Steering curiosity question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 233
Likes: 41
From: Simpsonville SC
Steering curiosity question
I recently replaced a leaky power steering control valve on my vette. I was talking to a buddy of mine who has a 78 Chevy Caprice and asked him if he ever had to change one. He said he didn’t have one that his steering gear box connected directly to his power steering pump. He doesn’t have a control valve or power steering cylinder. So my question is, why didn’t GM use the ‘all in one’ type steering gear box on the vettes?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
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From: Orange Park Florida
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 45
From: Cameron Park CA
I thought it was because the integral Saginaw p/s box was too large physically to fit into the C2/3 chassis. Since then newer smaller boxes like the so-called Jeep unit will fit, but came along too late for our cars.
If I'm mistaken, Jim will straighten me out.
Cheers,
Pete
If I'm mistaken, Jim will straighten me out.
Cheers,
Pete
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
Nope, Ford
A 1 Cardone rebuilds most of those sold through the States and probably Canada too. Any Parts store
Last edited by Ironcross; Feb 12, 2009 at 08:26 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,711
Likes: 2
From: Rochester NY
I thought it was because the integral Saginaw p/s box was too large physically to fit into the C2/3 chassis. Since then newer smaller boxes like the so-called Jeep unit will fit, but came along too late for our cars.
If I'm mistaken, Jim will straighten me out.
Cheers,
Pete
If I'm mistaken, Jim will straighten me out.
Cheers,
Pete
I believe the above is correct, but this one rocks and I will now use that as my standard answer..
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
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From: New Hill NC
The Corvette system gives more road feel and feed back than the newer type. It is shared with other GM cars like Chevy II. This system gives you variable assist. If you are going real slow or sitting still, there is lots of resistance to a turn of the wheel. This makes the control ball in the valve move more and increases flow and pressure to the assist cylinder. If you are going fast there is less pressure applied and there is little assist. Feel and control, is the reason for the continued use of the old style system.
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, the World
From my knowledge, which may be flawed, the PAS system was used on Full size chevys 62-64. Corvette used it from the 63 model year and continued until the C4.
Holden also used the same valve body from 66 to 71.
I believe it was part of the trade off that Zora made for the independant rear end. He had to use standard parts bin items for the front end. The control arms are full size 64 parts, but turned around to get the geometry he wanted.
Holden also used the same valve body from 66 to 71.
I believe it was part of the trade off that Zora made for the independant rear end. He had to use standard parts bin items for the front end. The control arms are full size 64 parts, but turned around to get the geometry he wanted.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Around 1967 Saginaw tried to convince Chevrolet engineering to use their integral power steering gear instead of the control valve and adapter with booster cylinder. Although the 1968 Vette appeared all new, the chassis basically carried over. There was extensive frame and front crossmember modifications that were required to adapt a Saginaw integral power gear. Also the gear itself required a special housing casting to fit the Corvette frame.
There was one 1967/68 Corvette that was modified at Saginaw with an integral power gear and sent to Chevrolet engineering. The word was that the Chevrolet engineers were not impressed. Extensive frame modifications needed to adapt the gear didn't help either.
There was at least one privately modified 1968 Vette that now resides in Florida with a special integral power gear. That Vette also has a T&T steering column which wasn't available until 1969.
I don't know about the original decision to use the valve and adapter type power assist. The Chevelle came out in 1964 with the Saginaw integral power gear. The big Impala came out with the integral gear in 1965.
Jim
There was one 1967/68 Corvette that was modified at Saginaw with an integral power gear and sent to Chevrolet engineering. The word was that the Chevrolet engineers were not impressed. Extensive frame modifications needed to adapt the gear didn't help either.
There was at least one privately modified 1968 Vette that now resides in Florida with a special integral power gear. That Vette also has a T&T steering column which wasn't available until 1969.
I don't know about the original decision to use the valve and adapter type power assist. The Chevelle came out in 1964 with the Saginaw integral power gear. The big Impala came out with the integral gear in 1965.
Jim
Last edited by Jim Shea; Feb 13, 2009 at 10:22 AM.
