Power Steering

imfastrnu2 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-23-2011, 02:47 PM

I'm looking to add Power Steering to my Midstates Cobra with a 460. Researching this has become a daunting task.

Does anyone currently run a 460 with power steering? And if so,what brackets are you using and what pump are you using? My Midstates uses a Mustang II style rack but the March pulley/bracket set I'd like to get uses a Saginaw pump. My understanding is that Saginaw's operate at a higher psi than the Mustang II rack can handle, resulting in very touchy steering.

I'm not opposed to using Ford brackets and pump if I had some part numbers or model years of vehicles to get them from.

If anyone's got a 460, Mustang II, power steering setup would you mind sharing information on what parts you used? Much appreciated.

xlr8tr · #2 (**permalink**) 08-23-2011, 03:12 PM

just started thinking about this myself, and with a 460 as well we have the same issues. Help!

Tom Wells · #3 (**permalink**) 08-23-2011, 03:14 PM

imfasternu2,

Been using power steering forever with the Ford pump. I love it!

My brackets are all home made except for the alternator, sorry. See my gallery for a photo or two - one of them is titled "dipstick" or something like that.

Here's a link to a relevant comment about the Saginaw pump, i.e., Fords have them too and probably they operate at the correct pressure: Technical Saginaw Power Steering Pump for Mustang II Rack - THE H.A.M.B.

Also, if you have a GM pump, there's a valve that's supposed to give the proper pressure: Mustang II Power Steering Flow Valve for GM Pump, 2 GPM - Speedway Motors, America's Oldest Speed Shop

The Saginaw pump is supposed to be better than the Ford pump. If you do end up with a Ford pump, ask me about the "Bondurant modification."

As a final thought, be sure to put a cooler of some sort in the return line.

Tom

FWB · #4 (**permalink**) 08-23-2011, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imfastrnu2

I'm looking to add Power Steering to my Midstates Cobra with a 460. Researching this has become a daunting task.

Does anyone currently run a 460 with power steering? And if so,what brackets are you using and what pump are you using? My Midstates uses a Mustang II style rack but the March pulley/bracket set I'd like to get uses a Saginaw pump. My understanding is that Saginaw's operate at a higher psi than the Mustang II rack can handle, resulting in very touchy steering.

I'm not opposed to using Ford brackets and pump if I had some part numbers or model years of vehicles to get them from.

If anyone's got a 460, Mustang II, power steering setup would you mind sharing information on what parts you used? Much appreciated.

kellison used the mustang II rack with a saginaw pump, he used modified factory brackets. however you will have to knock down the pump pressure.
as the saginaw puts out around 1200 psi and the must rack uses like 600 or 700. there are restriction orifices out there for sale to do this....
you may have to use some ford truck brackets for the pump or try some aftermarket companies for the street rod industry i'm sure there is something out there. you can get some off the shelf hoses for trucks for the pressure and return but the one end at the rack will need an adapter.

its a not so bad setup to do, the kellison used a 1979-80 fairmont\granada pump ford part # D9DZ-3A674-B....

FWB · #5 (**permalink**) 08-23-2011, 03:32 PM

also west coast cobra uses a power rack.....i think they use fox body mustang now

bulletbrown · #6 (**permalink**) 08-23-2011, 04:49 PM

You may want to look at electric steering . A number of units are available and it should be a lot easier to install . They are programmable and reliable .

imfastrnu2 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-23-2011, 06:38 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I'm going with the March brackets and pulleys so i know everything will work together, plus I get the advantage of having serpentine belts. I'll check on the Saginaw pump mentioned in the HAMB forum, Napa part #NSP 816795. Napa does carry this pump and if it's a lower psi then it should work well with the Mustang II rack

JDwithSC · #8 (**permalink**) 08-24-2011, 10:40 AM

I would also recommend talking to Dennis Olthoff. He got my FE set up with power steering, and I love it. It also looks retro and is polished to match the rest of the engine.

dallas_ · #9 (**permalink**) 08-24-2011, 12:29 PM

x2 on at least looking into electric power steering.

Here is a link to the Fast Freddie's unit: http://www.fastfreddiesfabrications....?id_category=4

These are designed to be used in a Cobra and those who have installed them seem very happy with it.

FWB · #10 (**permalink**) 08-24-2011, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imfastrnu2

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I'm going with the March brackets and pulleys so i know everything will work together, plus I get the advantage of having serpentine belts. I'll check on the Saginaw pump mentioned in the HAMB forum, Napa part #NSP 816795. Napa does carry this pump and if it's a lower psi then it should work well with the Mustang II rack

careful that pumps applic is a F-150.....not a rack type of PS.

the granada\fairmont is for the rack type so the fittings are more compatible.
from what i found is there are two types of pumps the saginaw and the trw.
the trw is what most people call the ford pump. all the saginaw pumps are not GM ford used them too but this application was not for a rack type of PS so the pressures are higher. a valving kit will probably still be needed.