LS1 power steering pump

HotRodpayton · Nov 7, 2008

Any suggestions on what I should do with my steering ????
I have a LS1 w/stock pump and resevoir. I run a cheap ag style ram. I'm not getting the steering force I need. I have good speed, just want turn unless I'm moving. Any suggestions on boosting what I've got without going broke. Some say it's because my front is welded, others say it's because I need to jack up my pump pressure and it will be fine. Some input would be great.

InDaShop · Nov 7, 2008

blacksheep10 · Nov 7, 2008

high flow it,
open up the inlet,
no restriction cooler.
stay stock pump.

YOUNG · Nov 7, 2008

Drill out the valve in the pump. Take it up to a 3/16- 1/4" hole. This will allow maximum flow and pressure. Also make sure that you have a big enough reservoir to handle the fluid drop. Some guys just add a long piece of hose to the neck of the pump or I always used a Nissan Maxima remote reservoir tank to mine. Just braze up the top of the pump with a large bard fitting and your set. The Maxima reservoir adds almost another quart.

HotRodpayton · Nov 12, 2008

I need to still do the process your explaining. But I put a 2.5" bore cylinder on it Saturday and it fixed my problem of being so week. It will turn lock to lock on asphalt with one finger now. I'm gonna see how it works for the next two weeks we are riding, then I'm gonna put a remote resevoir on it for mo fluid.

blacksheep10 · Nov 12, 2008

if the pump whines when you are steering, you will be putting a pump on at the same time as a resi. don't starve it.

HotRodpayton · Nov 12, 2008

10-4 I'll give it a test this afternoon

CheapJ7 · Nov 12, 2008

What cooler are you guys running if not the tranny fin type???

I've got one of those and gonna install it before rbd, but if its gonna restrict the flow even more, then i may have to look into other options...

Not running a cooler at all now, PSC pump, remote res, and 2in ag ram...
never seems to get hot or whine...

InDaShop · Nov 12, 2008

CheapJ7 · Nov 12, 2008

Thanks wyatt. Knowing myself and my current economis state ill prolly just rock the tranny cooler.

P · Nov 12, 2008

Im rockin a tranny cooler.... I do lust the fancy Howe cooler like MattO just bought though, sessay.

doug38s · Nov 12, 2008

look at the Derale tranny style coolers with the fans. thats what we are running on the new buggy with PSC's new high flow anti cavitational pump with the two inlets.

BamaTJ · Nov 12, 2008

If you go with a tranny style cooler get one with the biggest tubes you can. Generally a 1/2 ID or -8AN is the way to go. With steering you don't want anything to slow down the flow of fluid. So make sure you use line with the biggest ID you can get and keep flow in your mind

YOUNG · Nov 12, 2008

I've ran this one here for years with no issues.
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=DER%2D13960&N=700+115&autoview=sku

Marty · Nov 12, 2008

All the pressure lines in most hydro systems are 3/8. I see no problems running -6 lines for returns from a cooler. i do as well as thousands of others. As long as you dont run alot of 90's or a stacked plate cooler, flow will be good. :dunno:

caglezxj · Nov 12, 2008

Marty said:
All the pressure lines in most hydro systems are 3/8. I see no problems running -6 lines for returns from a cooler. i do as well as thousands of others. As long as you dont run alot of 90's or a stacked plate cooler, flow will be good.

I just removed a single ended ram and added a double. The reservoir was a AGR and the ports was good for a circle track car but not our sport. I got one with both fittings coming out of the bottom. Of course the reservoir needs to be at the highest point it can right above the pump if possible. Your supply line needs to be straight as possible and remember if it has a slight bend it could collapse together when it gets hot. Your steering valve needs to have sweeping 90* not close or block 90* . Straight would also be good. Keep your cooler below the pump and the lines running out of the side of it to help keep from trapping air. The filter is a good idea and the more oil you use in your system the cooler it will stay. I think my supply line to the pump is a #10 jic crimped on a 5/8's hose .

I can get pictures of everything if needed.