How do you mount a power steering pump to a old sbc without head mounting holes? help - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

topless87 · 04-30-2009, 01:27 PM

I have an '89 RS that i am wanting to put my old style 355 SBC into. It does not have head mounting holes for the PS Pump, does anyone know how to mount up the new style PS Pump to an old style motor....what brackets would work, what water pump should be used (long or short), and any other info would be very helpful. thanks to all.

This ad is not displayed to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on ThirdGen!

five7kid · 04-30-2009, 03:13 PM

You could do that, but you're either looking at cobbling something together from parts store brackets & pulleys, really expensive aftermarket brackets & pulleys, or going back to the 60's for parts.

Why not just change the heads?

topless87 · 05-01-2009, 02:21 PM

thanks. that would have to be my last resort as the engine is brand spankin' new, and another set of heads (late model) that have small chambers and big valves is a little tough on the wallet right now. Appreciate the advice.

five7kid · 05-01-2009, 02:38 PM

Do you know what heads they are? Casting #'s is the best information. If they are something desired by the retro crowd, you might be able to get enough out of them to help offset the cost of newer heads.

Vortecs come to mind. You didn't mention what induction you are running.

topless87 · 05-01-2009, 03:12 PM

thanks. they are double hump, 2.02's Manley Swirl polish valves with guide plates, screw in studs, dual springs, port matched. Induction is Team G Weiand sitting 2" taller than normal with 800 Holley on top. 292 Comp cam. Inside it's spinning an all Eagle assembly, custom balanced by hendrick with 11:1's. The only thing chevrolet about the motor is the block casting, main caps and the head castings. I built this for my '67 RS, but can't make myself tear the all original car down so i was wanting to "break it in" (haha) in one of my plain jane cars. I appreciate your input. Thank you.

Atilla the Fun · 05-01-2009, 05:47 PM

Have fun with 11:1 on pump gas.

topless87 · 05-02-2009, 11:46 AM

Never said anything about using pump gas. Detonation would kill it, but thanks for your concern. My friends at the local airport take care of me on that. Thought this was a helping forum. Got any ideas about the original question?

five7kid · 05-02-2009, 03:19 PM

You get the best help here when you provide adequate background information for people to assess.

You get the worst help here when you display an attitude about responses that are offered when you haven't provided adequate background information and assumptions have to be made.

That's a pretty wild engine. I couldn't tell from your original post what you had or what you knew. I assumed (for lack of better information) that you were one of those kids that reads too many magazines or watches too many car flicks and has never turned a wrench - his uncle, who had a '67 Camaro that would outrun Pro Stock cars, has this 327 that spins to the moon and wants to put it in his V6 Camaro, and he comes here when he finds out it's not a bolt-in. Sorry to have assumed that about you.

Might as well look for an aftermarket pulley/bracket set-up that matches the engine.

Atilla the Fun · 05-02-2009, 03:43 PM

While I'm usually in agreement with five7kid, I agree even more strongly this time. Besides, various portions of our responses are to help educate those who read to learn, rather than being directed only at the OP. I don't often use sarcasm, but it did get more information from you, so it was worth you getting upset with me.

topless87 · 05-02-2009, 08:03 PM

No I wasn't ever upset, just thought the website was probably run by a youngster that knew his way in programming and had a cool car. I'm 45 and have been buildin' these cars since I was 14 so I've experienced a couple of problems over that time, but I'll just ask the locals, they know I'm serious or wouldn't be askin'. Thanks, I kinda had the feelin that a new set of pulleys was the way around it. Good luck with the web site.

mcbchild · 06-07-2009, 09:05 PM

If I remember correctly, the old fuelie heads have enough material so that you can have the heads drilled and tapped and just install some studs.

Stephen 87 IROC · 06-07-2009, 10:36 PM

Without accessory bolt holes, you have limited options. The long water pump will allow you to use the late model crank and water pump pulleys. Short water pumps use different pulleys, then your alternator won't line up.

Here are a few options
http://www.jegs.com/i/March+Performa...61-09/10002/-1
http://www.jegs.com/i/Billet+Special...130PC/10002/-1

There are a few other options that use a short water pump which is what the older heads would have used. I doubt you'll find the proper factory brackets.

You're going to have to invest in proper brackets to mount the power steering pump onto the block and not the head, change or modify the heads so that you have accessory mount holes or ditch the power steering and install a manual steering box.

Air_Adam · 06-08-2009, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcbchild

If I remember correctly, the old fuelie heads have enough material so that you can have the heads drilled and tapped and just install some studs.

Nope, doesn't work. Thats one of the reasons for the different casting numbers on those heads when they started adding the accessory bolt holes - they had to change the casting to add enough metal so that they could drill and tap the ends of the heads for said holes.

Please don't ruin those heads trying this.