Power steering or not for 66 vette
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Member Since: Jan 2015
Location: Belle Chasse La
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Power steering or not for 66 vette
I have a numbers matching 66 vette. Would like to add power steering. Do you think that's a good move? Thanks, Lou
#3
Yeah, do it if it's something you need to do in order to enjoy the car a little more.
"Life's too short" is a cliché but it's so true. If you get over the stigma of making all the right moves to enhance your net worth, in this case your car's, you'll actually enjoy living.
"Life's too short" is a cliché but it's so true. If you get over the stigma of making all the right moves to enhance your net worth, in this case your car's, you'll actually enjoy living.
#4
Race Director
Member Since: Nov 2003
Location: Cottonwood AZ
Posts: 10,698
Received 3,048 Likes
on
1,934 Posts
C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
What engine do you have? BB, SB If small block is it a 350 h.p. engine? If it is a 350 h.p. with original oil pan you will have to change it to the pan used on a 300 h.p. to use original P.S.
#5
Drifting
If you want P/S, then add it. Makes handling the car much easier ... especially if a big block. I would recommend keeping all of the parts you take off so down the road if you (or the next guardian) wants to return it to original state they can. Bill
#6
Racer
No oil pan change needed if original, in 1966 all the 327's (hydraulic lifters) used the 5 quart pan so they could accommodate the factory power steering option. Only 65 and older solid lifter 327's used the 6 quart oil pans and had no clearance for the factory power steering set-up.
#7
Race Director
Member Since: Nov 2003
Location: Cottonwood AZ
Posts: 10,698
Received 3,048 Likes
on
1,934 Posts
C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
No oil pan change needed if original, in 1966 all the 327's (hydraulic lifters) used the 5 quart pan so they could accommodate the factory power steering option. Only 65 and older solid lifter 327's used the 6 quart oil pans and had no clearance for the factory power steering set-up.
#9
Lou,
I installed a factory power steering unit on my all original 67 300hp convertible and I love the upgrade.
I installed a factory power steering unit on my all original 67 300hp convertible and I love the upgrade.
#10
Race Director
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: Cape Cod, Mass.
Posts: 18,763
Received 4,553 Likes
on
2,160 Posts
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
If it's a big block and you do alot of 3 point turns it might be useful. Otherwise, I find power steering makes the handling seem kind of vague, providing less feedback. I've had both and prefer it with no power steering. Try driving one with it and see if you like it.
#11
Race Director
I don't have PS and yes, my BB is a bit of a workout on low speed maneuvering with the steering links set on the faster ratio. I manage. But if you desire PS enough to install, I don't see any drawback. If your use original parts it's easily reversible if a later owner desires so I see no affect on car value - might even be a selling point for some. Just hang on to any original parts you have to change out and don't forget to move the tie rods to the fast ratio position on the steering knuckles and re-set the toe in.
Last edited by DansYellow66; 09-23-2017 at 07:17 AM.
#12
Safety Car
Member Since: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,532
Received 2,130 Likes
on
1,030 Posts
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C2 of Year Finalist (stock)
2015 C2 of the Year Finalist
Its my experience that non-power steering is far better driving on a C2, but I admit low speed close quarters can be a pain, but then only when jockeying in and out of the garage. Its never parked in lots or often used where power steering comes in handy. I find the ram assisted power steering on the Impala (and a 63 Galaxie I have) to be abysmal.
Same with power brakes. I was initially concerned that manual disks, lacking the servo-action of drum brakes would be hard. Turns out pedal feel and effort are spot on.
But I don't begrudge anyone for adding either, do what it takes to be happy.
Dan
#13
Race Director
I just added borgeson P/S to my 65 L79. Nifty unit, it uses a hydro boost system that gives excellent feed back.
#14
Instructor
I'm an original owner of a small block '66 so all the numbers match. I've often considered what you are contemplating. Many say the original GM PS left a lot to be desired and it's a bit clunky in design. I may add PS but I will first look for a better after market design that requires no drilling or other irreversible modifications. When I purchased my '66 in late '65 I was told by the dealer GM would not add PS to a 350 HP engine as its high RPM potential was too much for the pump. No idea if that was true or not but wish I had the feature.
#15
Team Owner
Member Since: Apr 2008
Location: Coloring within the lines
Posts: 27,340
Received 1,919 Likes
on
1,332 Posts
I'm an original owner of a small block '66 so all the numbers match. I've often considered what you are contemplating. Many say the original GM PS left a lot to be desired and it's a bit clunky in design. I may add PS but I will first look for a better after market design that requires no drilling or other irreversible modifications. When I purchased my '66 in late '65 I was told by the dealer GM would not add PS to a 350 HP engine as its high RPM potential was too much for the pump. No idea if that was true or not but wish I had the feature.
#17
I was thinking about adding it to my all original 63 but decide no more then I drive it, maybe not worth it. I would not go the borgeson P/S route. If I'm not mistaken you have to cut a few inches off your original steering column and shaft. I would just go with the original type PS.
#19
I'm an original owner of a small block '66 so all the numbers match. I've often considered what you are contemplating. Many say the original GM PS left a lot to be desired and it's a bit clunky in design. I may add PS but I will first look for a better after market design that requires no drilling or other irreversible modifications. When I purchased my '66 in late '65 I was told by the dealer GM would not add PS to a 350 HP engine as its high RPM potential was too much for the pump. No idea if that was true or not but wish I had the feature.
I purchased the factory power steering set up that got installed on my 67 car at Carlisle and it sat hung up in the basement for 10 or 15 years before I decided to put it on the car. After the install I wondered what the heck I was thinking all those years not wanting to use it. I would be careful using any reproduction valves etc as that seems to be where people have there problems.
Don't try to compare this power assist to modern power steering that operates from the steering box. Remember it's POWER ASSIST so it will not turn the wheels standing still like a modern day car but I repeat my first sentence, it's very nice and easy to install and you will love it. All this about cutting the steering shaft seems way over kill to me but that's just my opinion.
#20
Team Owner
Member Since: Mar 2003
Location: Greenville, Indiana
Posts: 26,118
Received 1,843 Likes
on
1,398 Posts
If you have muscles like your weak kneed sister, by all means add the "no road feel" OEM power steering.
Women back then used to drive them W/O PS. What is your malfunction?
Women back then used to drive them W/O PS. What is your malfunction?