How can i get more "feel" in pwr steering?
 

I have stock C5 vette power steering pump and stock rack from grand am pontiac. Steering is quick and really good but maybe little bit too light. How can i get more feel on the steering ? Is there any pressure limiting valve in the pump or somethig?

Wake up!!!:patriot:

Although there are companies that make pressure limiting regulators, I wouldn't reccomend them. The rack makes the "decision" on feel, so I would look into getting the rack recalibrated. If you just limit peak pressure, there will be times when you won't be able to get enough assist, like when parking, or when making a very quick steering input.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

Thanks Bill for the info.That was totally new to me.

The amount of assist is based on a torsion bar in the steering. The softer the torsion bar, the softer the feel because more of the rotary valve is exposed and allows more assist from the pump. Changing the torsion bar to a stiffer one is the answer.

I know street rod shops make a PS regulator, but I have no idea how well they work, if at all and what issues they might cause with the system.

the preasure regulators sold by hiedts hot rods and such help adjust the amout of preasure going to the rack. they will have effect on the feel. but we use them mostly because a customer insist that he wants power steering and on a lite weight rod especialy one where the engine is place mostly behind the cross member. it can create an over responsive feel. in most case's on a street rod it is recomended to use a manual rack. which is what we usually start out with and if we think it justifies power we up grade. i am not sure that it will provide you with answer your looking for. perhaps if you contack flaming river or uni steer thier tech guy's can give you better answers. :thumbsup: later larry www.llcustomperformance.com

To the best of my knowledge, the pressure of the pump doesn't have much to do with steering feel. Reducing fluid flow does have an affect.

I've limited the pump flow on my LS1 pump just for kicks. It "stiffened" the steering somewhat, I guess you could say it reduced the power assist. Personally, I didn't care for it. It just ment I couldn't whip the steering wheel as fast as I could before. Road feedback was the same, obviously.