Custom powersteering lines.

[Jitse]

At the moment I still have the original power steering lines, but I like to make new ones with braided powersteering hose.

Have already at home, Russel powerflex hose 6AN and various Russel hose end fittings plus adapters m16x1.5 to AN / m18x1.5 and a 16mm banjo fitting from Summit(8021560).

The problem is lack of clearance between fittings and powersteering pulley.
Both adapter fitting Russel #648060 and 16mm banjo fitting give clearance problems.
With original ps pulley there is 6mm and with Pete’s custom ps even more 11mm, can not get pulley deep enough on.

Maybe one of us on the forum found a solution to be able to use the standard powersteering pulley?
Otherwise I am thinking about ordering a steel adapter fitting, cutting the AN part of and Tig weld a 90degree AN on it.
Another option is making a custom PS pulley with a bigger diameter, but can’t go bigger than 9.5mm outside diameter or it gives a interference problem with the waterpump pulley.

If somebody has an idea?

Something else:
Making a modification to electric driven powersteering pump no one did with his Z yet looks like?
When surfing for solutions on the web I found some guys put an Toyota MR2 or Opel Astra Electric Power Steering pump in there Vette, but those pumps produce 1000psi and the original on the Z around 1200psi. I don’t want heavy steering.... or a e-motor which pulls 60 amps all time.

Regards,

Jitse

[GOLDCYLON]

Jitse I have thought about this as well. I have nothing to offer you in engineering however if you figure it out I would buy two sets as I am a fan of the braided lines as well. I tell you that if somebody does do it that may only want to do it in a run vs. only a single pair, Price dependent I'm sure a few would be interested here as well. GC

[Jitse]

GC, luckily I am not the only one who wants this :-)
I found an adapter fitting on a dutch webshop (Eriks part# 11483328) going to give them a call tomorrow to see if it’s still available.
If not available, I am going to order a 6AN to 1/4 npt 90degree fitting which can be tig welded into the flow control valve adapter.

Did somebody know if that flow control valve fitting from Saginaw pump is the same as the one from a L98 Vette or Lt1/4?
There are also flow control valves on summit, but I have no idea which one is okay for the ZR1.

Jitse

[Jitse]

The fittings are on order, it’s a special order 9 weeks delivery time.
When I have them, I give an update and make a list with the parts needed if somebody else want to make them by them self. Maybe Jerry can make a kit and put it in his store by that time?

[GOLDCYLON]

Originally Posted by Jitse

The fittings are on order, it’s a special order 9 weeks delivery time.
When I have them, I give an update and make a list with the parts needed if somebody else want to make them by them self. Maybe Jerry can make a kit and put it in his store by that time?

Are you making these yourself ?

[Jitse]

My reply toke awhile,

The custom fittings which I ordered from a local supplier, did not have enough clearance with the powersteering pulley, a couple of millimeters lack of clearance with the AN (straight) fitting.

Changed plan by modifying the flow control valve adapter and tig weld AN to 1/4 npt 90degree steel fitting on it , I cut of the 1/4 npt part of that fitting.
After that it was not a big deal to modify the rest of the powersteering hoses and fittings.
adapters m16x1.5 to AN / m18x1.5
Used 1 banjo fitting 6AN M18x1.5 and 1x 6AN x m16x1.5 straight adapter on PS unit, on the pressure lines usage of powerflex hose and on the hose which comes close to the headers, added silicon heat protection cover.

I am re using the power steering return line to the cooler, its not a big deal to modify this part to braided hose with AN connecters, if you want you just need some AN to barb adapter fittings, to connect the outlet from the tank and the outlet of the cooler. In between AN hose with fittings ( size of hose is out of my mind 3/8")

I am not using the plastic cover any longer, which protects the steering rotating assembly coupling.
In case heat is to extensive, I can add a heat shield and connect it to the headers bolts.

This job is not to difficult to do at yourself, but you need the proper tools to get the powersteering pulley off and back on.

I've someone can check if the flow control valve is the same on the L98 or LT1 saginaw pumps, it is simple to buy just a new flow control valve and modify it and keep the original as backup.

[Jitse]

Some more pictures:

[Ccmano]

Originally Posted by Jitse

GC, luckily I am not the only one who wants this :-)
I found an adapter fitting on a dutch webshop (Eriks part# 11483328) going to give them a call tomorrow to see if it’s still available.
If not available, I am going to order a 6AN to 1/4 npt 90degree fitting which can be tig welded into the flow control valve adapter.

Did somebody know if that flow control valve fitting from Saginaw pump is the same as the one from a L98 Vette or Lt1/4?
There are also flow control valves on summit, but I have no idea which one is okay for the ZR1.

Jitse

I don’t know if the flow control valves are the same as an L98. I do know that the pumps look identical but rotate in opposite directions. An L98 pump won’t work on an LT5.

Good luck with the project sounds interesting.
H