How does the epas get the speed signal?
It just reads PCM data over CAN BUS as the IC does, rack uses only 5 wires, thick power, thick ground in one connector, switched power and both high and low lines of the HS CAN data on the other, that is it.
Now, to have this installed you will need a new bracket welded to your current k-member for the 3rd bolt (or get a BMR 11+ unit, will just bolt on), this rack has more weight in the front due to the controller and electric motor so there is a new rearward bolt to manage that (credit to kdanner for commenting this many many moons ago), that 3rd point is quite beefy if you at it, probably because there is some new torsion going due to the electric motor's back/forth motion.
Also you will also need the connectors for it, probably can get the pigtails thru Ford but given the absurdly priced these things are, getting the complete harness makes a lot of more sense (you will have all the wiring you need, fuse and more) for around 140$.
Weight wise, I think you may get to save some when you add lines, pump and fluid you are removing but nothing too big, if it is even real, maybe is the exact opposite, I'll measure it whenever I get to do it.
So basically you need the rack, wiring, a new belt (which I need to find out which one is it, if anyone that re-routed or removed this and kept everything the same, including the A/C, I would love to know which belt they used so to have it at hand, we can barely find toilet paper to buy down here, an specific belt probably even less) and weld the new k-member ear.
We have the coyote swapped car running an stock '12 rack for a couple of years, it has been suffering the same issues reported on the "EPAS terrible shudder" (
thread here) so we have a FRPP unit here for its replacement.
Reasons for doing this? there are some but, some are more valid than others, to anyone its own to look into this.
- Power gains, there is some power spent on spinning that steering pump, some say about 7hp, true? don't know, worth? maybe, for an NA guy every HP you can gain is good. It would be like when you install UDPs, you get to feel them more than the numbers reflect mainly because is not a flow related thing like other mods when you see bigger differences in numbers but only around peak areas, this will be felt everywhere. Now, money wise, is it worthy???? You are talking a 1000$ mod here (considering FRPP rack)
- Weight savings, I sincerely don't know, this rack is heavy, so don't know even if they exist.
- Clearance, you need the space for something else like, another accessory, relocate the alternator, turbo hot side piping, etc.
- Feel, some will say that you have to be nuts to switch a hydraulic PS system for electric, feelwise, but our rack feels mushy and has nothing to brag about, for me, this is a big improvement, I have only driven 2 EPAS mustang and I felt in love.
- Wow factor, is there, is new, is different, that counts right? ;-)
