Celica RA40 Power Steering conversion

[PeterH]

I want to add power steering to my 1981 Celica (18 R-C) with factory air con. I don't want to sell the car but my wife says the steering is way too heavy, especiallly when parking.
I read about another conversion that was done using parts out of a Cressida but it was a bit messy needing repositioning of the horn contacts and indicator stalk.
Can anyone tell me of another conversion that would work? Is there anything out of a Hilux, particularly those that ran the 18R-C, that would be a straight installation?

[masterofsinanju]

Try this

Toymods Car Club Inc: Tech & Conversions => power steering for early celicas (pre 82') how i did it... pics

But I also thought RA40's had factory PS options so you might find one through a wrecker?

[PeterH]

I don't know about any factory options as the Australian spec Celicas of the day did not come with PS. If it was an option in Japan, then I'd like to know more about it and see if I can get one, only from where?
I read about one conversion using the PS box out of a MX62 Cressida. Thanks for the link, I'll have a look at it.

[Willofan]

I am ratting a Cressida MX32 for the PS box, lines and pump to go into an RA28 as the old mate who owns it wants to be able to park it.
It is basically the same as the RA40 from what I can tell
He helps me, I help him...

[rob]

Ma45 power steering box will bolt in, you'll need a custom bracket to hold a pump tho.

Also note ma45's are very rare.

[PeterH]

I'm researching electric power steering kits and was wondering if anyone had tried one. Motorsport in Brisbane are selling universal kits called Ultimate Power Steering.

[PeterH]

and thanks for the info re the MX32 and the MA45. I've got one PS conversion place here in Perth which looks hopeful but most workshops are not interested in helping. That's the problem with Perth. It's the end of the planet as far as getting things like this done.

[airfireman1]

PeterH do you own a white RA40 liftbck or have I got the wrong guy

[PeterH]

Yes Dave it's me.

[masterofsinanju]

At the risk of being off topic, that last post was a little HAL from 2001 Space Odyssey.

[PeterH]

Hmmm. It does sound like that.

[PeterH]

I've just had a response from a Electric power steering supplier who said that aftermarket kits are onlly for race and track applications since it would not be legal to install them on road going cars.

[PeterH]

although, it does not seem to be a problem overseas, e.g. the U.K.

[airfireman1]

well Hal we are from that era

[PeterH]

Just thought I'd put it out there: anyone know of a MA45 box and pump that's looking for a new home?