eliminating power steering

[kifried]

Is it possible to remove the power steering pump from the engine, disconnect all hoses, and cap off any open inlets on the steering components, and just go back to manual steering????

Also, does anyone know for an 72 Olds 350 what to torque the spark plugs to?

Thanks, Ken

 

[Nightmare388]

Is it possible to remove the power steering pump from the engine, disconnect all hoses, and cap off any open inlets on the steering components, and just go back to manual steering????

Also, does anyone know for an 72 Olds 350 what to torque the spark plugs to?

Thanks, Ken

That is what I do on all my hotrods. I just take the pump and brackets off and use one hose filled with fluid looped to both power and none power side and it feels just like manual steering.I have done this to my last 4 hotrods with no problems at all. It feels 100% just like manual steering. Here is what I'm talking about.

 

[megaladon6]

i'd just make sure that you have good fluid in the box, but it should be fine.
as to the spark plugs---you actually check the torque?!?!?!? now that's attention to detail! i usually just tighten it by hand till it hits bottom and then about 1/4 of a turn more. i judge by hand/feel, i've never had any problems.

 

[81malibag]

Power Steering to Manual

As stated, you can just loop a 3/8 fuel hose on the p/s box. But to give ya an FYI. You can look around for a manual geerbox from any G-Body, S-10 p/u. They are a direct bolt in. Also, 68-72 Nova boxes will work, but you will have to make a bracket that bolts to the bottom mount hole on frame & lower ear on box. Flaming River also makes manual boxes. As far as spark plug torque, 12-15ft lbs is average or spin in til bottoms out & give it a lil snug. Also use some antiseeze on threads & dielectric greese on tip where wire snaps on. A manual gearbox is much easier to turn than a p/s box converted to manual. I have a bbc w/4spd in my car & can turn wheel with 2 fingers while sitting still. Good luck.......

 

[kifried]

Well, I wouldn't say it's attention to detail but I like to do things right haha. But I agree, just tightening it by feel is probably just fine.

As for the power steering, thanks for that picture, that def. makes sense. My power steering pump is done, so my father who works for AC Delco got me a replacement, but after thinking about, I sort of like the idea of having manual steering. I do agree, being able to steer the wheel with 1 finger is easy, having to put some real effort into steering makes me feel like I've got a real beast behind the wheel. I'm going to start looking for a manual gear box though. We might have a spare from my uncles 64 nova station wagon.