Considering a Manual Steering Conversion (Track only car)
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,351
Likes: 1,677
From: Kitchener, ON
2010 C63 AMG
Considering a Manual Steering Conversion (Track only car)
EDIT: Project scrapped. Not even close to being tolerable.
Has anyone done, or know of anyone who has done a manual steering conversion on this platform?
I am talking about modifying the rack to remove the hydraulic piston and gut the rotary valve so it's completely manual with zero hydraulic resistance. So not the same as trying to steer when the car isn't running (like a bypass loop). I was thinking it would feel similar to when the variable assist is disabled. Pain in the *** steer when going slow and feels slightly heavy at speed. For anyone who has had the ESP module failure, you will know how that feels lol.
I was thinking the main pro for this would be to reduce complexity (get rid of all the PS hydraulics) and make room for a larger transmission cooler up front since the PS cooler would be removed.
Or.... maybe this is a completely dumb idea, not sure yet.
Has anyone done, or know of anyone who has done a manual steering conversion on this platform?
I am talking about modifying the rack to remove the hydraulic piston and gut the rotary valve so it's completely manual with zero hydraulic resistance. So not the same as trying to steer when the car isn't running (like a bypass loop). I was thinking it would feel similar to when the variable assist is disabled. Pain in the *** steer when going slow and feels slightly heavy at speed. For anyone who has had the ESP module failure, you will know how that feels lol.
I was thinking the main pro for this would be to reduce complexity (get rid of all the PS hydraulics) and make room for a larger transmission cooler up front since the PS cooler would be removed.
Or.... maybe this is a completely dumb idea, not sure yet.
Last edited by Jasonoff; Apr 11, 2022 at 05:50 PM.
SPONSOR
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,647
Likes: 818
From: Worldwide
2007 Mercedes E63 AMG
haven't heard of this being done by anyone. great idea though. hopefully you have strong arms as steering with slicks or R compound is quite a workout even with proper manual steering. current F1 cars have power steering. alternatively, you could replace the hydraulic pump with an electronic hydraulic pump. many with Japanese cars repurpose the SW20 electric pump to power their fluid power racks and eliminate weight and packaging.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 412
2010 C63 AMG
Track car good idea sure, but on the street it’s pretty miserable. I converted my gutted 944 to manual steering and it’s like half the weight of a c63 and it become unliveable to drive on the street. I am getting older though so maybe It’s just that
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,351
Likes: 1,677
From: Kitchener, ON
2010 C63 AMG
haven't heard of this being done by anyone. great idea though. hopefully you have strong arms as steering with slicks or R compound is quite a workout even with proper manual steering. current F1 cars have power steering. alternatively, you could replace the hydraulic pump with an electronic hydraulic pump. many with Japanese cars repurpose the SW20 electric pump to power their fluid power racks and eliminate weight and packaging.
A bunch of platforms you can just buy a manual rack. The massive unknown is how heavy will the steering be at speed when it's not pushing a piston through hydraulic fluid.
Common F1 cars see over 5G in corners LOL.
I guess I could find a used rack and convert it. Then loop the hydraulic lines on the pump for an initial test with the converted rack incase I need to go back to hydraulics.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 8,074
Likes: 2,867
From: Los Angeles
2012 P31 C63 Coupe Trackrat, 2019 GLE63S Coupe Beast
As I mentioned, my car currently has the power steering speed-assist unplugged. It feels great at speed with a little more weight to it, but under like 20mph it’s brutal. I think you should go for it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 412
2010 C63 AMG
The 944 had manual steering racks as an option so I just picked one up. As you said you could convert one with the steps you listed. As blkrkt says if you are not driving around town doing 10-20mph or parking it much then the manual shouldn’t be bad and you may even prefer it.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,351
Likes: 1,677
From: Kitchener, ON
2010 C63 AMG
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,745
Likes: 811
From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
I am going to echo what @BLKROKT and @deadlyvt said, with one small additional tidbit. The 924 race car that I had was converted to a fully manual rack with a quicker steering ratio (made by a machinist in the US that specializes in this - https://mwthemachineshop.com (the 944 Power to Manual conversion is what I had done)). The car in race trim was about 2250 lbs without a driver, and following the conversion, in terms of feel and the amount of steering input required was absolutely sublime... as in the best of any race car I've ever driven. The only downside is that once we went endurance racing with it, by the time you drove your second 80-minute stint on the second day on a tighter track, it was a workout and your arms HURT. I completely agree that the C63 power assist is too high for track use (although the steering feel is there - you just really have to have a light touch), but a manual rack on a 3500 lb car will indeed be a workout on a slower, tighter track.
If I was so inclined I'd probably reach out to Martin - head guy at the aforementioned shop - and at least talk things over with him and see if he has any suggestions. He does Porsches but at the end of the day it is just another steering rack.
If I was so inclined I'd probably reach out to Martin - head guy at the aforementioned shop - and at least talk things over with him and see if he has any suggestions. He does Porsches but at the end of the day it is just another steering rack.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,351
Likes: 1,677
From: Kitchener, ON
2010 C63 AMG
I am going to echo what @BLKROKT and @deadlyvt said, with one small additional tidbit. The 924 race car that I had was converted to a fully manual rack with a quicker steering ratio (made by a machinist in the US that specializes in this - https://mwthemachineshop.com (the 944 Power to Manual conversion is what I had done)). The car in race trim was about 2250 lbs without a driver, and following the conversion, in terms of feel and the amount of steering input required was absolutely sublime... as in the best of any race car I've ever driven. The only downside is that once we went endurance racing with it, by the time you drove your second 80-minute stint on the second day on a tighter track, it was a workout and your arms HURT. I completely agree that the C63 power assist is too high for track use (although the steering feel is there - you just really have to have a light touch), but a manual rack on a 3500 lb car will indeed be a workout on a slower, tighter track.
If I was so inclined I'd probably reach out to Martin - head guy at the aforementioned shop - and at least talk things over with him and see if he has any suggestions. He does Porsches but at the end of the day it is just another steering rack.
If I was so inclined I'd probably reach out to Martin - head guy at the aforementioned shop - and at least talk things over with him and see if he has any suggestions. He does Porsches but at the end of the day it is just another steering rack.
First step will be to find a used rack so I can chip away at converting it. I won't be doing any enduro sessions in the C63 anytime soon so I think I'm good lol.
SPONSOR
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,647
Likes: 818
From: Worldwide
2007 Mercedes E63 AMG
ah yes...i'm sorry i realized now after i wrote...i meant for the C63. thankfully we have track rats like Jim leading the charge on doing things others haven't done yet.
i'd be curious to compare the feel of the C63's rack versus the W211 E63's as i do have feedback, although still not as much as a manual rack, but just the right amount of assist at speed.
i'd be curious to compare the feel of the C63's rack versus the W211 E63's as i do have feedback, although still not as much as a manual rack, but just the right amount of assist at speed.
Last edited by hachiroku; Jan 6, 2022 at 04:06 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 412
2010 C63 AMG
having driven both fairly extensively they are pretty similar however the 211’s has a little less feedback than the 204. May be slightly more assist or maybe it’s the softer chassis/suspension setup
SPONSOR
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,647
Likes: 818
From: Worldwide
2007 Mercedes E63 AMG
to my understanding, the W211 E55's have horrible steering. Slow ratio and overly boosted. W211 E63 is fine for me being a big body chassis. could i use a little less on track, sure, but i'm happy with the amount of speed sensitive boost it does have. just right for my liking.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,351
Likes: 1,677
From: Kitchener, ON
2010 C63 AMG
If you can steer the 63 on the move over 10mph without a the belt on the PS. Then its a go
Either way, I am working on gutting my current PS pump to turn it into a glorified idler.
He also mentioned they can do the conversion as well. Will get more details.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 826
Likes: 106
From: Sweden
2011 C63 AMG, 589hp
After i took engine out in my car i hurt the solenoid(ordered a new one)
And as i drove it to paintshop and home again i can´t say it is brutal at low speeds, heavy yes, but not brutal.
But it might just be me that has some umphh in my arms also
And as i drove it to paintshop and home again i can´t say it is brutal at low speeds, heavy yes, but not brutal.
But it might just be me that has some umphh in my arms also
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,351
Likes: 1,677
From: Kitchener, ON
2010 C63 AMG
How was it at speed?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 8,074
Likes: 2,867
From: Los Angeles
2012 P31 C63 Coupe Trackrat, 2019 GLE63S Coupe Beast
For those of us without Popeye forearms and actually driving these things on track, keep in mind that the heaviness at low speeds is exacerbated by neg cambered wide and sticky track tires and 30 minute stints including slow corners. I’d suggest keeping it unplugged for a full track event rather than just running to the store for milk, before forming any opinions.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,351
Likes: 1,677
From: Kitchener, ON
2010 C63 AMG
For those of us without Popeye forearms and actually driving these things on track, keep in mind that the heaviness at low speeds is exacerbated by neg cambered wide and sticky track tires and 30 minute stints including slow corners. I’d suggest keeping it unplugged for a full track event rather than just running to the store for milk, before forming any opinions.
SPONSOR
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,647
Likes: 818
From: Worldwide
2007 Mercedes E63 AMG
wow that thing looks brand new inside.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 826
Likes: 106
From: Sweden
2011 C63 AMG, 589hp
Somewhere between no servo(brutal) and with servo, when rolling and engine running, but the response into the steeringwheel is great.
Standing still with engine off is a LOT harder, that would i say is brutal
But it is the same with solenoid connected or not.
But maybe as i mentioned above it is just me
I had a racecar earlier with slicks, a lot of camber and caster and awd, that thing was brutal when my antiroll bar was set on max, and didn´t have any powersteering at all.
(one almost thinks that one would snap the steering shaft)
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,351
Likes: 1,677
From: Kitchener, ON
2010 C63 AMG
Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 208
Likes: 47
AMG C63
Question...you seem to be track oriented.
Why not just get a high-ish miled GT and swap your engine and effectively have a GT3 precursor?
Naturally there is the cost benefit question but if its a start and finish track situation that seems to be an option and you could do whatever you wanted with the engines out of the cars.
If its love, laziness, or cheapness I would agree with you but just an idea
Why not just get a high-ish miled GT and swap your engine and effectively have a GT3 precursor?
Naturally there is the cost benefit question but if its a start and finish track situation that seems to be an option and you could do whatever you wanted with the engines out of the cars.
If its love, laziness, or cheapness I would agree with you but just an idea
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,745
Likes: 811
From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
Question...you seem to be track oriented.
Why not just get a high-ish miled GT and swap your engine and effectively have a GT3 precursor?
Naturally there is the cost benefit question but if its a start and finish track situation that seems to be an option and you could do whatever you wanted with the engines out of the cars.
If its love, laziness, or cheapness I would agree with you but just an idea
Why not just get a high-ish miled GT and swap your engine and effectively have a GT3 precursor?
Naturally there is the cost benefit question but if its a start and finish track situation that seems to be an option and you could do whatever you wanted with the engines out of the cars.
If its love, laziness, or cheapness I would agree with you but just an idea
Unlike the current 4L TT in the production cars or the AMG GT4, the M156 engine was designed to be a race motor from the ground up, and Mercedes is still using it 15 years later (with a dry sump which technically makes it an M159) in their current AMG GT3 race cars. That right there says a lot about the durability and/or suitability of the motor. All other things being equal, the 4L TT from the GT would be a downgrade at best.
