Power Steering Pump Recommendation

[Gizmosrcool]

I have the options figured out on my future roadster. Same with the motor with the exception of the power steering pump. I’ll be running a 347 with a sniper.

Any recommendation on a power steering pump and front drive system?

Appreciate it. Thx. Gizmo

[CraigS]

I use a 99 Explorer pump. It's a GM style w/ remote reservoir. I shortened the spring to reduce assist.
https://flic.kr/p/2itVh2J

[frd2]

Toyota mr2 spyder electric hydraulic pump.

[Jeff Kleiner]

No need to reinvent the wheel. Every PS car I build gets an inexpensive and reliable OEM Fox Mustang pump, off the shelf brackets & pulleys (https://www.cfrperformance.com/FORD_MUSTANG_5_0_SERPENTINE_PULLEY_BRACKET_KIT_p/hz-4300-m-kit.htm) and hoses & fittings from Breeze.

Jeff

[Bob Cowan]

What will you be using the car for? It matters. If it's a fun street car, do like Jeff says and install a factory pump.

But if you're going to be road racing, I recommend you step up to a pump designed for that; like KRC. Yes, more expensive to begin with. But cheaper in the long run.

[Avalanche325]

But if you're going to be road racing, I recommend you step up to a pump designed for that; like KRC. Yes, more expensive to begin with. But cheaper in the long run.

KRC is also some kind of pretty.

[Gizmosrcool]

What will you be using the car for? It matters. If it's a fun street car, do like Jeff says and install a factory pump.
Combo uses. Mostly street car. Would like to do some power touring, a little dragging, and maybe some autocross. The autocross interests me.

[Gizmosrcool]

KRC is also some kind of pretty.
I do like that KRC. But $1300 for a sbf setup is yikes.

[Bob Cowan]

For that I would use a stock pump. Inexpensive, and will last forever. Autocrossing doesn't put that much strain on the system.

[ptbashor]

I'm interested in this as well with much the same application, mostly street with an occasional track day.

[steno]

OEM pump will serve you just fine! 70k miles on my build without issue!

[Gizmosrcool]

Thx everyone for the information. I’ll find a nice pully system and stock pump.

[Dave Tabor]

Just replaced my second 'stock' pump (overheat/noise/rough) with a KRC Ford 302 pump/pulley/bracket for ~$559.

Have an in-line tube cooler as well.

First track day with the KRC is in a week.

Dave

[Gizmosrcool]

Just replaced my second 'stock' pump (overheat/noise/rough) with a KRC Ford 302 pump/pulley/bracket for ~$559.

Have an in-line tube cooler as well.

First track day with the KRC is in a week.

Dave

Hi Dave. I saw that and it looks nice. A full front KRC pulley system is $1200 or so. It’s a lot then a full March system is >$2000. I can’t justify that. Jeff’s recommendation is a good one. It would save some coin. I’ll be looking at the basic billet pulleys and stock pump and 140amp alternator. If I really like autocross and burn up some stuff. Means I’m having fun.

[Dave Tabor]

Hi Dave. I saw that and it looks nice. A full front KRC pulley system is $1200 or so. It’s a lot then a full March system is >$2000. I can’t justify that. Jeff’s recommendation is a good one. It would save some coin. I’ll be looking at the basic billet pulleys and stock pump and 140amp alternator. If I really like autocross and burn up some stuff. Means I’m having fun.

That's cool, but I'm not using a full KRC front setup - I had March brackets for the PS pump and alternator- and 3 March pulleys: crank, water and PS pump (maybe $500 in all of that). Take out the March PS bracket and pulley (and OEM pump) and the KRC pump with pulley and bracket was not too hard to justify.

I'll see how it does next week.

Dave

[Bob Cowan]

Hi Dave. I saw that and it looks nice. A full front KRC pulley system is $1200 or so. It’s a lot then a full March system is >$2000. I can’t justify that. Jeff’s recommendation is a good one. It would save some coin. I’ll be looking at the basic billet pulleys and stock pump and 140amp alternator. If I really like autocross and burn up some stuff. Means I’m having fun.

Why 140A? That's a lot. Are you planning on a LOT of electrical components? At idle with everything turned on, my car uses <30A.

[Avalanche325]

For pulleys, check out CFR performance. https://www.cfrperformance.com/PULLEYS_s/4920.htm
Inexpensive, multiple colors and finishes. And they fit. Nice, but not too much bling.

My advice on a Ford pump (or any other part) is to get a new one, not a rebuilt, re-manufactured, or whatever they call it these days. Rebuilt parts are a crap shoot. You may get one that lasts or not. Not has been more my experience.

For a Ford pump there are two mods that you may want to look at:

1. Spring mod. This lowers the boost level for a firmer feel. Very easy and free. You just shorten the spring. I can't remember who came up with this one. https://www.ffcars.com/threads/cut-spring-mod-for-power-steering.242064/
2. Filler neck mod. This is for track days / autocross. The Ford filler tube sits at an angle and can puke a little fluid on a high speed right hander. There is an easy mod where you cut the filler neck and extend it with a piece of marine fuel filler hose. I was getting a puff of smoke on an autocross done on a road course. Never had the issue since.

Autocross - it is an absolute blast. It will allow you to really use your car to the max, in a safe environment. Do it with a reputable club like the SCCA where it is "safety first". There are other organizations / clubs that do good events also. You will learn your car and a LOT about driving it. It should be mandatory for Cobra owners.

For autocross a fast rack is a definite plus. I have a 2.25 turns lock to lock and love it. I rarely have to change hand position. It does make it more sensitive at high speeds. I like that part also. Some guys don't so much.

[Gizmosrcool]

Why 140A? That's a lot. Are you planning on a LOT of electrical components? At idle with everything turned on, my car uses <30A.

Haha. I’m a over builder. I will have a nice stereo and a few gadgets.