[Jeff Hamlin]

There has been an explosion of request for parts to preform Power Steering Upgrades
and to help those on the hunt I thought I would add a bit to hopefully assist.
I'm not going to add any part numbers at this time, just a basic outline of key parts.

This is the basic blown up schematic of the OHC PS configuration;


Let's start with the basic core parts just to get started.
These are IMO the 2 key pieces that are unique to our OHC and not found on any other GM.
The Aluminum Pump to Engine Mounting Bracket and the front pump to bracket plate bracket;


These parts are utilized on ALL years and without these 2 pieces, adding PS isn't going to be easy unless your a good fabricator or at least know one;


Having the hardware and stiffening brace/bracket shown in pic is nice but all that could be substituted with standard replacement hardware, even the small brace could be fabbed with flat stock;


The pump plate is the piece needed to make any pump fit. Without this you are not going to be able to mount the pump, again unless your very creative;
This bracket should mount to any pump, or at least could be modified to make one fit.


If you were lucky enough to find an NOS kit,
your pile of parts would look something like this;


Now that we got that out of the way. If you research any post with regards to adding PS.
The one thing that is almost always stated is you don't/can't mix & match.
This is very true, not to say it can't be done but your in for a test of patients.
It is far easier to utilize all the parts of any given year '66-'68 to add PS.

There are known differences on Pulley V-Belt alignment from year to year.
There are know back space differences on pump shafts year to year.
There are known different reservoir hose connection configurations year to year.
(The reservoir is a very minor detail among the things to look for)

'69 adds to the challenge if going on a '66-'68 as the water pump would also be needed due to the shaft length being the short pump.

One could piecemeal this set up but I can attest you will end up with a lot of pulleys that you can't use. So if you have nothing but time and money to waste then by all means buy various year parts and have at it.

With the resurgence of OHC owners our quest for factory parts has truly become a hunt.
As this post grows and I hope it dose with info from members with far more OHC knowledge then I,
this post should become a good tool for the process of adding PS.
So please keep any additions to this post relative to the process.

PLEASE KEEP ANY/ALL NONE RELATED AND PARTS REQUEST OUT.

I will add part numbers and detail as we move along.
Cheers

[Jeff Hamlin]

A better view of the assembly layout
(NON A/C, PS shown)
Take note of belt configuration & pulley type used.

[Jeff Hamlin]

Just an FYI it was pointed out that the Pitman arm in the Reference picture of the NOS kit shown above has an F-Body V8 only arm. I did verify that there are indeed several pitman's for the Firebirds so Firebird owners adding PS take note.

As far as A-Body arm there are Manual & Power steering arms.
The difference is the hole where it connects to the steering link.
So if you are adding PS to your Tempest/Lemans you need the PS pitman arm.

All of these are offered in the aftermarket from several vendors.

Cheers

[Jeff Hamlin]

For those looking;
Here are V Belt Pulley numbers I have recorded;

Fan Single Groove 9782954 XN. ‘66-‘67.

Fan Duel Groove 9778559 XP. ‘66-’67.

9778557 XR 66-’67 1BC HB/DAMPER PULLEY

Fan Single Groove 9797027 XN ‘68-‘69.

Fan Duel Groove 9797028 XV 68’-69.

Fan Duel Groove 9797029 XP ’69 ?

Alternator Duel Groove 1964758 (DELCO) ‘66-’68.

Power Steering Duel Groove 9782693 ‘66 (CAST)

Power Steering Single Groove 9778555 XE ‘67 (STEEL)

[Grokk]

Fan Duel Groove 9797029 XP ’69 is on my 69 Firebird sprint.

[camerjeff]

You are correct, 68 and 69 2 groove pulleys are 1 year only parts, as are the single groove pulleys if I remember correctly, I am not sure the 66-67 1 groove pulley will fit a 68 or not, definatly will not fit a 69.

[Jeff Hamlin]

OK so this makes more sense that 9797029 would be a '69 only pulley.

'66-'68 pulleys can interchange but as we all know, not good to attempt mix & match.
So I think it may be safe to correct my notes on 9797027 & 28 to '68 only?
What say you?

[camerjeff]

I would agree with that. But as I have never owned a 68 anything, just had a few engines I can't swear to the Aplications on the 68 engines. I assume that the 68 single groove pulleys are also 1 year only parts, but am not sure about that. The belt spacing on the 68 & 69 HB is a little bigger, and so the 68 2 groove pulley matches it.
I had a 67 Lemans that kept throwing the power steering Belt (actually it rotated 180 degrees and would end up upside down) at higher RPM's. It turned out it had the original 67 230 Sprint engine, and a PO had added Power steering to it. And had used a 68 Pulley. Looked fine and worked as long as I kept the RPM's below 4500, above that and the belt would flip. Took me at least a year to figure that one out. Drove me nuts.