Retrofit EPAS system on an RV8

Many enthusiasts comment the steering can feel heavy with an RV8 but this may be because they have become conditioned to the light steering effort with power assisted steering on modern cars they drive on a regular basis. There are two ways of solving this difficulty on an RV8 - you can fit a castor reduction kit or have a power assisted steering retrofit. With the castor reduction kit it is essential you are aware that the RV8 was built with only 4 degrees of positive castor (in fact 3 degrees 48 min plus/minus 54min) to try and compensate for the greater steering effort needed to cope with the greater grip of the wider 205 tyres and modern rubber compounds. So as the RV8 already has 3 degrees less positive castor than the 7 degrees on an MGB, using a standard castor reduction kit that removes 3 degrees of positive castor could result in an RV8 having less than one degree of positive castor which some regard as undesirable and others as dangerous. EPAS kit fitted to a few RV8s returning from Japan With PAS retrofits there are two alternatives: an electro hydraulic PAS installation or an electric PAS using the EPAS equipment fitted to the MGF. EPAS installation fitted to an RV8 Good reports of the hydraulic PAS system have been received from several RV8 members who have had it installed by a UK supplier and fitter but only a few RV8s have returned from Japan with the EPAS retrofitted. There is little information on who fitted those EPAS kits or whether anything was done to ensure their suitability. It is believed the EPAS kits are the equipment fitted to MGFs. If you do have either the castor reduction or a PAS installation fitted, do remember it is essential you disclose that material fact to your insurer. It is material as it affects a safety critical area of your car. (15.10.08) V8 Register - MG Car Club - the leading group for MG V8 enthusiasts at www.v8register.net