I have a 1971 LS5 (454).
Before I buy her, I had opportunities to test drive a few other C3's 454 and 350 with and without PB and PS.

My comments on the very same question were:
1)I can't believe the power brakes were an option at that time: On the cars I drove, that had no PB, the words "slowing device" would better reflect the efficiency of what they call manual brakes.
2)The steering is a real workout without PS, when the car carries the weight of the big block on the front wheels.
Conclusion: My BB toy has got both PS and PB.

|UPDATED|9/29/2003 7:39:11 PM|/UPDATED|

If you question the power assist than you must be unhappy
with the setup you have now.
I have a 78 with both and am glad I have it!
Be realistic,these are heavy,old cars
and they need as much help as they can get!

I used to run a flat head Ford dragster,(a long time ago,
in a far away galaxy) and the label on the
Moon fuel tank said}"
old flatheads never die,they just run that way!

Make your vette what YOU want it to be!
Steve

I just got a C3 and I have power steering - thank god as I am like 5'3" so I need it. But no power brakes! I just start braking earlier then I think I really should and I am ok!

I have a '78 L82 with both power steering and brakes. Nice all the way around. My '69 427/435 has power brakes but no power steering. Big difference when changing from one to the other.

The lack of power steering is only a problem when parking or manuevering in a tight area at slow speed. It may as well not even have power brakes. The engine has an L88 cam, and the vacuum must be low enough that at low rpm's I don't feel any brake boost at all. No problem when going faster.

I enjoy cruising on winding roads and would not be happy without p/s, p/b. I go to the gym to workout, I drive to enjoy myself. Although, with the 454 and a/c, there is no room under the hood for anything. So there is a trade-off in convenience.

Happy hunting!
Kevin

So the wandering problems concern me with the power steering cars. Sounds like this is a common issue with power steering? What in the power steering system could cause a "wandering" feel? Even after four wheel alignment and tight front suspension.

I just drove a '68 with ps. At freeway speeds I definitely feel a vagueness in the steering. It's like the steering wheel is only partially connected to the front end.

Steve

munkmunk said: So the wandering problems concern me with the power steering cars.

I've been reading this thread and I'm not sure I understand this "wandering" problem. I have PS and I don't recall ever feeling like the car is "wandering" regardless of the speed.

I've rented some newer, bigger cars and I've noticed a difference from what I have in terms of "road feel". Maybe it's the type of PS that makes a difference?

I have a 71 with power steering and manual brakes and a 68 with power steering and power brakes. I can not say on the steering but the power brakes are nice and wish they were on the 71 also

I have power steering and pb on my 76 and no "wandering" but she responds real quick with just a little touch on the wheel i wonder if this is what you all mean by the wandering. It all depends on what you want and enjoy.

I've had a '70 LS5 with PS and no PB and it does take a bit of pedal effort to slow her down, not terrible but much nicer with power assist. I've also had a '70 LS5 with PB and no PS and it does take a bit of effort to crank that wheel at low speeds, especially parking! Now I have a '71 LS6 with both PS & PB and wouldn't have it any other way.