Can PS or PB be added to a midyear without NCRS deduction?

[Stephen W.]

Assuming I used remanufactured original parts (are they date-coded for PS or PB units??), and was carefull to change any related parts correctly, is it possible that judges wouldn't notice they weren't O.E., or wouldn't care, therefore no deduction? I don't have a build sheet or window sticker, and I'd be carefull not to represent the added PS or PB as being original (that, of couse being fraudulent misrepresentation).
My goal here is to make the car more driveable without losing points, not to fool anyone.




thanks

[Rick A.]

Re: Can PS or PB be added to a midyear without NCRS deduction?

Short answer - NO

[Michael J.]

Re: Can PS or PB be added to a midyear without NCRS deduction?

I know that the engine suffix codes were different for P/S cars in '66 and '67. But I also wonder if you had the proper part numbers, auxiliary equipment, date codes, etc. if the '63-'65 could have it added.

[Mike E.]

Re: Can PS or PB be added to a midyear without NCRS deduction?

You didn't say what engine or year your car is...For instance a solid-lifter small block (L84 or L76) will not accept power steering. The 6 quart oil pan is too deep and the power steering slave cylinder will not clear it.

I will agree I would feel a little more comfortable with a dual circuit hydraulic brake system but as long as the lines are in good condition I'm not overly concerned. I really like the pedal feel of a non-power brake car that is setup with the correct piston lip seals. If you have O-ring seals then all bets are off. I've heard they do require more pedal effort.

With the narrow tires that would be correct for a midyear I don't feel they require that much steering effort anyway. The only place I could see where it could be an issue is when you are parallel parking which is highly unlikely you would be doing much with a old Corvette. Have you had the steering box checked to make sure it's within spec?


Edit: I checked your profile and it says you have a 1966 car. So that would rule out your car being a solid-lifter small block.


Mike

[Timothy B.]

Re: Can PS or PB be added to a midyear without NCRS deduction?

Stephen,

I own a 300hp 4 speed, 67 convertible and added power steering a few years ago and love it. It's a big difference driving the car and not really expensive to install.

I have been putting it off but in the near future I plan on installing P/B. The car is very original except for these two things but I don't care because I enjoy working on and driving my 67. I will say to the best of my ability these parts will be installed as factory.

[Edward B.]

Re: Can PS or PB be added to a midyear without NCRS deduction?

If it will make the car more enjoyable to you and will encourage you to use it more often, do you really care about NCRS points at some show that you may or may not attend?

[Michael W.]

Re: Can PS or PB be added to a midyear without NCRS deduction?

If you manage to add it and sneak it past the judges. Did you really earn the Flight award or are you just fooling yourself?

[Larry M.]

Re: Can PS or PB be added to a midyear without NCRS deduction?

Short answer - NO

Rick:

I disagree. If you use the correct parts, there are many cases where it should/would not affect your judging score. There are obviously exceptions, where the addition of PS might be detectable by the engine stamp pad.

Larry

[Page C.]

Re: Can PS or PB be added to a midyear without NCRS deduction?

This subject is covered in the Judging Reference Manual, section 4 item #9 page 32. The detectale addition or deletion of any regular production vehicle OPTIONS subsequent to factory assembly is inconsistent with NCRS Judging Standards and therefore subject to a FULL DEDUCTION on originality and condition. Lots of examples given including pw, ps, pb, side exhaust, etc.

[Joe L.]

Re: Can PS or PB be added to a midyear without NCRS deduction?

Stephen,

I own a 300hp 4 speed, 67 convertible and added power steering a few years ago and love it. It's a big difference driving the car and not really expensive to install.

I have been putting it off but in the near future I plan on installing P/B. The car is very original except for these two things but I don't care because I enjoy working on and driving my 67. I will say to the best of my ability these parts will be installed as factory.

Timothy-----


Power steering is one of the best additions that can be made to a Corvette originally built without it. Absolutely makes driving the car FAR more enjoyable.

I don't think you'll find that the addition of power brakes will add that much and probably isn't worth the effort. I've driven Corvettes with and without power brakes and I couldn't really tell much of a difference.

[Joe R.]

Re: Can PS or PB be added to a midyear without NCRS deduction?

This question is not about "ethics"!!! It's about can options be added to Corvettes without detection by judges and not effect the judging score. Certainly this has been done thousands of times and will be done again on every judging field from now on!!! We're talking power mirrors, day-night mirrors, radios, power seats, leather seats, PS, PB, AC, PW, headrests, engines, carbs, hoods, speedminders, tachs, etc etc. The list is long and no judge can take time to interview every owner and question them about these options. The owner signs the judging sheets and that's the end of it! Every one of the above can be replaced or added and ANY engine or trim tag can be restamped or faked. Get real folks!!!!

JR

[Jim L.]

Re: Can PS or PB be added to a midyear without NCRS deduction?

My goal here is to make the car more driveable without losing points, not to fool anyone.

That's the best possible reason to add PS and PB. Your enjoyment of the car is, IMHO, more important than points. Just do it.

My '63 has PS and PB. It's a delight to drive.

Jim

[Larry E.]

Re: Can PS or PB be added to a midyear without NCRS deduction?

How about for safety reasons like if the car came with Knock-Offs and then replaced by orignal wheels and hub caps? Is this a no-no
also? I know that Knock-Offs can be used safely but only a few know how to use/change(for a flat) them properly. Larry
P.S. Just because the judge can not "see" it; does it make it right??

[Dick W.]

Re: Can PS or PB be added to a midyear without NCRS deduction?

This question is not about "ethics"!!! It's about can options be added to Corvettes without detection by judges and not effect the judging score. Certainly this has been done thousands of times and will be done again on every judging field from now on!!! We're talking power mirrors, day-night mirrors, radios, power seats, leather seats, PS, PB, AC, PW, headrests, engines, carbs, hoods, speedminders, tachs, etc etc. The list is long and no judge can take time to interview every owner and question them about these options. The owner signs the judging sheets and that's the end of it! Every one of the above can be replaced or added and ANY engine or trim tag can be restamped or faked. Get real folks!!!!

JR

You will be hard pressed to get a repro trim tag by at a Regional or National. The latest and greatest versions of the tags are being called.

Now back to the original question, yes you can add certain options and if done properly, take no point deductions. With mid years, bear in mind that some options are spelled out in the ECL code on the trim tag

[Michael J.]

Re: Can PS or PB be added to a midyear without NCRS deduction?

In looking at the engine suffixes, I am now curious why the '66-'67 L79s were the only ones with P/S designated, while the 300 HP and the BB have no suffix to designate P/S. Why was that?