Lowering Power Steering Pressure Output

[Corpse]

As many of us know, lower PS assistance is better at higher speeds. I am working with a Gen II PS pump and trying to do the research to lower the pressure by altering the Pressure regulation valve.

Now, this valve is supposed to allow fluid to go back into the input side of the pump when pressure is above a certain level. It uses a spring to do this but, inside the piston that floats back and forth is another spring pressure controlled valve that also allows fluid to be moved in the opposite direction of the relief flow.

My question is, if I just use a lower rate spring that presses against the rear of the piston, will this always give me a lower output pressure than how it normally operates? I assume so but, i don't want to ponder the thought for a long time of what the adverse effect on the smaller relief valve would be, maybe it would help to lower the smaller one's pressure aswell.

BTW, I do not care about cranking the wheel at low speeds.

Any insight is appreciated as, i don't feel like testing various configurations right now, if I need to i will though.

I might just use an electric PS pump, it will complement my electric water pump i am installing now, then it will just be an alternator drive system as opposed to accesory drive.. (I removed the A/C of course, along with my heater core setup, I hope the weather warms up soon)

-Dave

[RacerX11]

RE: Lowering Power Steering Pressure Output

I think there was a variable-assist power steering pump available on the gen3 engines, although I'm not sure what car it came on, maybe A-bodies? It had some means of controlling pressure via the ECM. Might be worth investigating this instead of re-inventing it yourself.

Marty

[Corpse]

RE: Lowering Power Steering Pressure Output

well, I'm not so much looking just yet to tackle the vari-assist issue. that is much more complex. I will look into it though as I'm sure there is some type of possibility.

-Dave