Just did the 2.8 to 3.1 swap in my 86. Left both AC and Power steering at the junk yard. Was wondering if it would be ok to just run it without those. I know of the S10 steering box but i dont wanna have to crank the wheel 7 times. How would i go about finding a belt? Or would i be better off on trying to go back to V belts? Is it easier then im thinking or? Can i just run it with the shorter belt?

 

It wont hurt the car to not run those accessories. You can use a different belt. A shorter belt would work. You would to measure what you currently need and figure out the belt routing, but im woundering why not get a pw steering pump and put it on. I would hate to drive a street car without one. I had a civic back in the day with no pw steering, it was horrible to drive in town.

 

to goto a v belt setup u would have to change the water pump and front timing cover if im not mistaken

the serpintine waterpump is reverse rotation the v belt pump is not

 

Thanks fasteddi i think ill go with that. Yes it wont be the greatest but i hear its better manoevering on the highway. Ill decide in the future if its really that bad. Ive driven without power steering its different haha. Was also a civic. I think ive seen your turbo camaro on youtube and its pretty quick.

If it went back to V belt wouldnt it still go in reverse anyways? All i need is a belt really. Shes almost done just need a couple vaccuum lines and shes golden.
Which vacuum lines do i plug that my 2.8 car has and 3.1 doesnt?

 

if u put a vbelt on what u have now the water pump will turn in the wrong direction and wont move any water threw the engine

 

Yes exactly what i was thinking. Bout to work on her in a bit here. Break her in make sure no leaks of any sort.

 

Here's one old man's crazy idea .....

I have worked on a recent model Mazda car and was amazed to discover that it's power steering pump is electrically operated and does not run from an engine accessory drive belt whatsoever . I wonder if one of these electric pumps could work here ? The only two difficulties may be in that the Mazda has rack and pinion steering rather than our old fashioned steering boxes , so the pressure may be different ? and that the pump is tied into the car's computer in that it stops operating at speeds above 25 MPH (at which speed and above a Rack and pinion needs no power assist )

Anyway , just a passing idea as to a possible fun project if one wanted power steering without it being driven by a belt

 

Yes i find it interesting that almost everything is now electric and non belt driven. After i get my funds and have her running reliable i will do more research.... Or maybe not haha. Thats interesting stuff. Tried looking up electric water pump but i didnt find much. New technology on an old car. Thats pretty kick ***