Are Power Steering and Brakes Worth Having?

Just curious how tough it is to steer a big block C3, without power steering? Also, is there much difference between power brakes and manual brakes (with stainless steel calipers)?

Some old R&T articles on the '68 427 stated that there was loss of road feel with the power steering. True?

Thanks,
Steve

Hey Steve,

No power steering or brakes on "The Toy" with the small block. I like the road feel in the steering when in motion, but negotiating a parking lot (especially at shows with all the REALLY nice cars around) does give you a workout.

Power brakes would be nice to have, only becuz of all the other bone-head drivers out there. So far I haven't needed the extra boost to avoid something.

The biggest plus of not having either is the extra room under the hood. With the big block space is at a premium (at least the ones I've seen), but the extra weight would have me adding those regardless of the hassle of working around the components.

My brother's 73 didn't have power brakes, and it was easy to stop, with good feel. Mine is just easier with power brakes, but no better stopping power. Joe

I have power steering and power brakes. The power steering I don't really care for. Nice turning, but going straight down the road the car seems to move around quite a bit. You lose the feel of the road.

I do like the power brakes. As I have a big block the car is quite heavy and its nice not having to pound on the brake pedal.

I have the small block LT-1 with a 4:11 rear end and no power steering. The engine has a lot of power, as does the big block. It is great to drive but you have to realize the power and keep it under control. I let a friend drive it once, he let the clutch out while making a left turn and almost ran straight into a tree. My wife can drive it but is afraid of it. My advice is to drive on with manual steering and see for yourself. Keep in mind that you can always add it, keeping it stock and only you would know. Even NCRS would not know if you put original, correct parts. NCRS does not check the options unless you provided the window sticker, which you don't have to do.

Good luck.

|UPDATED|9/16/2003 6:27:06 PM|/UPDATED|

No power of any kind on my '72 SB. I thought I would miss them, but frankly, I don't. I agree with the majority, the manual steering has excellent feel and a fast 20:1 ratio. Keep an eye on the traffic in front of you, if you have a lead foot. The manual brakes can give you the sense that you are stopping faster than you really are.

Just seeing if my "signature" is working.

I'll second what most of you have already said. I have a 350/350 and I don't miss the power brakes or the power steering. I thought I would but it turned out that its only a problem in parking lots.

I'm glad I'm not the only one that said that about the power steering,Mine seemed like it was wandering last summer,took it down and put 4 new tires on then had 4 wheel alignment done on it,the mechanic told me when he was all done the front end was still real tight and in great shape.only needed a little tweeking,but it still seems to wander,not bad but noticible . Ron 78

Hi

Hey Kevin72 , (No power of any kind on my '72 SB.)

I hope you don't mean what you write.
SB have a lot of power , don't they ?

My 68 BB has manual brakes and steering and the only thing I sometimes miss is the power steering during parking.
Well, keeps my better half from driving it.

Gunther