1980 - Power Steering

**C3x2** · 04-04-09, 03:55 PM

I've got a 1980 with power steering leak. Wondering if it is possible to get rid of power steering altogether and put in a performance manual steering box?
What would I need?? Where would I get it??
.... pros and cons???

Tired of leaky power steering stuff.

Thanks.

**73shark** · 04-04-09, 05:14 PM

I can't remember the name (somebody else here probably can) but I think someone makes a rack & pinion conversion.

**bill81vette** · 04-04-09, 05:26 PM

I think evo put steeroids in his '80

**Crimson Thunder** · 04-04-09, 07:45 PM

All you have to do is change the center link to one from a non power steering car.The steering box is the same for both.Companies are selling the GM600 series steering boxes for Corvettes now that will get rid of the troublesome control valve.

**C3x2** · 04-04-09, 10:51 PM

What center link would work? and are you telling me to keep my power steering but by changing out the center link I eliminate the power steering control valve and the power steering cylinder? If I can keep power steering but eliminate numerous leaks that will work. I'm checking into the GM600 you mentioned.
Any help would be great - I don't know why GM decided to put a power steering control valve, cylinder and 4 hoses to steer a car...when normal power steering always seemed to work just fine.

**Crimson Thunder** · 04-05-09, 05:21 PM

Sorry,i should have been more clear.If you want to change fron PS to non PS all that is required is a change to a non PS center link.Then just remove the pump,control valve, and cylinder and you have a non PS car.The steering box is the same for both.

Corvette Central has the 600 box in their newest catalog but the $999.00 price is outragous.(Its only around $300.00 for the same box for a Nova).Many people here on the forum have the Steeroids rack and pinion and love it,i'm just tring to find an alternative to power steering that doesn't cost $1200.00.

It's a shame that GM made us live with 1950's power steering technology throughout the C3 era and never "updated" the PS for our generation.

**73shark** · 04-05-09, 06:47 PM

I think the cylinder setup is more aptly called power assist and gives a little more road feel than the GM power steering used during the 60s & 70s. I do know that manual steering at lower speeds is a handful, especially w/ a big block.