[Grant]

I was totally kidding BTW. I respect E30's, but I don't want one.

I drove an E30 M3 a couple of times, it was quite a hoot. Seems like a really fun track toy right out of the box. There's also an E30 318is with an iron block 1.8 liter 4 banger with a forged crankshaft and 4 valve heads good for 150hp. They're like a really cheap M3. The best part: they have a curb weight of around 2500lbs

 

[DSpieg]

Power steering in Milano and BMW 318i

I drove a 1991 BMW 318i, with the M42 twincam four (1.8L and I think about 135 hp) for four years, putting about 120K miles on it. It was the only non-Italian car I've ever owned that rivaled my Alfas for 'fun-to-drive' as well as 'reasonably easy to work on'. The power steering was quick enough for my tastes and had pretty good feel, but I'd agree it was too light (overboosted). More recent BMWs, by the way, are even worse in that respect, I feel their steering is WAY too light. But then again, I thought my Milano steering was much too light with the power assist operational -- I'm much happier now with the p.s. belt snipped.

 

[Grant]

I drove a 1991 BMW 318i, with the M42 twincam four (1.8L and I think about 135 hp) for four years, putting about 120K miles on it. It was the only non-Italian car I've ever owned that rivaled my Alfas for 'fun-to-drive' as well as 'reasonably easy to work on'. The power steering was quick enough for my tastes and had pretty good feel, but I'd agree it was too light (overboosted). More recent BMWs, by the way, are even worse in that respect, I feel their steering is WAY too light. But then again, I thought my Milano steering was much too light with the power assist operational -- I'm much happier now with the p.s. belt snipped.

Jeez, is your other car a '56 Ford 1.5 ton truck? I haven't found another car with heavier steering with PS on than the Milano!

 

[DSpieg]

How'dja know about my truck? It's a '55, by the way.

Kidding.

DS

 

[nizam]

It is the best, there is no question about it.

I have to agree. If the rack leaks, have it rebuilt (they are pretty old now). My last rack rebuild is now on its seventh year. Great feel.

About the only steering rack I like better is one in the Ferrari F355 ... which by the way is also a ZF.

 

[Grant]

What makes it better?

 

[nizam]

The weight and the ratio is "just right" (a very subjective issue, I know), with enough feel for roadway irregularities, but with enough damping to cancel out every single fricken' pebble from jolting the steering wheel. Car is easy to park, and the turning circle is surprisingly decent.

 

[JoeCab]

The weight and the ratio is "just right" (a very subjective issue, I know), with enough feel for roadway irregularities, but with enough damping to cancel out every single fricken' pebble from jolting the steering wheel. Car is easy to park, and the turning circle is surprisingly decent.

I would agree, this is a very good way to sum up the P/S. The Milano P/S is the standard by which I judge other cars.

I certainly wouldn't want a Milano without it, especially when rebuilt racks are readily available.

Joe

 

[Grant]

Yeah, but Joe, he's describing that of an F355. The Milanos do seem to kick back little pebbles...especially when it's lowered and you have bump steer problems. It's refreshingly raw though.

 

[nizam]

Yeah, but Joe, he's describing that of an F355. The Milanos do seem to kick back little pebbles...especially when it's lowered and you have bump steer problems. It's refreshingly raw though.

I'd say both PS racks behave the same, Grant, but the F355 would be a ten our of ten in my book (with the above description) while the Milano would get a nine. They're close. Perhaps the F355's feel slightly better is the missing weight up front?

 

[Grant]

Cool...the Milano is a pretty good value then.

 

[nizam]

Cool...the Milano is a pretty good value then.

Don't get me wrong; they ain't Ferrari's but the spirit is there! I always liked the chassis and steering on the Milanos.

I guess I should stop hijacking this thread.

 

[fraz]

I have driven plenty of Milanos and I run with no PS. I wouldn't want one with the PS. I love the raw feel. Yeah, it sucks in parking lots and there ain't no possibilty of multi-tasking... but then again, I'm driving an Alfa, right?

Talk about feel... what I really like is with a good amount of caster and stiff sidewall tires and no PS, this thing snaps out of high speed corners like a freakin' jet fighter. I have yet to feel another car like this... hence my addiction

FWIW, I finally ditched the PS pump and AC stuff too. It's in a box in my garage and if anybody wants all of my PS and AC stuff, PM me and offer to pay for shipping and it's yours.

 

[Hit an Apex]

OK, one thing to keep in mind before ditching the PS is that ZF has said at one point that the Milano rack was the best PS steering rack they have ever built. I think I remember reading that they were talking in terms of steering feel and weight, wich I think is fantastic.

You think they are going to say it sucks?

 

[Grant]

This is just what Greg Gordon wrote on his website. Argue with him about it if you want. I'm just the messenger.

 

[RGC33]

I'm looking for some where to get my hands on a new or second hand power steering rack for a 1991 Alfa 33. I'm based in Canberra

 

[NMMilano]

I agree that the Milano power steering has great feel and balance but the quality control at ZF must be dismal. As mine is leaking AGAIN I am considering the conversion.
Do the TS (euro75) even have power steering??
Those converting a GTV 6 to Milano power steering must be glutton for punishment. Before I used a 20 year old (poor) design, I think I would look into some of of the very interesting advances made in electric power steering.

 

[AlfaTango1]

The GTV6 power steering has been done with success many times with known and available parts. What would an electric conversion cost? five thousand or more with r&d perhaps? No thanks!

 

[tomp]

Not sure what you mean by ZF quality control, Ive had several toyotas in the family all of which had leaky racks after about 100k or so miles. Thats certainly no better than the racks on my two milanos. Not to mention the toyo are really hard to work on.
.
Tom P.

 

[oz3litre]

I plan to fit the power steering from a 75 onto my 1984 GTV 2 litre. It makes the car far more nimble in my opinion. I can throw my 75 around corners and roundabouts a lot quicker than the GTV. The effort required to turn the GTV is a pain. Removing the power steering would lower your resale value too I would have thought.