Manual vs Power Steering - Pro's&Con's

[ebry710]

My 1971 C-20 has manual steering. I have been thinking of converting it to power steering. It is what I am use to.

In thinking a little further, it would require another pulley on the engine, which means more load on my 350.

My current box is shot.

So what is the pro's and con's of the upgrade to power steering. Is it really an up grade? Would you change the system?

[67chevy1series]

well i hav both lol i have power left steering and manual right steering lol.... im sure someone will chime in with cons, theres alot of pros though.

[67Slider]

My steering box was shot too so I went ahead and did the conversion on my 67. Some of the best money I spent on it. It made driving it much more enjoyable. I used the steering gear box and pump out of a mid 80's. I spent maybe 150 on the whole thing.

[leddzepp]

I do not think there are really any cons to power steering.

[crazy longhorn]

Cons on manual steering....the pot holes try to rip the wheel out of your hands....pros.... they build big arms The only cons I can see on the power steering is that it may pull a little power off the motor to work. I doubt that you would notice this unless you were on the track tho... crazyL

[tasian]

my box was also pretty shot when i made the switch and as much as i got use to the daily workout once you have power steering you'll wonder what the hell you were thinking

and i don't think your engine will notice it is even there let alone you but if your that worryed about losing the power get a new cap/rotor wires and plugs and you'll probably pick up more power then it will take away

[71swb4x4]

The only real con is that it takes engine power to run it. You will find that most drag racers have manual steering because of this. Of course when racing they only go in a straight line anyway.
Upgrade to power steering, you won't be sorry.

[NGN]

The pros, one finger turnning on a hot day(you might want to install a sway bar too if you don't have one already). The cons, wimping out to today's technology. And also, the wife might want to drive it now. lol

[crazy longhorn]

Originally Posted by NGN

The pros, one finger turnning on a hot day(you might want to install a sway bar too if you don't have one already). The cons, wimping out to today's technology. And also, the wife might want to drive it now. lol

YEA, I saw my wife drive my old truck....she spun a couple doughnuts, & came back with a wild look in her eyes! The bioch of it, was that she didnt try to do it He!! no I dont want that crazy woman drivin my truck! crazyL

[sbc10guy]

I had power steering in my 72 and have manual in my 69 and the next thing done to it will be power steering its so much nicer if you plan on driving it everyday.

[ebry710]

The conversion seems simple enough and if there aren't anyone saying it is a bad ideal, I will prepare for e the conversion.

I have to admit, even though going forward isn't much of a problem, backing up a trailer is not very fun with manual steering.

[ebry710]

Originally Posted by 67Slider

My steering box was shot too so I went ahead and did the conversion on my 67. Some of the best money I spent on it. It made driving it much more enjoyable. I used the steering gear box and pump out of a mid 80's. I spent maybe 150 on the whole thing.

Is the box and pump the same through out the years?

[68gmsee]

I converted both of mine as soon as I had the chance. I've driven enough non power steering vehicles in my lifetime to last me a long time and now that I'm past my stud years and with my old football injured shoulder acting up, I'm glad I did the conversion.

[808_67C10]

I drove my 67 for 5 years with manual steering then put in power steering... I will never go back.
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[67Slider]

Originally Posted by ebry710

Is the box and pump the same through out the years?

They are a bit different throughout the years. 3 Major types. You can go with 68-72 models(standard nut/bolts), 73-79(I think - metric with flare fittings), 80-87(metric w/ orings). 73-87 power steering pumps look like a can of ham. 68-72 were more round.

The pumps are shaped differently and the line fittings are as listed above. There are some great posts about the conversion and it is pretty easy once you get all the parts collected. Whatever year box and pump you decide you will need pulleys and brackets for the Short Water Pump if your engine is 72 or earlier.

The steering gear box bolts right up over this year range.