69 Without Power Steering
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
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From: Port St Lucie Florida
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69 Without Power Steering
I'm getting ready to take a look at a 69 that sounds perfect but for one thing. The car does not have power steering. It is a small block and I'm just wondering how much of an inconvenience the lack of PS will be. Strange car in a sense....power windows but no power steering or brakes. Thanks for your replies.
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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I'm getting ready to take a look at a 69 that sounds perfect but for one thing. The car does not have power steering. It is a small block and I'm just wondering how much of an inconvenience the lack of PS will be. Strange car in a sense....power windows but no power steering or brakes. Thanks for your replies.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,246
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From: Watkins Glen NY
I had a 68 small block convertible a few years ago with power brakes and power windows, but no power steering. Personally, I disliked the lack of power steering so much that i got rid of it (I know, should have found a p/s unit instead)
I like cars with manual brakes....I now have a 69 with power steering/manual brakes and I am a lot happier with this car than my old 68.
I like cars with manual brakes....I now have a 69 with power steering/manual brakes and I am a lot happier with this car than my old 68.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Peekskill NY
After 3 months, your forearms will look like Popeyes!
You'll get use to it, and there's more road feel with non-power steering. Back in the day, a lot of people didn't want the power steering pump robbing horse power so didn't order it.
I have no power steering or brakes, and it was the brakes that took me the longest to get use to.
In 1967 my mom's boyfriend had a brand new Camaro SS 396-375 with no power steering and she drove it all the time.
You'll get use to it, and there's more road feel with non-power steering. Back in the day, a lot of people didn't want the power steering pump robbing horse power so didn't order it.
I have no power steering or brakes, and it was the brakes that took me the longest to get use to.
In 1967 my mom's boyfriend had a brand new Camaro SS 396-375 with no power steering and she drove it all the time.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Butler Pa
Why? I couldn't tell a difference when I replaced the 350 with a 502.
Man up! Power steering is for little girls.
I'm getting ready to take a look at a 69 that sounds perfect but for one thing. The car does not have power steering. It is a small block and I'm just wondering how much of an inconvenience the lack of PS will be. Strange car in a sense....power windows but no power steering or brakes. Thanks for your replies.
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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I've had big blocks with and without power steering and small blocks both ways. I am no fan of power steering. To me it's another belt to rob power. I like the feel from manual steering better. You get more feedback. Either way, it would not be a determining factor in purchasing a Corvette.
Le Mans Master
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From: Butler Pa
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Indy Indiana
yes 3 point turns and parellel parking would be a bite to a small degree, but so what?.. if the car is a good solid car that does not need much, i sure would not pass it up due to lack of pawer steering... I have had both in my last 2 vettes and although I prefer PS, it would not factor much in a decision to buy..
I drove a 67 bel-air without power steering for 2 years back in my early twenties and it really did put some good broad shoulders on me..
I drove a 67 bel-air without power steering for 2 years back in my early twenties and it really did put some good broad shoulders on me..
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Le Mans Master
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From: Ann Arbor Michigan
If the price is right and you otherwise like the car, buy it. You can easily add power steering since the whole system is a bolt on stand alone type. My 71' has power steering and manual brakes. The manual brakes work fine, but I'm just getting to old to do w/o PS.
Gary
Gary
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Melting Slicks
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From: Port St Lucie Florida
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I thank you all for taking the time to reply. I have no problem with the fact that the car does mnot have power brakes. My concern is that going around a turn at 20 or 25 MPH, and then downshifting, without PS it might be a challenge. I realize I could install PS but of course that changes the whole dynamic of ther car.
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Melting Slicks
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From: Port St Lucie Florida
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Also, with respect to Capevettes response, is there that much difference in weight between a small block and a big block?
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
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From: Boston MA
When I lived in Japan, my 71 LT1 was my daily driver, no power steering or power brakes...three years, no problems...and the streets over there are very narrow, and speeds are low...but it was fun.
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It somewhere around a 120 lb difference. The big blocks are a little nose heavy when cornering compared to the small block. They sure make up for a slight handling deficiency with loads of torque. Honestly when buying a 40 year old Corvette the issue of Power steering should be the least of your concerns.
C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Twin Cities Minnesota
I ran with manual steering for a while, parking wasn't bad, but I have aluminum heads intake water pump....
What bothered me was trying to throw it around a corner. with power steering you can really whip it over. with manual it's a LOT slower!
Oh Yea I also have a rack and pinion...
What bothered me was trying to throw it around a corner. with power steering you can really whip it over. with manual it's a LOT slower!
Oh Yea I also have a rack and pinion...
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Melting Slicks
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From: Port St Lucie Florida
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I thank everyone for taking the time to respond. After weighing the pros and cons, I think I will pass on this car and continue my search. Anyone know of a nice steel bumper car in the Hudson Valley, NY area?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 460
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From: Southeast Ohio
When I went from a SB to a BB, I didn't notice a difference in steering.
Mine has 4 inch wide tires and that cuts down on steering resistance alot.
Don't pass on a nice one just because of the lack of P.S. The stock stuff is pretty inexpensive and easy to bolt on and there are SEVERAL aftermarket alternatives.
Rick
Mine has 4 inch wide tires and that cuts down on steering resistance alot.
Don't pass on a nice one just because of the lack of P.S. The stock stuff is pretty inexpensive and easy to bolt on and there are SEVERAL aftermarket alternatives.
Rick
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Frederick Maryland
My '69 427/435 doesn't have power steering...not that big a deal. Now...after the car sits all winter without being driven, the first time you drive it you've forgotten about the effort it takes. Still...no real problem. It's easy to get used to.