[johnny1966]

Desperate help needed here. I'm trying to convert my 396 BB to Power Steering. First mechanic suggested I order the BB Conversion Kit from Summit Racing which I did but was shipped from CCP. This first mechanic closed up shop and I had to look for another mechanic. Second mechanic took apart all parts for the steering only to advise me I needed to change out the shaft, which he recommended I order and I did. When the new shaft came in about 40 days later I took it back to the second mechanic. The second mechanic took all apart again only to advise me once again, won't fit. I ask him to explain why and these are his words and I Quote: The issue with the power steering is the alignment of the pulley on the pump with the crank and also the alternator will be almost touching the top of the power steering pump when installed. I am not sure if there will need to be another pulley added onto the crank or if there is a different mounting bracket that is needed. Also not sure if the alternator may have to be relocated in order for it to fit safely. The third mechanic had this to say and quote: So I have been doing a little bit of looking around. I feel like you have 2 options. Option 1 you can move the alternator to the other side of the engine. This will require a different bracket setup. Option 2 you can go to a serpentine belt setup. Either way you will be required to purchase different things to make it fit right. I have enclosed 2 pictures to give you an idea of what I am talking about. I truly need some expert advise here. Thanks

 

[billdini]

I know my 68 uses a bolt on pulley that attaches to the 3 bolts on the harmonic balancer for PS. However you bought a kit and I would have suspected that pulley would be included. Try checking here and see if you have what OPGI shows

https://www.opgi.com/chevelle/1966/engines-components/belts-pulleys/

 

[blm]

I dont see any pictures but there are two stickies in this forum that deal with power steering. Maybe you can find something in there. Obviously a 66 big block is capable of having power steering without relocating the alternator.

 

[O'Man]

Desperate help needed here. I'm trying to convert my 396 BB to Power Steering. First mechanic suggested I order the BB Conversion Kit from Summit Racing which I did but was shipped from CCP. This first mechanic closed up shop and I had to look for another mechanic. Second mechanic took apart all parts for the steering only to advise me I needed to change out the shaft, which he recommended I order and I did. When the new shaft came in about 40 days later I took it back to the second mechanic. The second mechanic took all apart again only to advise me once again, won't fit. I ask him to explain why and these are his words and I Quote: The issue with the power steering is the alignment of the pulley on the pump with the crank and also the alternator will be almost touching the top of the power steering pump when installed. I am not sure if there will need to be another pulley added onto the crank or if there is a different mounting bracket that is needed. Also not sure if the alternator may have to be relocated in order for it to fit safely. The third mechanic had this to say and quote: So I have been doing a little bit of looking around. I feel like you have 2 options. Option 1 you can move the alternator to the other side of the engine. This will require a different bracket setup. Option 2 you can go to a serpentine belt setup. Either way you will be required to purchase different things to make it fit right. I have enclosed 2 pictures to give you an idea of what I am talking about. I truly need some expert advise here. Thanks

I don't get it...this should be a straight forward swap, a bolt on. First of all I don't have mechanics do work on my stuff because frankly (and maybe arrogantly) I think I can do as good a job as most all of 'em without listening to their BS. The fact that three of 'em can't figure it out says something to me.

This is not "Landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". SOMETHING is a mis here...maybe your setup is not original as it stands now? Maybe these guys are trying to combine some part of a jury rigged / home brew setup that someone previously cobbed together on your car with the parts in the kit and cannot figure it out.. I really gotta think that a kit from Summit (or most anyone else) should bolt right on.

How about pictures of your current setup so we can figure out your starting point? W/O knowing what you have now its hard to say why these guys can't figure it out or what you need to do. If you take pictures get the crank pulley and the current location of the alternator from a few angles. More pictures the better.

 

[SFD]

The stock set-up works fine.

 

[O'Man]

The stock set-up works fine.

??????

 

[johnny1966]

I don't get it...this should be a straight forward swap, a bolt on. First of all I don't have mechanics do work on my stuff because frankly (and maybe arrogantly) I think I can do as good a job as most all of 'em without listening to their BS. The fact that three of 'em can't figure it out says something to me.

This is not "Landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". SOMETHING is a mis here...maybe your setup is not original as it stands now? Maybe these guys are trying to combine some part of a jury rigged / home brew setup that someone previously cobbed together on your car with the parts in the kit and cannot figure it out.. I really gotta think that a kit from Summit (or most anyone else) should bolt right on.

How about pictures of your current setup so we can figure out your starting point? W/O knowing what you have now its hard to say why these guys can't figure it out or what you need to do. If you take pictures get the crank pulley and the current location of the alternator from a few angles. More pictures the better.

I don't get it...this should be a straight forward swap, a bolt on. First of all I don't have mechanics do work on my stuff because frankly (and maybe arrogantly) I think I can do as good a job as most all of 'em without listening to their BS. The fact that three of 'em can't figure it out says something to me.

This is not "Landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". SOMETHING is a mis here...maybe your setup is not original as it stands now? Maybe these guys are trying to combine some part of a jury rigged / home brew setup that someone previously cobbed together on your car with the parts in the kit and cannot figure it out.. I really gotta think that a kit from Summit (or most anyone else) should bolt right on.

How about pictures of your current setup so we can figure out your starting point? W/O knowing what you have now its hard to say why these guys can't figure it out or what you need to do. If you take pictures get the crank pulley and the current location of the alternator from a few angles. More pictures the better.

 

[johnny1966]

I don't get it...this should be a straight forward swap, a bolt on. First of all I don't have mechanics do work on my stuff because frankly (and maybe arrogantly) I think I can do as good a job as most all of 'em without listening to their BS. The fact that three of 'em can't figure it out says something to me.

This is not "Landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth". SOMETHING is a mis here...maybe your setup is not original as it stands now? Maybe these guys are trying to combine some part of a jury rigged / home brew setup that someone previously cobbed together on your car with the parts in the kit and cannot figure it out.. I really gotta think that a kit from Summit (or most anyone else) should bolt right on.

How about pictures of your current setup so we can figure out your starting point? W/O knowing what you have now its hard to say why these guys can't figure it out or what you need to do. If you take pictures get the crank pulley and the current location of the alternator from a few angles. More pictures the better.

I'm sorry, I clicked the button before I made a comment. Anyway, I'm thankful for this site to some kind of confirmed information as to what I need to do. Hoping someone here can make something of the photos I submitted to get some accurate answers. Thanks Guys

 

[O'Man]

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I'm sorry, I clicked the button before I made a comment. Anyway, I'm thankful for this site to some kind of confirmed information as to what I need to do. Hoping someone here can make something of the photos I submitted to get some accurate answers. Thanks Guys

I'm sorry, I clicked the button before I made a comment. Anyway, I'm thankful for this site to some kind of confirmed information as to what I need to do. Hoping someone here can make something of the photos I submitted to get some accurate answers. Thanks Guys

First of all it looks pretty well built. Nice engine compartment and it sure seems that the parts are right as far as alternator placement. Now we need an owner of a 66 with PS to post some pics for you.

Your car has the correct short water pump so that is not the issue. I am looking at the crank pulley, somebody needs to chime in here but does that look right for a 66? It might be for a later year and that might be the issue. You could install a different BBC crank pulley on there and get it to work until the change to add PS comes along. Since the alt and the water pump line up and since it appears that the alternator bracket is right there is only one thing left to my way of thinking. My vote says chase down the crank pulley as your first suspect.

 

[thebeast]

First of all it looks pretty well built. Nice engine compartment and it sure seems that the parts are right as far as alternator placement. Now we need an owner of a 66 with PS to post some pics for you.

Your car has the correct short water pump so that is not the issue. I am looking at the crank pulley, somebody needs to chime in here but does that look right for a 66? It might be for a later year and that might be the issue. You could install a different BBC crank pulley on there and get it to work until the change to add PS comes along. Since the alt and the water pump line up and since it appears that the alternator bracket is right there is only one thing left to my way of thinking. My vote says chase down the crank pulley as your first suspect.

 

[Saltherring]

It's been 50 years since I owned a '66 SS 396 (it did have PS) so I can't comment all the pieces/parts required to make it work, but I will offer this. Take your Chevelle to a mechanic who has worked on older American-made cars, preferably a guy who is over 65. Or call the closest regional Chevelle Club for some help or to link with someone who can offer you a look at a member's factory power steering set-up. As was noted by others above, this should be a simple change out. Good luck to you, O'Man.

 

[thebeast]

Desperate help needed here. I'm trying to convert my 396 BB to Power Steering. First mechanic suggested I order the BB Conversion Kit from Summit Racing which I did but was shipped from CCP. This first mechanic closed up shop and I had to look for another mechanic. Second mechanic took apart all parts for the steering only to advise me I needed to change out the shaft, which he recommended I order and I did. When the new shaft came in about 40 days later I took it back to the second mechanic. The second mechanic took all apart again only to advise me once again, won't fit. I ask him to explain why and these are his words and I Quote: The issue with the power steering is the alignment of the pulley on the pump with the crank and also the alternator will be almost touching the top of the power steering pump when installed. I am not sure if there will need to be another pulley added onto the crank or if there is a different mounting bracket that is needed. Also not sure if the alternator may have to be relocated in order for it to fit safely. The third mechanic had this to say and quote: So I have been doing a little bit of looking around. I feel like you have 2 options. Option 1 you can move the alternator to the other side of the engine. This will require a different bracket setup. Option 2 you can go to a serpentine belt setup. Either way you will be required to purchase different things to make it fit right. I have enclosed 2 pictures to give you an idea of what I am talking about. I truly need some expert advise here. Thanks

this is my CPP power steering setup in my '66 …. Simple bolt on …

 

[Kawickrice]

Op. It looks like your alternator belt is not lined up correctly from the pic i see. It looks slightly off compared to the crank pulley plane. Could be the pics of course but something worth checking

 

[SFD]

Your new brackets and steering box and pump pulley appear correct.
In stock form, the pump is really close to the bottom of the alternator but I am speaking about the pump in the attached generic photo.
I am not sure if the pump you have will work with the LH alternator, maybe someone here can chime in, you purchased the self contained unit yet you have the external reservoir.
You also need the ADD on power steering crank pulley, other generic photo which I did not see in your parts list and I am not sure if the one you have on is correct, does not seem deep enough.
You will also need the stud with nut for the bracket at the exhaust manifold, hopefully that’s in the bracket kit?
Clean out the lower bracket threads in the block before starting so you don’t fight it when assembling.
And I agree the alternator looks cocked, could be that chrome aftermarket bracket contributing to some of that.
Clean car..👍

 

[AK71SS]

Getting the correct pulleys and getting them all aligned (shimming brackets and pulley spacers) is trial and error along with patience. That has been my cross for the past month on my '67 (138) and finally had success this past week. Mine was stock PS and I didn't have the added difficulty of chrome or aluminum billet stuff; I stayed with stock type pulleys including cast iron 3 groove pulley and cast iron PS pulleys from OPGI. '66 and '67 are much the same in this PS setup.

Follow what SFD has stated and you should be good.

 

[SFD]

I sent several pics to your PM

 

[Kirk's67SS]

OP I have a 67 Chevelle with a BBC Swap in that had previously been a SBC
so here is what I had to get to make it work in 2007
So it should work for your 66

PULLEYS
March Perf # 7610 = 3 Pulleys = 2 Groves for Crank 5.50” / Water Pump 6.25” / 1 Grove Alt 2 11/16”
Chevy Big Block : Short Water Pump Performance Ratio Double Groove V-Belt Pulley Kit $ 252.63 us
You should Measure the Space you have from your Water Pump Snout to the Rad Core
plus the Length of other Parts to see if everything will fit
Might have to get a Shorter Fan Spacer or need none at all
Remote Power Steering Parts
67 Chevelle BB Conv Kit # PSKIT-S67 https://www.ss396.com/chevelle/PSKIT-S67.html $ 511.67 us
Alternator Bracket Short Water Pump OEM Style 1964-1968 Chevy Chevelle Big Block Chrome Upper Alternator Bracket Short Water Pump OEM Style $ 15.us

You can see the Power Steering Pump & it's Black Pulley in this Pic down at the Bottom in the Middle

Remote Power Steering Reservoir down at the Bottom of Pic on the Left

 

[The Camaro Guy]

Did a PS install on a 68 Camaro, 70 Chevelle both were SB, 69 C-10 BB set up like a 66-67 Chevelle. Its all in the correct brackets and Pulleys, your crank pulley needs 3 grooves. The PS belt goes on the 3rd spot furthest from the engine. The correct PS bracket will position the pump correctly. Your Alt needs to be straightened out with some shims. Its not a difficult job, you should be able to do it yourself. Check craigslist for some pulleys from guys switching to serpentine or chrome. The used GM parts always work best and reasonable, did the last conversion for $400, labor and parts.

 

[hydro462]

Wow.. I would contact Lee. Get one of there 800 series blueprinted boxes with the pump... Nobody makes a steering box like Lee does. You won't believe how nice your car will be to steer. It will snap back like a manual box even with zero caster.. Get the 12.1 or the 14.1 with a 30 pound valve..

 

[Jdimick298]

Im putting power steering in now on my 66 SS, almost finished. As the Camaro guy said you need a triple crank pulley with that short pump (like mine). The power steering v belt goes on the furthest of the 3 grooves away from the engine. The job isn't very difficult to do yourself if you know your way around the tool box. I cannot speak to your alternator being too close to the pump. Mine is definitely close but nothing crazy.