Electric Power Steering
 

FYI.... I fabbed up an electric power steering column for my LS1 Miata.....

This is sweet. Details!!

I thought about this for a long time, my Miata has a manual steering rack. I was looking real hard at a Prius column.... but was unsure what was needed for a can-bus signal. So I ran across a few posts (different cars) using a Saturn Vue column and a can-bus adaptor from ebay (less than $80). The column was purchased from a local pick a part as well as an extra Miata column. When I started dissecting them both, I found the where very similar having the same spline for the steering wheel as well as the same top bearing. I cut the top off the Miata column and welded it to the flange of the Vue. On the bottom the column is very short and I had to construct a custom shaft. While I was doing that I added a double u joint at the rack so the steering shaft would clear the header without modification(to the header).

Very cool. Do you have any pictures of the Frankenstein steering shaft out of the car? This sure sounds like a great way to have power steering without the clutter and complexity of the hydraulic pump on the engine. Nice that it can be adjustable with a knob on the dash as well.