Power Steering Cooler Installed

[eville]

Well this should keep my power steering fluid cool! It's a Specialy Auto-Tech 12" transmission cooler. I replaced the power steering high pressure line with Aeroquip steel/textile braided -6 hose and Aeroquip socketless for the return.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/IMG_2048-1.jpg

[eville]

For the steering box side, I have a GM variable ratio box. I still want an ATS/Lee box but for now I needed these fittings:
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...0&autoview=sku
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...0&autoview=sku

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/IMG_2052-1.jpg

To connect it up I wanted to get rid of this hose:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/IMG_2059-1.jpg

I've heard the teflon braided hose can be noisy when used in the power steering system. So I wanted to try this Aeroquip High Pressure Hose.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/IMG_2053-1.jpg
It's cool stuff.

[eville]

I was able to make up the hose:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/IMG_2055-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/IMG_2056-1.jpg

[eville]

Well here it is installed.

I bolted it to the rad. support just under the radiator. Fits just fine. I used some 3/4" aluminum stock and through bolted it. It's solid.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/IMG_2061-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/IMG_2060-1.jpg

[eville]

Return line is plumbed with Aeroquip Socketless hose and fittings.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/IMG_2063-1.jpg

Everything clears the headers just fine... better than the old rubber hose.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/IMG_2062-1.jpg

And a shot of the March Pulleys I installed a few weeks ago.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/05/IMG_2064-1.jpg

Fun, easy afternoon project.

[Ricter]

Is heat to the power steering usually a problem, or is it just because of your header location?

[eville]

Is heat to the power steering usually a problem, or is it just because of your header location?

It's just something I'd been wanting to do. I plan to do some open track days with the car. As wide a front tire as we all run and as sticky as the NT01s are, I didn't want to have a problem with the pump overheating.

I plan to run a remote reservoir some day too. But I thought the cooler would be a good start.

[CarlC]

If the engine is pushed hard (high-RPM) on an extended track-day run, even a remote cooler is not sufficient to keep the fluid from overheating, puking out the cap, and wrecking the pump. A remote reservoir is worth a 60* fluid temperature decrease.

Remote reservoirs for short waterpump Chevys is tough since the alternator belt interferes with the smaller TC or CB pumps. A Lee's dry pump is, IMO, the best option in this case.

[68sixspeed]

Carl or eville- did you notice a big increase in pump noise after adding this? I'm running the newer type DSE pump with the built in reservoir, added a similar cooler (jegs tranny cooler, looks almost the same), and I've noticed a lot more pump noise at low rpm, even over my noisy motor. thanks. Dan

[eville]

No increase noise noticed here. I've heard you can have increased noise if you run the teflon lined braided hose...

[CarlC]

Are you running the teflon lines?

The TC and CB pumps, if memory serves, do not have an integral reservoir like the P-pump. They have a reservoir that plugs into an O-ring type port so there is no fluid to help dampen pump noise.

Yes, mine is/was louder, but it had teflon lines and no back-to-back comparison with a rubber version.

[68sixspeed]

the return lines are not ptfe; I'm not sure on the pressure line DSE supplies, but I would imagine it is. (the prev. line I had on the original type ps pump was ptfe on the pressure side)