retrolsx
02-17-2009, 09:05 PM
In the post below the Guys over at KWIKPERF.com give you details about converting your attached power steering pump reservoir to a remote reservoir. Right now, let’s talk about one more part that may help solve clearance issues–the power steering pump pulley.
GM is almost as bad as Ford about making changes and having dozens of different part numbers for the same basic part. In the case of PS pump pulleys, having some variation is a good thing.
So far, we’ve found 6-groove serpentine pulley diameters from about 5.25″ to 6.625″. This difference will change the RPM of the pump relative to the engine RPM but for most street applications, you probably won’t register much difference in actual steering feel.
In the photo below, you’ll see one other important difference besides the diameter. Notice that the smaller pulley has access holes while the larger one does not. When selecting a pulley, we really recommend finding one with the holes. Otherwise, any time you want to install or remove the pump, you’ll have to pull the pulley to get to the bolts that mount the pump. That’s not a super big deal if you have the right puller and the right installer tool. But, with most engine swap projects, you’re likely to be installing and removing components several times during your build and then pulling and pressing on a pulley becomes a pain in the butt.
http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n370/KwikPerformance/TCPSpumps004.jpg (http://s337.photobucket.com/albums/n370/KwikPerformance/?action=view¤t=TCPSpumps004.jpg)
And just one more point: As usual, Corvette parts have to be a little different. In this case, the shaft diameter of most Corvette pumps is .66″. All other Type II (or TC) pumps including Camaros, Firebirds, and most other GM passenger cars are .75″ diameter. So, choose your pump pulley accordingly.
GM is almost as bad as Ford about making changes and having dozens of different part numbers for the same basic part. In the case of PS pump pulleys, having some variation is a good thing.
So far, we’ve found 6-groove serpentine pulley diameters from about 5.25″ to 6.625″. This difference will change the RPM of the pump relative to the engine RPM but for most street applications, you probably won’t register much difference in actual steering feel.
In the photo below, you’ll see one other important difference besides the diameter. Notice that the smaller pulley has access holes while the larger one does not. When selecting a pulley, we really recommend finding one with the holes. Otherwise, any time you want to install or remove the pump, you’ll have to pull the pulley to get to the bolts that mount the pump. That’s not a super big deal if you have the right puller and the right installer tool. But, with most engine swap projects, you’re likely to be installing and removing components several times during your build and then pulling and pressing on a pulley becomes a pain in the butt.
http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n370/KwikPerformance/TCPSpumps004.jpg (http://s337.photobucket.com/albums/n370/KwikPerformance/?action=view¤t=TCPSpumps004.jpg)
And just one more point: As usual, Corvette parts have to be a little different. In this case, the shaft diameter of most Corvette pumps is .66″. All other Type II (or TC) pumps including Camaros, Firebirds, and most other GM passenger cars are .75″ diameter. So, choose your pump pulley accordingly.