Can you add power steering to a Jaguar Mk2?

Yes — the most popular route is a modern electric power steering (EPAS) conversion such as the EZ kit, which assists the column and is speed-sensitive; hydraulic and rack conversions are also possible.

Does electric power steering need an alternator?

Yes — an EPAS motor can draw up to around 40 amps at full lock, so a modern high-output alternator is needed in place of the original dynamo.

Does power steering spoil the feel of a Mk2?

A speed-sensitive electric system gives full assistance when parking and tapers off with speed, so it keeps most of the steering feel on the open road while removing the low-speed effort.

Did any Mk2s come with power steering?

Yes — power steering was a factory option on some Mk2s, using an engine-driven recirculating-ball system, though it is low-geared and vaguer than a modern conversion.

Upgrade guide

Power Steering Conversions

By Jon Cosson — classic-car owner, North Yorkshire, near Thornton-le-Dale

Large thin-rimmed wood-rimmed steering wheel and chrome column inside a classic British sports saloon — Placeholder image — owner to replace with a photograph of the car's own steering wheel and column.

An unassisted Mk2 is hard work at parking speeds — that big, elegant steering wheel needs real muscle. Power steering transforms low-speed manoeuvring, and the modern electric conversions do it without the vagueness the old systems were known for.

The original steering

Most Mk2s left the factory with unassisted steering; power steering was a factory option on some, using an engine-driven recirculating-ball system — helpful, but low-geared and short on feel. Many survivors are manual (unassisted).

The modern electric conversion (EPAS)

The popular upgrade today is an electric power steering kit (the EZ Electric Power Steering conversion is the best-known, sold through Jaguar specialists). An electric motor assists the column and is speed/pressure-sensitive: maximum help when parking, tapering off as speed rises, so you keep feel on the open road. Benefits: a simpler install than a hydraulic system, adjustable assistance, and much better feedback.

One important consequence: an EPAS motor can draw up to around 40 amps at full lock, so the car needs a modern high-output alternator (the original dynamo will not cope) — see the ignition & electrical guide.

Other routes

Speed-sensitive electric hydraulic pumps can enhance an original engine-driven system; a full rack-and-pinion conversion (e.g. using an XJ6 rack) is possible but involves fabricated brackets, hose adaptors and a jointed connecting shaft — a bigger job.

The trade-off

Power steering does soften the ultimate feel a purist prizes — but a good speed-sensitive electric system gives most of the low-speed ease with little cost to the driving experience, which is why it is the fast-road favourite.

On our car

873 EUT has speed-sensitive power steering — light and easy at parking speeds, natural on the move. The full specification is in The Build: 873 EUT.

Common questions

Can you add power steering to a Jaguar Mk2?: Yes — the most popular route is a modern electric power steering (EPAS) conversion such as the EZ kit, which assists the column and is speed-sensitive; hydraulic and rack conversions are also possible.
Does electric power steering need an alternator?: Yes — an EPAS motor can draw up to around 40 amps at full lock, so a modern high-output alternator is needed in place of the original dynamo.
Does power steering spoil the feel of a Mk2?: A speed-sensitive electric system gives full assistance when parking and tapers off with speed, so it keeps most of the steering feel on the open road while removing the low-speed effort.
Did any Mk2s come with power steering?: Yes — power steering was a factory option on some Mk2s, using an engine-driven recirculating-ball system, though it is low-geared and vaguer than a modern conversion.