OK, on the final assy of the GN clone. My current headache is the pressure hose side of the PS pump. Since the steering box is metric and the pump is standard, what hose is available? The other way might be to get a PS pump from a 231 Regal. If so, is that going to align with the 455 pulleys? Steering box is from an '85 GN w/F41 PS Pump is stock 455 Stage 1 out of a '71 Centurian (H.O. 455 car) I'd really like a bolt in situation over doing a "custom hose" if possible. Jim
Lee Manufacturing has adapters and/or hoses just for this type of swap. I'll be doing the same thing in the near future, and I plan to use their stuff. http://lee-powersteering.com/rebuild-misc.htm
I do have a place that makes custom hoses near my office. We'll see who has the best price/idea on making this work. Still waiting on my Trans lines as well (next week for delivery) - those come from a '68/69 SS396. Also have my eye on an aluminum radiator (3 core) to keep things cool that way. The A-body unit is about 1.5 inches too high.
My custom pressure hoses for the hydroboost setup cost me $85 total for two from my local hydraulic shop. Guaranteed to 3000psi. This would be the route Id choose if I was you...
my attempt at causing confusion.. not sure about 455 pumps...I can say this so far I am dealing with a similar situation on my 350 84 Regal swap The pulley spacing is the same on the 350 skylark pump that I have with that of the 3.8 metric g body pump If you have done away with the hydro boost and the spacing is the same on a 455 pump, I would hunt down a metric pump. maybe I am off here. if you are keeping the hydro boost than I am not sure what is the best road. But so far everything is just swapping brackets for me..
The 1" threaded nut on the back of the P/S pump that the high pressure hose screws into is removable. Get one from a metric pump along with the valve & spring & swap. The threads are mostly all the same. Tom T.
This is what I did on my 69 pontiac. Then I just ordered an off the shelf hose (metric both ends) from a later camaro firebird, or whatever has the engine type you need.
well im sure ill get bashed for what i did, i just cut the original line just past the bend out or the gear and took a 70 a body hose with the original 455 pump and used a compression fitting to put the two steel lines together. has worked perfect for the couple years ive had it in there.i know its not the best looking thing in the world but hey.
Well that worked! I was able to swap out an '86 G20 PS Pump fitting with the '71 SAE fitting. Looks like no leaks and the swap only took 45 minutes. Getting really close on the first test drive, maybe this weekend. I still need to trim out my basement to keep the wife happy. (just a few spots left & 3 doors) Jim
