Power Steering, AC, Delete

[Imminent34]

I want to delete the ps pump and the accompressor from my belt system. The problem is my 94 GrandAms' 3100 has a waterpump that uses the backside of the belt (without channels)to turn it in the opposite direction of the other pullies. is there a delete pully out there for the ps and/or ac, and what do i do with the waterpump?

[Z26-T]

There is an A/C bypass pulley available from GM and there is aftermarket. GM Part Number 10044867, or you can just go to a 61 1/2" belt and ignore the compressor entirely. I just bought 1 of these GM pullies for about $25 new from the dealer, haven't installed yet so not sure how well it's going to work. I'll let you know in a couple days though when I install it.

The trouble with the second option is water pump contact. It's pretty minimal on some engines.

I pesonally am only doing the AC delete because the previous owner tore the condensor and lines out but left the compressor. Other than that there is no real reason for an AC delete, since when it's not engage it basically acts like a pully. But the delete pully is smaller, so probably a little less drag on the belt, so maybe a little hp. And then without the other stuff on there it's a few pounds lighter.

On the PS delete, I'm not sure.

[Imminent34]

Yeah Im going for weight reduction mostly and for engine bay clearance for a possible Forced induction in the future...

Thanx for the part#

Has any one ever used the electronic ps in an older car? does it have to have one of the new ECU's to operate or can it be used to replace the evil, ever-leaking, OEM hydrolic systems?

[Z26-T]

I guess you're talking about the electric steering like on the cobalts/hhr/g5s? There's a lot to them... It's "basically" an electric motor attached to the steering column, that goes into a manual rack and pinion. (been awhile since I pulled one of these racks out). But the assist depends on the VSS input. Also it's only serviceable (3 months ago, not sure if they changed it) as a whole unit. So the motor and module, which are pretty spendy. At the gm training center they bugged one so when you turned the key on it spun the wheel to a hard left... hard to explain how it was bugged, but it was simple enough that i'm not sure if you would want to hack into the system and use it. But the "impossible" is always possible. Just depends how much time/effort you want to spend

[IsaacHayes]

You could swap to a manual rack from an old cavalier that had manual steering. Be sure to grab the coupler that goes to the column.

For the p/s idler pulley, some of the LX9 engines had one that bolted to where it was at for the vehicles that did not have traditional power steering pump.

[Imminent34]

why would i want to pull the rack out of a cav that diddnt have ps?? would it be easier to operate than the OEM one without a pump? maybe I donty understand the hydrolic system properly....

and is the coupler different on the manual rack?

[Z26-T]

It's much easier to steer a car without a PS pump, that isn't a hydraulic assist rack. So, if you're not going to use a PS pump, it's much easier to steer using a non assist rack.

[IsaacHayes]

Yes, if you run the assist rack with no pressure, it will be a MOFO to turn. The manual rack is geared different so it's easier to turn. More turns lock to lock but easier to turn. You will probably break stuff or not be able to turn if you drive the power assist rack with no pressure. I know with 225w tires and the car off the wheel looks like it will break off if I pull on it, and it starts to make noises! lol

[Imminent34]

haha I know exactly what you are talking about! Im just plain fed up with this hydrolic ps! I have aleady dumped $400 on it twice, and I still have a new leak... So now I just figured Id save myself some weight and drag on the belt and be done with it.

I wonder what you would need to make the electric ps work.

[Imminent34]

forgive my ignorance but what is the VSS input? and how does it relate to the electric assist?

[IsaacHayes]

Hmm. Mines original with 200k+ miles.

VSS= vehicle speed sensor. Less assist at higher speeds because its easier to turn the tires/wheels at higher speeds. More at less speeds.

[Z26-T]

When it's in "limp home" mode, the assist is for 70 mph. And that isn't much assist at all

[Imminent34]

how would I go about finding a manual rack and coupler that will fit in my car. Does GM have standard steering collum splines and teeth sizes? porbably not but doesnt hurt to ask.

[3400CaMaRo]

stop being like a honda owner its not worth the slight power gain

[3400CaMaRo]

i like my ac and power steering