have this feature and keep in mind the civic ex doesn't have it either).

I also understand that my SIR trans is in no way currently tied to the steering rack and I do not see why I would need to have this, unless I really want speed sensitive power assist steering, which to my knowledge the SIR crx didn't have and certainly the civic ex does NOT have.

What am I missing besides I have to figure a way to adapt the civic ex feed line (#1 above) to that of the B series SIR ps pump I will be using....

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JohnnieChimpo &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I am doing a similar swap. The parts I have gathered are 90-93 Integra parts.
You'll need the subframe from the PS 4 door EF.
I grabbed the cooler, rack, reservoir, and lines that run up the side off the EF.
Then I grabbed the VSS and all the metal and rubber lines from the DA.
I am running an SIR cluster so I needed an electric VSS. I ghetto rigged an electric VSS onto the cable but I didn't like it so after some searching a found a prelude with the DA style VSS with power steering hookups and an electric sender. The only bolt hole on the VSS that holds it to the trans was a little off so I enlarged it till it fit.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I am using the EDM crx sir cluster with kph and mph, so I don't need the VSS to power it......maybe this is where the confusion is coming in.

I can see using the integra lines if you are already adding in the VSS for other reasons....

What the heck am I not understanding?

 

The electrical hookup on the DA is to tell the computer to add engine speed, so the idle won't drop.

The VSS hose connections are so the power steering only works at low speeds and you have everyone's precious manual steering at speeds above 30pmh.

I like how you said lets not make this a why power steering thread and the very next post is a why would you want power steering post, not even one sentence later. When I see that it makes me wonder if the other guy even bothered to read your whole post before clicking reply.

Typical H-T, your modifications must be the same as the rest of us or we will hassle you.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JohnnieChimpo &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The electrical hookup on the DA is to tell the computer to add engine speed, so the idle won't drop.

The VSS hose connections are so the power steering only works at low speeds and you have everyone's precious manual steering at speeds above 30pmh.

I like how you said lets not make this a why power steering thread and the very next post is a why would you want power steering post, not even one sentence later. When I see that it makes me wonder if the other guy even bothered to read your whole post before clicking reply.

Typical H-T, your modifications must be the same as the rest of us or we will hassle you.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

Thanks, now that you've explained it, that makes sense. I'm not trying to re-invent the wheel, just mirror what was done from the factory for the civic/crx that came factory equiped with PS. I gather it is safe say that we've established the USDM EF came with no vss trigger, and it probably isn't necessary to do so in my application, unless the SIR b16 ps pump has that much more total pressure output. I did get a pulley from the civic ex ps system, which is smaller, so I will be underdriving it, so maybe not as much output even if constant at all speeds, parking or hwy.

As per your other comments about this ps thread hijacking to "why do it" I can only respond in agreement that it seems to be the common response here on ht. I did after-all search the archives as I said for weeks. 90% of the time each thread on retrofitting to PS turned focus to comments like, "hit the gym" or you don't need it sorta response. We should be used to it....however there are a few of us that regardless, just do things because we want to and have the patience and intelligence to figure it out.

Back to the PS saga, I really would be interested in whether a genuine SIR has... My quess is it is a simple system without VSS regulated ps. I might be able to find this in my sir shop manual.

Oh and btw JohnnieChimpo, do are you still looking for an original SIR hood. I might be able to help you out with that. Check your pm.