Ok guys, need help, again  . In short : I am using the ORIGINAL POWER STEERING PUMP  from the ' 94 LT-1 . Installed a NEW steering box in my ' 76 . Problem is, steering is as if there was no power !

Would I be wrong to guess there is a pressure problem ? Is the pressure LOWER in the ' 94 pump due to rack vs. piston steering ?

If so, what would the easiest fix be ?

Any and all ideas are greatly appreciated, as usual   .

Without all the help you guys have given me already, I'd have given up long ago !!!!!!!!!!!

Don't think I can help on this one, but I'll ask a couple of questions that may help.

I'm assuming you're using the factory(76) "power assist" steering gear/cylinder/control valve?

What mods were required for the LT1 install, reguarding the p/s pump, and the routing of the belt? Is it possible that the pump is running backward, due to any re-routing of the belt?

Are you sure the pump is good to begin with?

And, finally, are you sure the hoses are connected properly at the control valve?

I'm not aware of any major pump pressure differences between rack/pinion--power assist cyl. systems. If you loose p/s in a rack/pinion system, it's still a bear to turn the wheels, but it is a wee bit easier than a non-r/p set-up.

It will be good info to know, once you find the solution, what the problem actually is.

No mods were needed at all . Just dropped the LT-1 in as it was.

The factory steering is still being used, you are correct .

As far as I know, the pump is working properly.

The routing of the hoses is a possibility, however slight . Not saying it's not possible that we screwed up . It's been a dog of a project from day 1 !!

Two other Vette owners that did this conversion have said they changed the union, pressure relief valve and spring in the LT-1 . They took them from their '76 pumps, and have no problems. This is why I brought up the idea of pressure.

Ok, this is where I am so far. Put it up on a lift and did the lock out to lock out trick to free up any air in the system. Steering while off ground is pretty good to the left, right is still questionable . On the ground, it's a whole new ballgame ! Left steer is still pretty good, HOWEVER , right steer in almost non existant ! Also, while in the air, and having the steering wheel straight, I started it up. The wheel moved a bit to the left ! Does this mean the control valve is a bit out of balance ?

Any ideas will be more than appreciated, as usual !

The control valve may need to be adjusted, to correct the movement to the left when starting.

If others have done this swap, and swapping the press-relief valves solved their problems, then that may be the hot ticket.

Can you check the pressure? The pressure on a C-3 vet is  870-1000 I don't know what a 94 Lt-1 is, but if it's different that may be your problem.

Alan

Warith,

    Good afternoon..I just happen to see your situation and was concerned on the rotation of your Power Steering pump..If I am not mistaken after 92 Chevy engines, the water pump et al were reverse flow empellers along with all other pumps etc.,i.e. because of being on the serpentine belt system would rotate everthing the same way..You may want to check with local parts store to see if the power steering pump rotated the opposite way as do the other pumps on that year engine..

     The fact that when you are in the air and start the car and the wheels start to go left is due to an adjust screw/nut and the end of the ram and can be adjusted,however I would first where you stand on rotation..

     Good Luck and take care.......Sal C   Nosal1