All, I am trying to improve the handling of my 1966 small block with power steering. The stock system feels "numb" and has little "road feel". Anyone out there done anything to improve this situation? What I am shooting for is reduced boost and improved road feel. Maybe with a differant control valve? Any of you had sucess doing this? Thanks, Bill
-
-
Re: Mid year steering
Bill-----
I've never heard of such a modification. However, if one wanted to reduce the "boost", I think that one could accomplish that by reducing the pressure output of the hydraulic pump. Presumably, you could go in there and increase clearances of the pump vanes to reduce pressure output. However, in any practical sense, I don't think that doing so would significantly increase "road feel".In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: Mid year steering
Bill, I don't have experience with a power steering car. My 66 Coupe is base steering with bias ply tires and I get PLENTY of road feel. Maybe the tires are littel too good?? Are you running a set of the old car radials? I have head they can reduce alot of the road feel. You're welcome to take mine for a drive and get a dose of "road feel"...
regards BillComment
-
Trans-Am control valve?
I recall reading years ago that some component or components from a circa 1970 Trans-AM could be retrofited to other GM p/s systems to reduce boost and increase feedback or "road feel" Since I don't have p/s and was never interested in it (nor do I understand how it works in great detail) I didn't pay a whole lot of attention to the article, but maybe I can jog someone's memory.
DukeComment
-
Re: Mid year steering
If you have radial tires on the car, use 1976 alignment specifications. Make sure your idler arm has NO play in it. My 66 power steering is WONDERFUL, from parallel parking to 130mph. - DaveComment
-
Re: Mid year steering
Bill, If you are wanting to increase road feel, and cut down on the numb feeling the best way I know is to change the car to non power steering. You will have to buy a piece of steering linkage, but it's not a tough job. You will also have the added advantage of less weight and fewer oil leaks.Casey AndersenComment
-
Casey - I second your suggestion!
..just did a COMPLETE suspension rebuild on my 65 with manual steering set at fast ratio. With new radials, new components and a wonderful "blueprinting" by Dick Guldstrand and company to the steering box, the car has improved tremendously!! I was in doubt about spending the $$ on Guldstrand, but the results were way better than I had hoped. I'm surprised at how little effort it takes to drive this thing, and even my 5' 1" bride handles it with ease.Comment
-
Re: Casey - I second your suggestion!
I dunno, Jim. I just moved the manual steering on my '67 BB back to the slow ratio. There's just too much weight over those front wheels, and although I speak German fluently, I ain't Schwarzenegger.
BillComment
-
shoulda mentioned...
...that my 65 is a small block! Makes a big difference (I'm a skinny guy myself)
You ever get to this side of the pond, and make it up to the Northwest, I'd be happy to let you take it for a spin (and I don't make that offer to just anyone!)
By the way, how's Oliver doing in his search for a MidYear? Haven't heard too much from him since I got the pictures of his trip to Thailand...
JimComment
-
Must be the rain!
The steering is always lighter on a wet road.:)
Duke
P.S. I grew up in Seattle.Comment
-
..would you believe I live on the Dry Side?
...of course it could be from all the blowing sand that lowers the coefficient of friction....(the "never green" part of the "evergreen state").Comment
-
Re: Are the tie rods in the correct position?
Bill-I have a 66 that was converted to P.S. They didn't bother to put the aluminum plugs in the outer holes of the steering arms.I know it's a long shot but make sure yours is hooked up to the inner holes,closest to the front of the car.By the way my P.S. steering has good feel.I hated parallel parking my old non P.S. 66,this one's great! LouComment
Comment