Quote:
Originally Posted by Axl
Not sold on that train of thought . If thats all there was to it , then power assist wouldn't be standard equipment on almost every single vehicle available today . In some cases , you can get away with it , but when weight and/or speed gets too high , then the size of the pistons in the system would be just too large to be practical . I worked with this guy who had a supercharged V8 30's Ford pick-up , with drum brakes all around . He could go fast in it , but as he told me , it takes about 5 blocks to slow down . I like going very fast , but I also like the idea of being able to stop on a dime and give change .
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I go along with Steve on this one. On a vehicle as light as a beetle there is no need to power assist the brakes or the standard steering. If you are contemplating 300bhp in a vehicle that weighs ~850kg then the last thing you need is a system than deadens the feel of the vehicle. Max control is whats its all about. Having worked for GM you will of course be aware that they steadfastly refused to power the brakes on their fastest Corvette even when it was capable of more than 170mph. They did it to maintain feel and control - it couldn't be for cost reasons
As regards power steering, again there is no reason to do so in standard trim unless of course you will add a huge amount of caster (>10deg.) or seriously quick steering (1 1/2 turns lock to lock
)(that could be beneficial).
Power steering and power brakes are there to ease the control requirements for the wide range of drivers from the geriatric to the infirm but I assume that most contributors to this forum are fit and healthy?? Also, modern cars are setup with brake, steering and suspension geometries that make it almost impossible to steer and brake without those powered systems. Try driving a modern car on (an unoccupied) down hill curvey road with the engine switched off
