Deleting Power Steering
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 657
Likes: 99
From: Slidell Louisiana
Deleting Power Steering
A quick search and I found most threads talk about adding power steering. I'm rebuilding my front suspension and deleting the power steering (most components were missing when I got the car and I'm not a fan of it anyway). It was previously driven with the power steering valve not hooked up to any hoses. Question is, can I get the non-PS relay rod to replace the power steering valve on the end of the center link?? I assume the two center links (PS and Non-PS) are the same?? And if so, is the steering box pitman arm the same or does it have to be replaced?? Any info is appreciated.
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
From: Asheville North Carolina
Sorry I can't help other than to say I don't have power steering but I wouldn't have it any other way. So worth the simplicity to have a little more effort in parking lots. On the road it's a dream to drive.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 591
From: McHenry Illinois
THe manual relay rod is different than the PS rod. The manual has a ball stud joint and the PS rod is threaded so the valve can attach. So you will need the complete manual relay rod. Another option is from Borgeson, they offer a ball stud joint that replaces the steering valve on the end of the rod and will attach to the pitman arm.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,419
Likes: 1,555
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Yes, you can replace the p/s relay rod with a NON p/s one.
or you can buy an adaptor.
Remove the PSCV and screw on the adapter.
You will need a NON p/s pitman arm
and change the tie rod ends to the other hole.
or you can buy an adaptor.
Remove the PSCV and screw on the adapter.
You will need a NON p/s pitman arm
and change the tie rod ends to the other hole.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,713
Likes: 1,371
I also hated driving mine without Power Steering....
I added PS to mine. If I were to do it nowadays I'd do the Borgesen conversion......but I'd do it.
And FYI, the Relay rod and Pitman arm are different.
And FYI, the Relay rod and Pitman arm are different.
Last edited by carriljc; May 9, 2017 at 09:28 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Welcome to the manual steering C3 club...
While you're at it, replace the idler with an HD one if not already done recently. I also suggest reducing positive caster to ~2* (on both sides) as a baseline from which to work while figuring out what compromise between responsiveness and stability best suits your particular tires and individual preferences. FWIW, the difference between the two steering ratio settings in the knuckles (if available to you) is ~15%. Oh, and don't let anyone talk you into an asymmetric alignment on a sportscar unless countering road crown is a bigger priority than handling. My $.02
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,713
Likes: 1,371
so? you'd have to use a Manual Pitman arm...
with this adapter?
I guess you'd be partially along the way to a borgesen box in case you dislike manual steering -- so it sounds like a way to go.
I guess you'd be partially along the way to a borgesen box in case you dislike manual steering -- so it sounds like a way to go.
Last edited by carriljc; May 10, 2017 at 10:41 AM. Reason: clarify
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 657
Likes: 99
From: Slidell Louisiana
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9,063
Likes: 2,736
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I just removed the entire power steering from my 77, and installed all factory manual steering components. Its a world of difference in a very positive way, much better steering without all that freeplay. AND, I left the steering on same ratio as power i.e the forward hole on the steering arm, AND I still have the same caster in the front alignment as I did with power, which is 3.0 plus I challenge anyone to tell me it is too hard to steer.
I really expected it to be hard to steer based on all the whining on this forum about it, and frankly, the only thing it did was IMPROVE handling with no downside. If anyone really believes it is too hard to steer, I only have a few things to say about you, .......but I won't. Use your imagination.
I really expected it to be hard to steer based on all the whining on this forum about it, and frankly, the only thing it did was IMPROVE handling with no downside. If anyone really believes it is too hard to steer, I only have a few things to say about you, .......but I won't. Use your imagination.
Last edited by Shovels and Vettes; May 10, 2017 at 04:44 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,628
Likes: 132
From: Duvall, WA
You backed off your original statement? 
I just removed the entire power steering from my 77, and installed all factory manual steering components. Its a world of difference, and much better steering without all that freeplay. AND, I left the steering on same ration as power, AND I still have the same caster in the front alignment. I challenge anyone to tell me it is too hard to steer.
I really expected it to be hard to steer based on all the whining on this forum about it, and frankly, the only thing it did was IMPROVE handling. If you can't drive this car with manual, maybe you should consider wearing a dress.
I really expected it to be hard to steer based on all the whining on this forum about it, and frankly, the only thing it did was IMPROVE handling. If you can't drive this car with manual, maybe you should consider wearing a dress.
Last edited by rcread; May 10, 2017 at 04:47 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9,063
Likes: 2,736
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 657
Likes: 99
From: Slidell Louisiana
A Dress!! LOL... I've been driving for 2 years with the power steering control valve not connected. Shoot, I've deleted the AC, pulled the auto transmission and threw a 4 speed in its place. Just getting the front end done right with the rebuild.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
I wont get all dbag and insult people who like one way over the other,
My 66 didnt have power anything, daily driver and i simply dont recall that car being hard to steer, after i adjusted the steering box it was sweet
My 69 has power steering and the parts are supposed to all be new and fresh according to 1960fi george who sold me the chassis,
However, if they leak i am going with gm manual steering parts, and not be at all concerned about missing the creature comforts of the leak prone cantankerous c3 power steering system,
Non power steering also plays along with my build theme.
My 66 didnt have power anything, daily driver and i simply dont recall that car being hard to steer, after i adjusted the steering box it was sweet
My 69 has power steering and the parts are supposed to all be new and fresh according to 1960fi george who sold me the chassis,
However, if they leak i am going with gm manual steering parts, and not be at all concerned about missing the creature comforts of the leak prone cantankerous c3 power steering system,
Non power steering also plays along with my build theme.
Last edited by The13Bats; May 10, 2017 at 05:40 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9,063
Likes: 2,736
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
You just did
[QUOTE=The13Bats;1594711589]I wont get all dbag and insult people who like one way over the other,
Well, you just did. Anyways, I really don't care. I was raised in a time when everyone is not a "victim" and banter among men was common, and understood for what it is.
The car now handles like a sports car should, with real road feel. I have a Gary Ramadei rebuilt steering box, factory manual steering, fast ratio hole, and 255/60/R15 tires, at plus 3.0 caster, 77 14 inch steering wheel. And it is fun to drive now, rather than that loose and erratic power steering.....and I can handle the parking lot issues, but yeah, that's me.
Well, you just did. Anyways, I really don't care. I was raised in a time when everyone is not a "victim" and banter among men was common, and understood for what it is.
The car now handles like a sports car should, with real road feel. I have a Gary Ramadei rebuilt steering box, factory manual steering, fast ratio hole, and 255/60/R15 tires, at plus 3.0 caster, 77 14 inch steering wheel. And it is fun to drive now, rather than that loose and erratic power steering.....and I can handle the parking lot issues, but yeah, that's me.
Last edited by Shovels and Vettes; May 10, 2017 at 06:01 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9,063
Likes: 2,736
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Sweet