Adding Power Steering

[W L.]

Is it easy, hard, or impossible to add power steering to a 1967 corvette ?

[Peter J.]

Re: Adding Power Steering

It is just a bolt on job after you get one of the kits. I am going the original parts route and it has taken a couple of year to find all the -66 correct parts including nuts & bolts.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Adding Power Steering

I installed P/S on my 67 300hp car last year, it's like driving a different car.

The job is easy to do and bolts right up to the car, the only thing that may take a little time is setting the toe again because the outer tie rods are moved to the front hole on the steering arm. Take them apart and clean the tie rod threads and barrels so they adjust easy.

I also removed the steering box and cleaned, lubed /adjusted and even the crappy bias tires are not anywhere as bad as before, time well spent IMO.

I plan to install the radials this year and expect the car to drive very well.

[Thomas P.]

Re: Adding Power Steering

There is a balance setup procedure for the power steering valve in the shop manual you should follow.

[Dale S.]

Re: Adding Power Steering

I added PS to my 67 off a 1967 car in 1972. Since the car never had power steering I just bolted it on, using the stock tie rod end placement. I have never adjusted anything and the car drives fine. I have had bias ply tires then Michelin and bias ply again. To return to original all I have to do is remove the PS and put the steering stabilizer back on( I kept all the pieces including bolts and nuts). Dale

[Scott S.]

Re: Adding Power Steering

You may want to research the control valve 30lb. spring vs. 55lb. spring situation. If I recall correctly, the midyear Corvette power steering control valve is supposed to have a 55lb. spring, but most rebuilders use a 30lb. spring, unless you specify otherwise.

[Carnell M.]

Re: Adding Power Steering

Someone said the pitman had to be changed too. Is that true?

[Dale S.]

Re: Adding Power Steering

If the question is address to me, the answer is no I did not. Dale

[Timothy B.]

Re: Adding Power Steering

Carnell,

The power steering pitman arm is different than non P/S arm.

[Joe L.]

Re: Adding Power Steering

Someone said the pitman had to be changed too. Is that true?

Carnell------


The power steering and non-power steering pitman arms are different. However, I have heard of folks that converted to power steering without changing the pitman arm and without any subsequent problems. The differences between the two pitman arms are somewhat subtle, but there are differences.

By the way, conversion to power steering is absolutely one of the best changes you can make to a 1963-76 Corvette not originally so-equipped. Period.

[W L.]

Re: Adding Power Steering

I want to sincerely thank everyone for responding to my question! I'm looking to buy a '67 with ps and this obviously increases the potential choices dramatically . This is a superb forum and makes the decision to buy a classic corvette much easier, knowing that this kind of support is available. Thanks again!

[Joseph U.]

Re: Adding Power Steering

I added power stearing to my 300 hp 67 using the kit from Vette Products and it was not hard at all. Everything was included and the instructions were great - had a little trouble with one aspect - I forget which and the telephone help was real good.
It really makes the car nice to drive.
Good luck,
Joe

[Ken A.]

Re: Adding Power Steering

I've added PS to my '69, my wife's '67 bb and just got the kit for our '66. As stated before, the best improvement you can make. The kits complete with everything except the fan belt. $800 +/-. The only difficult part is getting the old center link and pitman arm off. It's worth the few bucks to get the special tools that will make this much easier. You can do this in a day without a problem. Be sure to get it re-aligned when you get done.

Ken