1963 340 HP Power Steering Conversion?

[Tom P.]

Hi:

Posting on behalf of a soon to be NCRS member who needs to convert his 1963 SWC 340 HP to power steering for health reasons.

Does anyone have experience with this conversion?

Obviously the 6 qt oil pan is not compatible.

What would be a recommended replacement? Joe Lucia?

Are stock power steering components the best route?

Would appreciate any tips or tricks.

Thx.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 340 HP Power Steering Conversion?

Hi:

Posting on behalf of a soon to be NCRS member who needs to convert his 1963 SWC 340 HP to power steering for health reasons.

Does anyone have experience with this conversion?

Obviously the 6 qt oil pan is not compatible.

What would be a recommended replacement? Joe Lucia?

Are stock power steering components the best route?

Would appreciate any tips or tricks.

Thx.

Tom------

I'd change to a "5 quart" Corvette pan (reproduced by Keen Parts). You might also want to change your oil pump pressure relief spring to the standard pressure spring but doing so is not absolutely critical.

Stock power steering system components are absolutely the best way to go. It's a very straight-forward installation. Kits are available from most of the Corvette parts suppliers. Use the AIM as your guide for installation.

For enjoyable driving, the addition of power steering will be, hands-down, the best improvement you'll ever make to the car. I HIGHLY recommend it.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 340 HP Power Steering Conversion?

Tom------


One more thing, just to be clear: the "5 quart" pan I'm talking about is the 63-74 Corvette piece, originally known as GM #3820000 and, later, GM #360866. It is these pans or the Keen reproduction thereof that I'm referring to. These pans are properly configured for a 63-74 Corvette application. There are lots of other pans out there, some claiming to be "reproductions", that you don't want to use.

Using the above referenced pans will also allow you to use your existing oil pick-up screen and your existing dipstick and tube. All other pans require replacement of all these components.

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1963 340 HP Power Steering Conversion?

I never thought I'd be interested in such a conversion. Macho man that I am, I've had mine adjusted in the fast ratio position since new and now I'm in therapy just to be able to brush my teeth. I have to use both hands to shift my daily driver's column shift into park. Once I'm on the road I'm fine (with my Vette), but getting out of the driveway is a chore, and I've been skipping most of my usual cruise ins and car shows because I usually have to back into a parking spot. That has become pure hell. My son is willing to trade me for his 08 Pace Car, but I'm not ready for that - too stubborn, cause I enjoy (live for) tinkering with my AFB's, my valves and timing, and changing my own oil with messy filter canister. I only put the top up and down once a year and can usually get a neighbor to help. If I could, I'd take my 63 with me where you don't need power steering driving in the clouds. Mobid I know.

Stu Fox

[Michael H.]

Re: 1963 340 HP Power Steering Conversion?

I never thought I'd be interested in such a conversion. Macho man that I am, I've had mine adjusted in the fast ratio position since new and now I'm in therapy just to be able to brush my teeth. I have to use both hands to shift my daily driver's column shift into park. Once I'm on the road I'm fine (with my Vette), but getting out of the driveway is a chore, and I've been skipping most of my usual cruise ins and car shows because I usually have to back into a parking spot. That has become pure hell. My son is willing to trade me for his 08 Pace Car, but I'm not ready for that - too stubborn, cause I enjoy (live for) tinkering with my AFB's, my valves and timing, and changing my own oil with messy filter canister. I only put the top up and down once a year and can usually get a neighbor to help. If I could, I'd take my 63 with me where you don't need power steering driving in the clouds. Mobid I know.

Stu Fox

I know the feeling, Stu. It gets more and more difficult to park my 66 big block at the car shows with my bad shoulders but I refuse to add power steering. These are supposed to be muscle cars. Back in "the day", power steering was for Mom & Pop, along with the vanity visor mirror and tissue dispenser option.

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1963 340 HP Power Steering Conversion?

Michael;

We share the feeling brother. I loved your coining a new connotation for the term "muscle Car", Ha!

Can't see myself giving in on steering either. I think I'd rather spend my energy overcoming the inherent understeer in mine on the road. That hurts me as much as slow speed maneuvers. Maybe add another bottle of "Boost" or "Ensure" to the diet.

Stu Fox

[Dennis B.]

Re: 1963 340 HP Power Steering Conversion?

Tom------


One more thing, just to be clear: the "5 quart" pan I'm talking about is the 63-74 Corvette piece, originally known as GM #3820000 and, later, GM #360866. It is these pans or the Keen reproduction thereof that I'm referring to. These pans are properly configured for a 63-74 Corvette application. There are lots of other pans out there, some claiming to be "reproductions", that you don't want to use.

Using the above referenced pans will also allow you to use your existing oil pick-up screen and your existing dipstick and tube. All other pans require replacement of all these components.

Thanks Joe
I am the new, soon to be member, that is now a member. "Canuck Tribe".
My back injury is between my shoulder blades, and any torguing causes me to do the muscle spasm "hulk" thing.

Just finishing up a complete engine build on the 327/340 after 80K miles. So while its out, I can crawl around doing the steering. I ordered the GM equivalent replacement rather then the Steeroids because I would like it to look stock. I am adding Air, PW and Cruise. I need the Cruise because of my legs, gotta keep them moving because of hip issues The Air and PW because I am a sook

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1963 340 HP Power Steering Conversion?

I installed P/S on my 67 300hp car and it's the best improvement you will make just like Joe stated above. The car is very nice to drive, just keep in mind it's power assist and a little different than P/S on modern cars.

I will say this, keep all the old parts, oil pan, baffle, and anything else you change with the car in case any future owners want to remove the upgrade. Use all original GM parts and it's a bolt on installation, I remember you could buy them for 100. complete at the car shows.

[Dennis B.]

Re: 1963 340 HP Power Steering Conversion?

Since the topic was mentioned here, another suggestion has come forward, that may allow me to keep the 6qt oil pan. That is the power steering from Borgeson.

http://www.borgeson.com/xcart/home.php?cat=97

This one you just replace the Steering box, and hook it to the control arm, it appears. I am going to need another garage for all my original parts.
I am insulating the garage attic and creating "booths between my toof trusses " for original parts for Interior, engine, etc.
So far the only thing I am missing for a complete restoration to a stock 63 SWC is the tach drive gear out of the distributor,the original exhaust manifolds, and the original Air Cleaner, other then that I have everything to restore back to original.
If I put the borgeson in, I will buy a replacement steering column so I do not have to cut 2.5inches off the original.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 340 HP Power Steering Conversion?

I installed P/S on my 67 300hp car and it's the best improvement you will make just like Joe stated above. The car is very nice to drive, just keep in mind it's power assist and a little different than P/S on modern cars.

I will say this, keep all the old parts, oil pan, baffle, and anything else you change with the car in case any future owners want to remove the upgrade. Use all original GM parts and it's a bolt on installation, I remember you could buy them for 100. complete at the car shows.

Timothy-----


Yes, the Corvette power steering system is, basically, manual steering with power assist. With it, most of the "road feel" is retained. It's probably not something that one would want to use for road racing but the vast majority of us do not road race our cars. The Corvette power steering system really "shines" on the street where most of us actually use our cars.

If I had realized the above back in 1969 when I ordered my car, I might have specified power steering. Nevertheless, I eventually corrected that mistake.