'66 big block and steering stabilizer

[Michael G.]

Good evening Corvetters. In the process of disassembling of a '66 big block Corvette noticed the car had no steering stabilizer and appears to have never had one. I referenced the NCRS Technical and Judging manual and it only addressed the 300 and 350 HP engined car as having one.....nothing about the big block car. Were big block cars void of the steering stabilizer? Thanks.

[Gerard F.]

Re: '66 big block and steering stabilizer

Mike,

The 67 JG says the the steering stabilizer was not used on big block cars. Probably has something to do with the oil pan interference.

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

[Michael G.]

Re: '66 big block and steering stabilizer

Jerry,

Thanks for the response. Don't recognize the acronymn JG. What it's use in reference to? Thanks again.

Anyone know why Chevrolet didn't use a steering stablilizer on the big block cars? Mike

[Gerard F.]

Judging Guide *NM*

[Joe L.]

Re: '66 big block and steering stabilizer

Mike------

Just as Jerry mentioned, the stabilizer would interfere with the big block oil pan so it could not be used. However, and curiously, there was enough clearance for the power steering to be installed in conjunction with a big block.

1963-65 Corvettes with small block engines using the "6 quart" oil pan (i.e. SHP with mechanical lifters) did not use the stabilizer and for the same reason. "6 quart" pan small blocks could not be fitted with power steering, either.

[John C.]

Re: '66 big block and steering stabilizer

Hello all

I know interfearence is the most common reason given for not using the stabilizer, but I did own a 66 BB coupe a couple years ago that some one had added a steering stabilizer to. It appeared to be the original oil pan and it fit just fine.

John

[Michael G.]

Re: '66 big block and steering stabilizer

Thanks John, appreciate the feedback. Mine wasn't a question of "did it fit", more so "did the big block Corvette originally come with or without a steering stabilizer"? As stated in my original post, I obseved my current project, '66 Corvette w/427 engine, did not have the steering stabilizer and needed to confirm if these cars had the steering stabilizer or not. Thanks to all.
Mike
#28614

[Joe L.]

Re: '66 big block and steering stabilizer

John-----

I expect that the decision by GM not to use the steering stabilizer with big blocks had more to do with a "too close for comfort" fit AS FAR AS THEY WERE CONCERNED. The fact that power steering was available with big blocks and the fact that the 65-74 Corvette big block pan profile was the same pretty much confirms that the steering stabilizer would fit, too.