Texas Show Apr. 22-24: Post Your Questions

[Lil4X]

I want to have the camera on the joint when he's steering it, that's not a ball joint.
That's way too radical of an angle to work right.

Something just doesn't look right in that video.

I was thinking the same thing, that 70° angle would seem to be too much for a conventional U-joint. If it works at all, that variable radius as the shaft turns should make the output side pretty herky-jerky.

 

[Coss]

Found another kit that does the power assist on the steering column, rather than on the rack.
This one is only $325.00 Of course, that's just the price of the part; it doesn't include labor to install it.


http://www.buyautoparts.com/autoparts/Chevrolet/Electronic_Power_Assist_Column.html

 

[Ekh]

Unless maybe it's electric power steering?

Yep electric would be better -- but I have no idea what the load the system would impose on the alternator -- which isn't exactly extra-beefy on the Elio -- everything being designed for the sweet spot of performance, durability, and cost. Might be a great idea when I hit 80, but in my 70s I hope not!

 

[Kuda]

Found another kit that does the power assist on the steering column, rather than on the rack.
This one is only $325.00 Of course, that's just the price of the part; it doesn't include labor to install it.


Chevrolet Electronic Power Assist Column Parts, View Online Part Sale - BuyAutoParts.com

I expect EM will offer a factory installed
option......though I agree with Ekh.
None of my sport cars had ps & they
we're at least 1k lbs heavier....

 

[Coss]

I expect EM will offer a factory installed
option......though I agree with Ekh.
None of my sport cars had ps & they
we're at least 1k lbs heavier....

Very true; I had a Lotus Europa (curb weight 1,560lbs) back in 73 / 74 and it was just a rack and pinon, no power steering, and it was fine.
You did learn to roll a little when turning the wheel; much easier than trying to do it standing still.

 

[Mel]

Power steering should not be necessary if the geometry is set up correctly. I drove a 1956 Mercury 4-door sedan (tank) for many years without P/S and never had a problem.

 

[Kuda]

Very true; I had a Lotus Europa (curb weight 1,560lbs) back in 73 / 74 and it was just a rack and pinon, no power steering, and it was fine.
You did learn to roll a little when turning the wheel; much easier than trying to do it standing still.

Great car! Colin Chapman, brilliant guy.
I'm a big fan of road feel, the Elio should
be real fun to drive.....

 

[Maurtis]

Very true; I had a Lotus Europa (curb weight 1,560lbs) back in 73 / 74 and it was just a rack and pinon, no power steering, and it was fine.
You did learn to roll a little when turning the wheel; much easier than trying to do it standing still.

Agreed, not having power steering is not an issue especially on a light car. Just learn to start rolling first, even a walking speed is fine. My old Minx weighed more than twice as much as the Elio with similar sized tires and was no issue. I think it will actually help the car feel more solid.

 

[runt2]

Power steering should not be necessary if the geometry is set up correctly. I drove a 1956 Mercury 4-door sedan (tank) for many years without P/S and never had a problem.

I have owned a half dozen geo metros over the years. I always removed the belt to the power steering to save on gas mileage and never noticed a difference in ease of steering.

 

[HonestTex]

Updated questions list:

1. Any update on the E series build?
2. Any update on the DOE loan?
(don't expect anything out of those, but doesn't hurt to ask)
3. Daytime running lights?
4. Body panel material and molding process?
5. Final location of shifter/driver cup holder?
6. Tire size the open fenders are designed to fit?
7. Will open fenders be sold alone, or only with the tires and rims?
8. Estimated date when myelio.me will be up?
9. Is the wiring harness the same on all vehicles, or will there be additions made at marshalling areas?
10. Are any videos planned of the build process?
11. Who is the airbag supplier?
12. Lights on fenders option?
13. Will the rear windows open?
14. Any word on a Hot Wheels model?
15. Power steering standard or option?
16. Cruise control std or option?
17. Car cover option?
18. Keyless ignition option?
19. Door lock / alarm fob?
20. Grab handle option? (A pillar- B pillar)
21. Right side arm rest planned?
22. Are all 100 fleet vehicles sold/leased?
22b. Can we create an LLC and buy/lease?
23. Expected lifetime of vehicle (100k miles?) Extended warranty option?
24.Will it come with a typical price sticker?
25. Any future convertabe/targa top plans?
26. Belly pan std or option?
27. Any speaker locations besides the dash?
28. Any test results on engine?

That's it so far. If I missed or need to remove anything, let me know. I plan on getting everything on video if they'll let me.