Mid Year Power Steering

[Dave Rossi]

Hello All,
I am in the process of converting my 1963 to power steering. I have read a number of posts from the archives and gather that I should be able to use pretty much all of the 1980 steering system that I bought. I understand that I will have to find a power steering pitman arm, but in regard to that I have a couple of questions to which I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts.
1) Can any model year pitman arm be installed on my original steering box?
2) Does the oval tube 1960's Corvette steering pump produce the same pressure as other pumps from the same era. I realize that the midyear Corvette system is quite different from the power steering box designs from the 60's passenger cars, but were the pumps the same, or do I need to buy a Corvette only pump?
3) Some suppliers' catalogs differentiate between hoses depending on model year. Can someone explain why?
Thanks in advance for your comments!

[Joe L.]

Re: Mid Year Power Steering

Dave------

1) Any 1963-82 Corvette POWER STEERING pitman arm can be used. They are all the same and carry forging number 3741383. There may or may not be a "A" suffix; it makes NO difference, at all;

2) The 63-74 Corvette power steering pumps produce the same pressure as passenger cars. The difference in the Corvette pump is (1) the reservoir, and (2) Corvette pumps have an internal fluid filter. The filter is not absolutely necessary and most rebuilders remove them, anyway. Corvette reservoirs are unique and are available in reproduction. You can probably purchase a Corvette-specific rebuilt pump assembly which includes the correct reservoir.

You can use a 75-82 style pump with the "tear drop" reservoir. However, if you do, you have to also use the 75+ style power steering pump pulley. It's best to just use the 63-74 style pump and reservoir; they are not rare;

3) All 1963-82 Corvettes use the same FOUR power steering hoses EXCEPT for the pump-to-control valve pressure hose for 65-74 big blocks and 80-82 small blocks. Those 2 applications use unique-to-each application pressure hoses.

[Joe L.]

Addendum

Dave-----

An AC-Delco rebuilt power steering pump of #36-516086 or an A-1 Cardone rebuilt pump of their number 20-6101FS will both get you high quality rebuilt pumps with the correct reservoir for your application already installed. New GM pumps have not been available for quite a few years.

[Dave Rossi]

Re: Addendum

Hi Joe,

Thanks very much for your response. I appreciate the info. Do you know what diameter pulley I will need to install onto the pump? Also, based upon what you said regarding hoses, should I buy a 1980 set to fit the majority of the system that I have, or a 1963 set for the car. Is the difference due to length or in the formed metal line? Thanks Again, Dave

[Joe L.]

Re: Addendum

Dave-----

The 1963 power steering hose set is the same as the 1980 set EXCEPT for the pressure hose from the pump to the valve. If you were to use the 1980 pump, then you would also use the 1980 pressure hose. However, I don't really recommend using the 1980 pump. You may have a problem with the pump pulley if you use it. I would switch to a 1963-74 style pump. Then you use the 1963-79 pressure hose. The 1980 pump and pressure hose differ because of the fitting on the pump and hose end. 1980-82 use METRIC fittings with o-ring on the pump end and a flared SAE fitting on the valve end. The 1963-79 pressure hose uses SAE flared fittings on both ends (although the sizes are different on either end).

To know which pump pulley you require I need to know the specific engine application and whether, or not, the car has C-60.

[Dave Rossi]

Re: Addendum

Hi Joe,

Thanks for clearing up the hose question. I do plan on using the earlier pump but didn't understand why the hoses would be different. I get it now. Regarding the pulley, it is a 300hp car. I think I read somewhere 5 3/4 inch diameter. Thanks, Dave

[Joe L.]

Re: Addendum

Dave-----

You will require add-on crank pulley GM #3751232 which is of 6-11/16" OD. I believe it's still available from GM. You also will require power steering pump pulley GM #3770509 which is a stamped steel pulley of 5-3/4" OD. It's long-since GM-discontinued but is available in reproduction. The 3770509 pulley requires use of the 63-74 style pump (with tapered shaft and retaining lock nut).