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I have found a 66 convertible I really want to purchase. It does not have power steering or power brakes. The engine has been replace with a 327 crate engine. My question is do all the 327 blocks and heads have the appropriate bolt holes for the mounting of the needed pump brackets to add power steering?
I have seen posts of others adding power steering and it doesn’t seem to be a terrible job and may cost 1000-1500 for the parts.
Thanks in advance. Mike
As stated, the blocks have the same holes but either 68 or 69 bolt holes were added to the heads.
So if you get a system with block attached brackets, it will not be problem.
As stated, the blocks have the same holes but either 68 or 69 bolt holes were added to the heads.
So if you get a system with block attached brackets, it will not be problem.
the only other style brackets are for a long water pump. And as we all know that will never work on a corvette.
I was in the camp that of "manual steering is fine"
A couple months ago, wanting something to do I installed PS on my 65 Vert using all GM OEM parts.
Took me the good part of a day doing it by myself on jack stands. $1000 for parts.
Extremely happy with it. So much more enjoyable driving.
Mike - I've added Power Steering to all '4' of my midyears and prefer the feel of PS. Regarding the block and heads, as you've read, the blocks should all have the same accessory holes and I believe Plaidside is correct that the head accessory holes didn't start till around 1969. I just went out to look at the #291 68-vintage heads on my 66 L79 and no holes present but in the end, if you are using factory brackets for adding Power Steering, you won't be attaching anything to the heads anyway.
Mike T - Prescott AZ
Thanks for all of the information, I really appreciate it!
After watching a YouTube video and having to remove the steering column to shorten it sort has me intimidated.
is there a power steering kit available where you don’t have to remove the steering column. The video I watched, he cut 2 3/8 inch off the spline but still had to remove the column and take another inch out of the straight part and weld it back. I would rather not have to do that if it is avoidable!
Thanks for all of the information, I really appreciate it!
After watching a YouTube video and having to remove the steering column to shorten it sort has me intimidated.
is there a power steering kit available where you don’t have to remove the steering column. The video I watched, he cut 2 3/8 inch off the spline but still had to remove the column and take another inch out of the straight part and weld it back. I would rather not have to do that if it is avoidable!
Thanks,
Mike
buy the OEM style and it’s bolt on with no modification required
Mike - You didn't mention it but were you considering the Borgeson Power Steering? I've only used the factory style PS setups and have not dealt with the Borgeson but from what I've read, it gets good reviews but believe there is a need to
shorten the steering column. If you do decide to go with factory style PS, no need to shorten the steering column.
While on the subject of Steering Columns, not related to power steering at all, what's the condition of your column? Any excess play in the wheel, side to side or up and down?
Owning an old Corvette, you'll find there are times when you work on one part only to find out the next part is in need of repair. It's what they call 'while I'm in there-itis'. No cures known for that malady, just buy more tools ;-).
Mike T - Prescott AZ
I just installed factory style power steering and power brakes on my 66 convertible and it is a whole new experience . Now it is a joy to drive. I highly recommend it.
The power steering will definitly be a nice upgrade but you should drive the car before spending the $$$$ on the power brake changeover. The manual 4 wheel disk in 66 are very nice and, given the light weight of the car, many find they are just fine.
But it is your ride so enjoy it the way you like best
Zip and Paragon sell kits with stock-type components for about $1000.
I would first drive the car. My '64 has PS and my '69 does not. The '69 has much wider tires and a smaller steering wheel, but it's still just fine to drive with manual steering.
Hi Mike,
If you go with the standard GM parts, It's a bolt up assembly, no cutting required. You must use the correct oil pan that has the clearance for the power steering ram. I have no idea of what pan was supplied with the 327 crate engine. The high HP engines were standard with a larger pan sump and the power steering ram will not work with that pan. I have both and can take a dimension tomorrow if needed.
Power steering ram and attachment.
No power steering - standard steering damper with larger oil pan
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Adding power steering question
