Steering Pump options
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Steering Pump options
I am installing a jeep box and hydroboost in my 68 vert with 454.
I've heard from various members that the stock power steering pumps burn out very quickly with both the jeep box and hydro installed.
I've heard of a few knowledgable members using the KRC Racing style pumps that run a little over $200.
Anyone know of any other aftermarket steering pumps that I could run?
Any pumps off another model year car/truck that would work on my setup with the 454? I'd like to run all AN fittings, no hose clamps.
Advice welcome.
http://www.car-part.com/ to find used parts.
I've heard from various members that the stock power steering pumps burn out very quickly with both the jeep box and hydro installed.
I've heard of a few knowledgable members using the KRC Racing style pumps that run a little over $200.
Anyone know of any other aftermarket steering pumps that I could run?
Any pumps off another model year car/truck that would work on my setup with the 454? I'd like to run all AN fittings, no hose clamps.
Advice welcome.
http://www.car-part.com/ to find used parts.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Originally Posted by 68 NJConv 454
I've heard from various members that the stock power steering pumps burn out very quickly with both the jeep box and hydro installed.
That sounds fishy man. The Hydro only uses the line pressure when braking, and the pump makes the same pressure regardless of usage. Besides...power steering pumps will last forvever so long as they are never run without fluid. That's how you burn pumps. I can't see both a Hydro and Jeeb box would cause early failure. Hopefully someone with some technical backup will chime in.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Thanks for asking around.
Is it possible to mod a stock pump for AN fittings?
Do I have to use those AN fittings that mount to a flared hardline?
Anyone know what size the tubes are on a stock big block pump?
Anyone know of any decent not so expensive aftermarket pumps?
Thanks
Is it possible to mod a stock pump for AN fittings?
Do I have to use those AN fittings that mount to a flared hardline?
Anyone know what size the tubes are on a stock big block pump?
Anyone know of any decent not so expensive aftermarket pumps?
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Originally Posted by 68 NJConv 454
Thanks for asking around.
Is it possible to mod a stock pump for AN fittings?
Do I have to use those AN fittings that mount to a flared hardline?
Anyone know what size the tubes are on a stock big block pump?
Anyone know of any decent not so expensive aftermarket pumps?
Thanks
Is it possible to mod a stock pump for AN fittings?
Do I have to use those AN fittings that mount to a flared hardline?
Anyone know what size the tubes are on a stock big block pump?
Anyone know of any decent not so expensive aftermarket pumps?
Thanks
I would think so. On the back of that pump is a large nut, with a threaded bung in it. That bung is what the pressure hose threads into. You can remove it, drill it, and re-tap it for whatever size fitting you want. If you want AN fittings, pick your size, make sure it's larger than the existing thread, and tap away.
That is assuming you don't have a fitting that already fits the bung.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Before I would go to the trouble of modifying a stock pump I would buy a KRC racing pump with a remote resevoire. The stock pump has a bolt and a stud that bolt all the way into the resevoire and they are easy to strip. All replacement stock pumps have metric threads only where the stud screws into so you have to buy a new stud too, from GM. With a remote resevoire the fluid is easier to check and you can run more fluid making the system operate cooler, and you can use AN fittings on the pump and resevoire. Just my thoughts.
Bernie
Bernie
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
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From: Columbia Missouri
Originally Posted by I'm Batman
One of Norval's old Jeep Box posts lists the AN adapter fittings for the old PS pump holes. No need to drill anything.
After doing those hubs, Batman, I see why you don't drilling. I like it. I like to get a big drill, a sharp bit and give it heck. Ha, Love it.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,444
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Originally Posted by Durango_boy
Besides...power steering pumps will last forvever so long as they are never run without fluid. That's how you burn pumps.
Wide front tires, lots of steering input, high rpm burns out the stock pump very fast. The reservoir gets so hot that it burns out all the seals. I was going through a pump a year until I installed a inline cooler on the return side.Most of the do it your selfers go to the junk yard and pull the Hydraboost off of 90's full sized GM pickups and SUV's
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Originally Posted by gkull
This is not really a true statement. Wide front tires, lots of steering input, high rpm burns out the stock pump very fast. The reservoir gets so hot that it burns out all the seals. I was going through a pump a year until I installed a inline cooler on the return side.
Wide front tires, lots of steering input, high rpm burns out the stock pump very fast. The reservoir gets so hot that it burns out all the seals. I was going through a pump a year until I installed a inline cooler on the return side.I know a pump won't last forever under circumstances like that but the average driver doesn't fong a car like that, and most Vettes don't even get driven 52 times a year. Generally it's half that. My statement was more along the lines of a sarcastic general word towards a general crowd of weekend road warriors.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
George,
You are known to drive your car well above 100 MPH most of the time and in the desert to boot! I can see why you would have higher failure rates than normal. A lot of the racers around here will only use GM steering fluid too. They swear it makes the pumps last longer.
Bernie
You are known to drive your car well above 100 MPH most of the time and in the desert to boot! I can see why you would have higher failure rates than normal. A lot of the racers around here will only use GM steering fluid too. They swear it makes the pumps last longer.
Bernie
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
Originally Posted by I'm Batman
One of Norval's old Jeep Box posts lists the AN adapter fittings for the old PS pump holes. No need to drill anything.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Originally Posted by BerniesVette
George,
You are known to drive your car well above 100 MPH most of the time and in the desert to boot! I can see why you would have higher failure rates than normal. A lot of the racers around here will only use GM steering fluid too. They swear it makes the pumps last longer.
Bernie
You are known to drive your car well above 100 MPH most of the time and in the desert to boot! I can see why you would have higher failure rates than normal. A lot of the racers around here will only use GM steering fluid too. They swear it makes the pumps last longer.
Bernie
I spoke to you in a PM about the KRC pumps. Any chance you can post a link to the exact pump you and Norval are using?
Norval got his from a Canadian parts dealer, where did you order yours from?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
A local auto store specializing in dirt track racing has them. I believe you can go to krcracing.com or afco.com to find one for a chevy. If you have problems let me know and I will get it for you!
Bernie
Bernie
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Originally Posted by BerniesVette
A local auto store specializing in dirt track racing has them. I believe you can go to krcracing.com or afco.com to find one for a chevy. If you have problems let me know and I will get it for you!
Bernie
Bernie
www.afco.com is an insurance website.Is this the one you speak highly of...http://www.midwestmotorsportsinc.com...9010B&line=KPS
http://www.randys-racemart.com/krcpostkital.html
The cast iron has an RPM limit of 5,500 and the aluminum says for high rpm & hp engines. I will be pushing a 500-600 hp 454. Would you recommend the aluminum?
Thanks Bernie
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Originally Posted by 68 NJConv 454
You trying tell me I need life insurance? I'm not that bad of a driver. www.afco.com is an insurance website.
Is this the one you speak highly of...http://www.midwestmotorsportsinc.com...9010B&line=KPS
http://www.randys-racemart.com/krcpostkital.html
The cast iron has an RPM limit of 5,500 and the aluminum says for high rpm & hp engines. I will be pushing a 500-600 hp 454. Would you recommend the aluminum?
Thanks Bernie
www.afco.com is an insurance website.Is this the one you speak highly of...http://www.midwestmotorsportsinc.com...9010B&line=KPS
http://www.randys-racemart.com/krcpostkital.html
The cast iron has an RPM limit of 5,500 and the aluminum says for high rpm & hp engines. I will be pushing a 500-600 hp 454. Would you recommend the aluminum?
Thanks Bernie
If you're in doubt at all, go with the aluminum pump, and then at least you will have some head room if you ever get a little more out of control.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Originally Posted by BerniesVette
Sorry I missed the post. I ordered the aluminum one. The pump, resevoire and bracket was a shade over $200 which did not include the lines.
Bernie
Bernie
What are some of the less-obvious advantages to using an aluminum pump? Cooling or just durability?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
The aluminum pump dissapates heat faster and is lighter. The remote resevoire allows the use of more fluid that helps with heat reduction. The best thing for me will be the ease of checking the fluid. All the racers around here also swear by the GM poser steering fluid. Says it makes the pumps work better and last longer. I doubt you would notice the difference in a cruiser but I will use the GM fluid anyway since all my friends endorse it.