66 BB power steering

[Craig F.]

Re: 66 BB power steering

So was power steering not a factory option on a 365hp car? Or did they use 2 different pans depending on if it was a ps car? Any thoughts on what vendor has the best kit?
Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: 66 BB power steering

So was power steering not a factory option on a 365hp car? Or did they use 2 different pans depending on if it was a ps car? Any thoughts on what vendor has the best kit?
Thanks

Craig------


For 1965, I don't think that power steering was available with L-76 or L-84. If it was, they would have to have used the smaller pan. You can check your pan at a glance, though. If you don't know what to look for, just post a photo of the pan and we'll ID it for you.

As far as suppliers of the p/s kits go, I think that most of the vendors supply pretty much the same kit. Just make sure it contains the following:

1) power steering pump

2) power steering control valve

3) power steering hydraulic cylinder

4) hydraulic cylinder frame bracket and 2 reinforcements

5) power steering relay rod

6) 4 hoses (pressure, return, extend, retract)

7) power steering pump pulley

8) power steering pump bracket KIT

9) power steering pump belt

[William F.]

Re: 66 BB power steering

Power steering was not offered on 365 hp small blocks due to interference with the 6 qt. oil pan used on these engines. Don't change the oil pan on the wonderful engine; just go to the gym, muscle up, and stick with "armstrong" power steering as Zora intended!

[Glen C.]

Re: 66 BB power steering

I've looked at SB & BB power steering kits at Eckler's, Paragon, Year One, & Corvette Central. The kits look pretty much the same & close to the same price. I need a BB kit, so some of the parts are different & cost a bit more. I don't think any kit includes the belt, & some kits you will need to purchase the engine pulley (s) seperately. I called an NCRS member who advertises in the Driveline, he has SB kits for $595 & said he could get BB kits. He also said he would take my 64 passenger car hydraulic cylinder, valve, & pump as cores, if they are rebuidable.
Am I allowed to mention prices on this site, I can't remember if this is one of the rules???

[Joe L.]

Re: 66 BB power steering

I've looked at SB & BB power steering kits at Eckler's, Paragon, Year One, & Corvette Central. The kits look pretty much the same & close to the same price. I need a BB kit, so some of the parts are different & cost a bit more. I don't think any kit includes the belt, & some kits you will need to purchase the engine pulley (s) seperately. I called an NCRS member who advertises in the Driveline, he has SB kits for $595 & said he could get BB kits. He also said he would take my 64 passenger car hydraulic cylinder, valve, & pump as cores, if they are rebuidable.
Am I allowed to mention prices on this site, I can't remember if this is one of the rules???

Glen-----

The main differences between the small block kits and the big block are the pump bracketry, power steering pump pulley, and pressure hose. The rest of the parts are the same. The BB uses a lot more in the way of bracketry and the pump pulley is more expensive than the small block. So, that's what makes the big block kit inherently more expensive. The other thing that makes it more expensive is because it's for a big block. The term "big block" applied to any part always drives up the price.

You can mention prices for parts here. It's advertising parts for sale that's not allowed, with or without prices.