C2: Power Steering vs Steering Ratio. which hole

[Gerard F.]

I had a shop put on one of these new power steering kits, and they used the rear hole at the spindle. My 67 service manual says that the forward (fast ratio) hole should be used with power steering with a warning of interference if the rear hole is used.

What would be the difference in handling if the rear hole were used, versus the front hole, and what interference are they talking about in the service manual.

The power steering is great for parking although a little to sensitive at higher speeds. Is there any way to adjust things to get a little more feel of the road at higher speeds. Maybe it is the hole position, although using the front hole, I think would make it more sensitive.

Jerry Fuccillo

[Mike Cobine]

Re: C2: Power Steering vs Steering Ratio. which ho

The tie rod on the driver's side can hit the pressure lines on the ram cylinder in some positions with the tie rod in the rear hole.

[Mike Cobine]

Re: C2: Power Steering vs Steering Ratio. which ho

The tie rod on the driver's side can hit the pressure lines on the ram cylinder in some positions with the tie rod in the rear hole.

[Joe C.]

Re: C2: Power Steering vs Steering Ratio. which ho

Gerard:

Use the forward hole. You'll get the benefits of quicker steering response if you do so. Ball and ball steering, especially of mid sixties vintage will give rather vague on center feel no matter what you do.
There are a few ways to marginally improve this:
1. Use modern radial tires, and inflate fronts to the max recommended pressure. Inflate rears 2-4 psi lower. This will make the car handle more neutrally. As you lower the pressure on the rears, the tendency to oversteer will increase.
2. More positive caster will improve on center feel and steering wheel return.
3. More positive camber will improve straight line tracking and stability at the expense of cornering traction. Recommend zero camber setting.

[Joe C.]

Re: C2: Power Steering vs Steering Ratio. which ho

Gerard:

Use the forward hole. You'll get the benefits of quicker steering response if you do so. Ball and ball steering, especially of mid sixties vintage will give rather vague on center feel no matter what you do.
There are a few ways to marginally improve this:
1. Use modern radial tires, and inflate fronts to the max recommended pressure. Inflate rears 2-4 psi lower. This will make the car handle more neutrally. As you lower the pressure on the rears, the tendency to oversteer will increase.
2. More positive caster will improve on center feel and steering wheel return.
3. More positive camber will improve straight line tracking and stability at the expense of cornering traction. Recommend zero camber setting.

[Eugene B.]

Re: C2: Power Steering vs Steering Ratio. which ho

Jerry,
Power steering may take some time to get used to on your '67. Be very careful at highway speeds until you do.

My '65 has factory power steering and I would say that it borders on the verge of dangerous at highway speeds. Simple lane changes at 60 mph require very little movement of the steering wheel.

It is great around town. A quarter turn of the steering wheel will get you completely around a 90 degree corner.

Regards,
Gene

[Eugene B.]

Re: C2: Power Steering vs Steering Ratio. which ho

Jerry,
Power steering may take some time to get used to on your '67. Be very careful at highway speeds until you do.

My '65 has factory power steering and I would say that it borders on the verge of dangerous at highway speeds. Simple lane changes at 60 mph require very little movement of the steering wheel.

It is great around town. A quarter turn of the steering wheel will get you completely around a 90 degree corner.

Regards,
Gene

[Jim T.]

Re: C2: Power Steering vs Steering Ratio. which ho

Your 67 service manual is the same as later service manuals in that the forward hole is used with pwoer steering. Your shop must not be a Corvette experienced shop. The car will require an alignment to adjust the toe when moving from the rear to the front in adding the power steering system. Even without adding the power steering if you move the tie rods to the front with manual steering you should get an alignment for toe. When your 67 is set up correct with the tie rods in the front hole and aligned request another post as to how it handles on the highway in the front holes as opposed to the rear holes. There is more resistance to turning in the front holes with power or manual steering becasue of the different location of the holes. I have my 68 set up using the front holes and have manual steering. It is harder to steer in the front hole location at very low speeds, like barely moving.

[Jim T.]

Re: C2: Power Steering vs Steering Ratio. which ho

Your 67 service manual is the same as later service manuals in that the forward hole is used with pwoer steering. Your shop must not be a Corvette experienced shop. The car will require an alignment to adjust the toe when moving from the rear to the front in adding the power steering system. Even without adding the power steering if you move the tie rods to the front with manual steering you should get an alignment for toe. When your 67 is set up correct with the tie rods in the front hole and aligned request another post as to how it handles on the highway in the front holes as opposed to the rear holes. There is more resistance to turning in the front holes with power or manual steering becasue of the different location of the holes. I have my 68 set up using the front holes and have manual steering. It is harder to steer in the front hole location at very low speeds, like barely moving.

[Gerard F.]

Re: C2: The results/changed holes

Thanks to all for the advice.

I had the shop change the the power steering to the front holes and realign the front end. They used Duke Williams alignment recommendations for street use with radial tires from a previous thread, except that I had them increase the caster to 2.75.

The result is that at least now I have some feel of the steering, rather than the loose not knowing where your at feel as before. The steering turns faster although it tracks and centers well at high speeds.

Thanks again, this forum is great. I am now NCRS member #42179.

Jerry Fuccillo
Sonora, CA

[Gerard F.]

Re: C2: The results/changed holes

Thanks to all for the advice.

I had the shop change the the power steering to the front holes and realign the front end. They used Duke Williams alignment recommendations for street use with radial tires from a previous thread, except that I had them increase the caster to 2.75.

The result is that at least now I have some feel of the steering, rather than the loose not knowing where your at feel as before. The steering turns faster although it tracks and centers well at high speeds.

Thanks again, this forum is great. I am now NCRS member #42179.

Jerry Fuccillo
Sonora, CA