PS pump upgrade? Which one?

[ss dave]

I recently upgraded my steering box to a quick ratio box in my 69 Camaro and replaced all the front end parts. I would like to upgrade my PS pump to a modern, remote resevoir type pump. What are some of the best hi-performance pumps available? Thanks.

[rattus]

I recently purchased one of these:



It is the gm p-pump with a remote style can w/ -10 AN return port and 5/8-18 flare output port. They are inexpensive (website says $150 but I called to order and it was around $130) and you don't have to mess around with brackets, etc. Available from www.pscmotorsports.com

Another cool product I found was an Appleton filter/cooler/reservoir:


It has a -10 AN outlet port and a -6 AN inlet port. It has a bracket to mount to firewall / rad support. I got mine from Port City Racing for ~$150.

[ss dave]

Hey, thanks. Those look great!

[CarlC]

If you are thinking of taking the car out for a track-day event the stock P-type pump leaves a lot to be desired. The stock-type pump, as shown above, is a Saginaw P-pump.

One problem is the integral reservoir. It retains heat, and remote coolers do not eliminate the problem. There have been multiple PS pump failures using P-pumps and coolers.

If you wish to stay with the stock bracketry and want to upgrade the pump, the best option, IMO, is the Lee's modified dry P-pump. Pump details, as well as remote reservoir/filter systems, can be found on my website.

For a more modern system you may want to look into a Saginaw TC type pump. These are smaller pumps that require some type of remote reservoir, although some reservoirs mount directly to the pump. Sweet, AGR, Lee's, Canton, and many others offer TC type pumps and mounting bracketry.

[rattus]

Just to be clear, the above pump is not a stock pump, and the can is not really an "integral" reservoir. The fluid does not return directly to the pump from the steering box, it first passes through the filter, cooler, remote reservoir before it returns to the -10 AN port on top of the pump can. In other words the fluid is constantly recirculating through the cooler etc, then in and around the pump. Thus the (cooled) fluid constantly circulating around the pump may serve to cool the pump itself. I read a couple of off road mag articles that used this reasoning to state that this style of pump cools as good/better than the no-can style pumps, but they didn't show any data.

My GMC Safari van has a similar type of can (w/ remote reservoir) but the fluid returns directly to the can (the hydroboost returns to the remote reservoir). The PSC/Howe setup is different than stock.

PSC and Howe Performance Power Steering both run this type of pump for hardcore off road / rock crawler applications (which from what I understand is also Lee's specialty), so I'm not entirely convinced that this style has inferior cooling capabilities.

Carl - do you have any experience running this specific type of setup?

[chicane67]

The above unit IS a stock type Saginaw P-pump that has been modified to run without an integral resevoir. I also recommend the Lee modified dry P-pump if you needed to run that type of mounting.

The Appleton tank/filter also leaves much to be desired as it is too much for what we use them for in street applications. I have used that exact tank/filter in pro and trophy trucks for years and it handles a higher volume of fluid, which is common in off road racing..... but it really doesnt cool the fluid enough without going with a second 'external' cooler...... which even the trucks required a second cooler to tame the temperatures of the specific loading characteristics found in performance use.

The Howe units have the same associated issues... as well. So yeah, they have not really proven to be up to par for some applications, which include most here that actually participate in track events.

[ss dave]

Correct me if I'm wrong but are not the TC pumps more efficient and supply higher fluid pressures? If that's the case, then are all TC pumps equal in their performance characteristics or are some better than others? Because there seems to be a large price difference between some stock pumps and those offered by AGR, Detroit S&E etc. Finally, since the TC pumps provide fluid pressures in the range of 1200-1500psi @ 3.5-4 gals./hr, can I run a TC pump with my stock steering box, which I've been told needs lower fluid pressure(1100psi).

[chicane67]

Yes, TC pumps are more efficient and they can supply different supplied pressures.

No, not all TC pumps are created equal. I, as well as most other performance builders, use the Delphi pump. From there, they can be tuned for pully sizing and pressure requirements.

The aftermarket suppliers either have or can provide a unit that can be tuned to your requirements. So basically, if they (your supplier) dropped a smaller diameter pulley onto a TC pump..... it would reduce the total pressure to work with your stock box..... and can later be changed to meet any changes you make to your steering later.

[CarlC]

...and Lee also builds really trick TC pumps and reservoirs.

If I'm interpreting the picture above correctly, the can is still filled with fluid and acts as an insulator. According to Lee, removal of the reservoir can on a P-pump is worth a 40* temp reduction in performance applications. After melting a P-pump reservoir housing tower, I believe it.

The Lee P-pump has few stock components. The shaft material and liner size are matched for the application. The housing is one of the few re-used components.