Mystery Squeal...please help!
 

I am having a squeal issue under low speed when applying power. It does not happen when I punch it at higher mph. I have tightened both the power steering and alternator belts to rule out that problem. Power steering belt is brand new. It almost sounds like belt squeal but I think I need to look at other options. Could the power steering pump be bad? Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.

Don't rule out that each rotating assembly on the from of that motor has bearings in it -- P/S - water pump - A/C - Alternator....

Can you duplicate the squeal while parked and just raising the rpms of the motor - if you could - then you might be able to zero in on where it's coming from.

Don't over tighten your belts trying to eliminate the squeal - because that can lead to bearing failure.

It does not do it at idle, only in gear at low speed when getting on the gas. It goes away as soon as I back off the throttle. I have about 1/2" up and down in the belts. I know what you are saying about the bearings. I don't want to put too mush lateral stress on the pulleys.
I thought it may be a starter contact issue with the new mini starter I installed, but after pulling the shield, I can't see any contact on the starter cone or the flexplate.

I got some feedback from Camaros.net that the flexplate may be flexing under load just enough to contact the tip of the starter. It was described as sounding like a power steering squeal from the lower part of the motor.
I once again dropped the shroud to check for contact. Clearances all look good but I backed off the 2 starter mount bolts anyhow, wedged a flathead screwdriver between the flex plate and starter gear and re-tightened the mount bolts. I thought this might give just a little extra gap in case it was a clearance issue. I just took the car out and it is still there but only doing it in 1st gear under power and with each shift point. I am going to install the starter ring spacer that came with the mini starter and see what that does. Fingers crossed.

Added the 1/16th ring spacer that came with the starter kit. That has solved the problem! No more fake power steering squeal under low speed power and shift points. I guess its a little food for thought that the flex plate does actually "flex" during shift points and lower rpm when the torque converter effects it the most.

LOL -- That's funny - a flex plate that flexes....



Glad to hear you found the problem!