Power steering conversion

[Kap142]

I am considering converting my manual steering BB 72 to power steering. I want to retain the original (Chevy) looks and parts as opposed to going with a Steeroids set up. Paragon offers a complete set up as one would have had installed in 1972 to include all nuts, bolts, brackets, pumps ET. AL.

My question is has anyone on the forum done this install on a BB C3 from maybe 68-74? If so how much of a pain in the arse is it going to be and will I need to have a party with Joe and Rob to help me get it done?

Ken

[Melsy]

The mainline vette suppliers all sell "factory" parts kits to do the job. Order one, break out your shop manual and it go smmothly. There's reall not much to C-3 power steering.

[Anti Venom]

Done it before. Not bad at all. Factory assembly manual is your best friend. Service manual is o.k. but nowhere near as good. Buy the best control valve and assist cylinder that you can buy. These originals leak badly. When your conversion is done, and the first time that you start the car PLEASE do not put your arm through the steering wheel spokes to turn the key!!! Had a guy come into the shop once who hooked up the control valve wrong and when he started it the steering wheel turned by itself with tremendous force and broke his arm. Once everything is tested, and working properly, you can go back to reaching through the spokes.

[Kap142]

Your words increase my confidence. I added Ford P/S to a 53 Effie I built and personally ran into the "hoses hooked up backwards" dilemma myself. I remember it well, could have been ugly but wasn't. I was lucky.

Another Q if I might. I have no lift. Will my jack stands give me adequate clearance under the Vette to work?

It is my understanding is that it's a total bolt on. Is that correct with the install you did also?

Thanks so much for the help. I'll let you know how it goes.

Ken

[Anti Venom]

Total bolt on?.. on the several that I did, yes. Clearance with jackstands? that is a funny question. For me, yes. The Corvette shop that I worked at years ago had no lift and we had no choice. I vowed never to be without a lift when I started my shop. But everything depends upon how flexible you are and how comfortable you are on your back. A couple of peices are really weird on the install, so be patient and all will go well.

[Kap142]

Thanks brother. As long as I have you responding two (kinda) final questions have popped up. Where do you find a true quality pump and ar any special tools required that I don't have in my tool boxes?

Thanks,

Ken

[Kap142]

Originally Posted by Anti Venom

Done it before. Not bad at all. Factory assembly manual is your best friend. Service manual is o.k. but nowhere near as good. Buy the best control valve and assist cylinder that you can buy. These originals leak badly. When your conversion is done, and the first time that you start the car PLEASE do not put your arm through the steering wheel spokes to turn the key!!! Had a guy come into the shop once who hooked up the control valve wrong and when he started it the steering wheel turned by itself with tremendous force and broke his arm. Once everything is tested, and working properly, you can go back to reaching through the spokes.

OK update #1 On Friday I began installation of the P/S. Interesting was that NO INSTRUCTIONS came with the set up. Thank gawd for the assembly manual. Got the alt bracket and P/S brackets installed before leaving for a trip to Tallahassee for an FSU game on Saturday (gotta do a little partying)

Will get back to it with 98 softtail's help and finish up on Monday. Not a bad install so far. and you're right Rob blood and oil equal horsepower

[C5Rick]

how big of a horsepower gain is this going to give ya

[Kap142]

Originally Posted by C5Rick

how big of a horsepower gain is this going to give ya

So far it's been a very small gain, may it remain so