HELP PLEASE - 2 power steering pump questions
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
HELP PLEASE - 2 power steering pump questions
Hey guys - the other day I was doing donuts in my 1980 for about 30 seconds straight (at race track - charity event - nothing too stupid) -
straight after I was done the power steering was almost non existent - i noticed as the revs of the engine increased, the power steering evened out & returned to normal - when dropped back down to idle - it would be tough to steer & turn the steering wheel again
Now my front tyres are too wide for my c3 275 I believe (front & back) & this sometimes prevents me from performing a full lock & you can actually see the front of the car levetating when doing a three point turn for example because they are rubbing on something
My concern is that this combined with doing the donuts at full lock definately stuffed up the power steering pump - or as my friend said the valve or seal or something a rather - is this true?
2 QUESTIONS -
1.) Does this sound like it is DEFINATELY the power steering pump & if replaced the problem will be fixed?
Why then does it operate as normal when the revs increase?
2.) Will any power steering pump for a 350 do or does it specifically have to be a 1980 corvette power steering pump?
Any helpful replies/ advice / opinions much appreciated - thanking you
straight after I was done the power steering was almost non existent - i noticed as the revs of the engine increased, the power steering evened out & returned to normal - when dropped back down to idle - it would be tough to steer & turn the steering wheel again
Now my front tyres are too wide for my c3 275 I believe (front & back) & this sometimes prevents me from performing a full lock & you can actually see the front of the car levetating when doing a three point turn for example because they are rubbing on something
My concern is that this combined with doing the donuts at full lock definately stuffed up the power steering pump - or as my friend said the valve or seal or something a rather - is this true?
2 QUESTIONS -
1.) Does this sound like it is DEFINATELY the power steering pump & if replaced the problem will be fixed?
Why then does it operate as normal when the revs increase?
2.) Will any power steering pump for a 350 do or does it specifically have to be a 1980 corvette power steering pump?
Any helpful replies/ advice / opinions much appreciated - thanking you
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
1, you may have killed a seal in the pump, kit is only $10
2, I have a ?? out to Jim Shea about the same thing, got to go find it and see if he answered
I took one apart last week, so the rebuild is easy, I'll never pay $90+ for another PS pump for anything
The Q I had for Jim was what is the difference vehicle to vehicle? I know that C3 PS pressure is just under 1000psi and that it is quite a bit higher for other GM cars. I think the difference is the vavle and spring in the pump. But I got to check
2, I have a ?? out to Jim Shea about the same thing, got to go find it and see if he answered
I took one apart last week, so the rebuild is easy, I'll never pay $90+ for another PS pump for anything
The Q I had for Jim was what is the difference vehicle to vehicle? I know that C3 PS pressure is just under 1000psi and that it is quite a bit higher for other GM cars. I think the difference is the vavle and spring in the pump. But I got to check
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,706
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Hopefully Jim Shea will chime in and clarify, but I believe that the PS pumps were widely interchangable. in other words, a number of different year pumps will work. Just don't know when the start and finish year for the range is.
I do know that the rebuild kits are for pumps are for 67 to 82 so that should give some indication that they are all similar at least.
I do know that the rebuild kits are for pumps are for 67 to 82 so that should give some indication that they are all similar at least.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Good point, I figured that was the case. Way back when I first got in here I remember Jim going on about these pumps, but I can't find the post. I don't know if the difference is in the Piston valve or just the spring or a combo. I have 1 from a truck and 1 from my vette, but haven't dragged the vette unit out and disassembled it yet. its on my list
