Power Steering issue...still

[Rawkkrawler]

All,

I posted this issue back in June but I am still having issues.

Ford Pump / Chevy Rack Question

The Ford pump on my 5.0 SBF won't supply the volume needed to run the Chevy rack in my Everett Morrison Cobra. The front suspension is from a C4 Corvette and was originally mated to the Saginaw pump from the Chevy motor, I since replaced the drivetrain for the Ford after purchasing it earlier in the year.

I had a shop make a pressure hose to feed the rack from the Ford pump, just doesn't work right.

So my two options:

1. Replace the Ford pump for a new one (old was used and maybe worn out?).
2. Replace the Ford PS bracket for the adapter bracket that allows a Saginaw pump to be mated to the SBF.

First option seems simple if a worn pump just isn't supplying the volume needed. However I do know that the Ford pump does in fact pump less volume than the Saginaw.

Second option seems costly. I would need the bracket, then the new pump. Then I have the issue with my serp pulley. I don't think the one that came in the kit will fit the Saginaw pump. Then of course the new GM high pressure house to tie it back together.

Any obvious solutions that I may have missed?

[Tom Wells]

Mike,

The internet seems to confirm that the Chevy rack needs higher pressure & volume than the Ford pump can produce. Ford did use Saginaw pumps on some models, so maybe there's a bracket available someplace.

Have you contacted Borgeson? Or maybe March? They each make brackets and have pumps for lots of different mix-and-match setups; maybe they'd have something you can use.

The Saginaw pumps are supposed to be more durable than the Ford ones.

Don't forget a PS cooler if you're going to do any track days!

Tom

[cycleguy55]

I have the reverse situation on my West Coast Cobra - a Saginaw pump (3 GPM, 1200+ PSI) on my 460 with a Mustang II rack (designed for 1000 PSI & 2 GPM). For me it's simple - drop the pressure with a Borgeson kit and install one of the many flow restriction valves available.

As to the situation described by the OP, it seems the 2 options are: 1) chase down a Saginaw pump and brackets to match the rack; or 2) change the rack to match the pump. I'd be inclined to chase option #1 if it was my car.

[cycleguy55]

I have the reverse situation on my West Coast Cobra - a Saginaw pump (3 GPM, 1200+ PSI) on my 460 with a Mustang II rack (designed for 1000 PSI & 2 GPM). For me it's simple - drop the pressure with a Borgeson kit and install one of the many flow restriction valves available.

As to the situation described by the OP, it seems the 2 options are: 1) chase down a Saginaw pump and brackets to match the rack; or 2) change the rack to match the pump. I'd be inclined to chase option #1 if it was my car.

Pump bracket: Borgeson Universal Company :: Pumps, Brkts & Hoses :: Self Contained Power Steering Pumps & Brackets :: Ford 289/302/351W Saginaw P/S Pump Bracket

Pump & bracket: Borgeson Universal Company :: Pumps, Brkts & Hoses :: Power Steering Pump Upgrade Kits for Fords :: P/S Pump Upgrade, SBF 289/302/351W

It also looks like March's #30037 bracket will work for the pump, but no mention of the pulley required - might be worth placing a call to March.

[Rawkkrawler]

The reverse issue is pretty common with the Hot Rod community. Chevy engines with the Mustang II rack makes for a real twitchy feel. Pressure reducers address this issue quite easily (and cheap).

I did find the conversion bracket for the SBF and could easily get the Saginaw pump installed. I'd then be left with a possible pulley compatability issue with my current pulley to the Saginaw pump. Then I'd need the new hose.

I guess I was looking for that quick solution that I may have overlooked. Sounds like we're all on the same page here.


Thanks for the help!