posted
one of the few things i don't like about my '00 SS is the level of boost on the steering. i have some RSI (wrist pain from typing too much) and could use more assist. i just saw that the 6-cyl has a higher steering ratio. can i swap that into my car?
-------------------- Silver 2000 SS 'vert A4 - pretty much stock, but not for long... Posts: 13 | Registered: Nov 2001
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posted
All I can think of is to switch to a larger diameter pulley on your PS pump. THat iwll cause it noit to spn as much, thereby reducing boost. However, that would void any warranty on teh PS system, I'd bet.
-------------------- 1999 Trans Am - Pewter, A4, 3.23's
Stock for now Posts: 471 | From: Justin, in the Great State, Texas | Registered: Sep 2000
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posted
I don't see why a v6 steering gear will not interchange for a v8 gear. Take some measurements of both to see if it will mount up.
Posts: 5682 | From: Dearborn,Mi. | Registered: Feb 2002
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posted
If I'm not mistaken, the speed of the pump is not relavent to the boost. When you're revved up the steering doesn't change feel, does it? I think you'll have to change the settings in the pump regulator, perhaps a spring or something?
-------------------- '01 TransAm M6 Firehawk Red Convertible, All GM Options, All SLP options, Bilsteins
'89 IROC 1LE/R7U Red (w/Bilsteins of course) 1 of 111 built for GM/Players Series Racing in North West U.S.A., B.C.
Posts: 24 | From: Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada | Registered: Jan 2002
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quote:Originally posted by P. R. Warnke: Doh, just reread...DO a smaller pulley...Smaller pulley = more boost.
The power steering pump does not have anything to do with the steering quickness. That is in the rack and pinion (steering gear).
Posts: 5682 | From: Dearborn,Mi. | Registered: Feb 2002
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quote:Originally posted by 2002Z4CSS: The power steering pump does not have anything to do with the steering quickness. That is in the rack and pinion (steering gear).
From what I understood, the question pertained to Steering boost, not quickness...
-------------------- 1999 Trans Am - Pewter, A4, 3.23's
Stock for now
Posts: 471 | From: Justin, in the Great State, Texas | Registered: Sep 2000
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posted
Basic principles, the steering pump provides boost, the steering gear provides ratio multiplication or reduction depending the ratio. Generally speaking the quicker the ratio/steering the higher the pump pressure you need, conversley the slower the ratio the lower the pump pressure you need, in short if you are going to raise/quicken the steering on a given application you are going to have to raise perfomance perameters of your pump.......... Hope that gives you some insight into what you want to do.
-------------------- 99 MN6 HURST, SLP LID, K&N, AUBURN,SLP DUAL-DUAL, ALUM DIFF COVER,BILSTEIN/EIBACH PKG., SYNTEC LUBE PKG. ZR-1 WHEELS, PEWTER/FLAME RED INTERIOR. 70 SS396 CHEVELLE, DARK GRN/WHITE STRIPES, T56,6spd, 3:73, Hooker w/3inch primaries, GM 502/Crate w/ Crane 236/246@50 hyd/roller,centerforce clutch, and lots of busted knuckles and fabrication. Result? 468HP RWHP per Westech Performance,and Dougans Racing Engines, Mira Loma Cal. Posts: 26 | From: rancho cucamonga cal. | Registered: Feb 2002
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posted
thanx for the feedback, everyone. to clarify - i like the steering ratio (i believe it's quicker than the v6 cars.)
i would like the same ratio, but with a lighter feel (more boost). especially with the wider tires, it's hard to hold steady on any kind of chop in the pavement with one hand on the wheel.
i asked about the v6's gear because if it has a higher ratio, then it might give a lighter feel at the expense of more turns lock-to-lock, without changing the power assist setup.
anyway, of all the things to screw around with on the car, i think i'll just leave the steering alone and get some dumbells
posted
Actually, the pump builds the pressure, so a smaller pulley will help it build more pressure at a lower rpm, but what you really need to do is replace the pressure valve and spring in the back of the pump with a lighter one (from the v-6 or some other car with lighter steering). The rack controlls the ratio and the effort somewhat in its design, but the valve sets the pressure at which it releases at also. I would try a pump valve and spring combo from a v-6 car, or install a v-6 pump (if its the same, I have not checked the parts to see if they interchange physically, but they WILL have a different part number, most likely).
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and get some dumbells 
