Of the various types of power steering pumps that our old Mopars came with, is there any one of them that works better than the rest, particularly on a big block application? If so, if you could explain why it is better I would appreciate it. Also, if the same pump type could have been used on a slant six, small block and big block, did they use different size/type of pullies or were they all the same? Thanks.

The vintage pumps seemed pretty similar in my experience, but then again, I've never seen test results.

Can't speak to the best diameter pulleys, beyond that larger-diameter pulleys rotate more slowly and consume less horsepower. A performance trick back in the day was to use a larger diameter pulley.

Switching to a manual steering gearbox uses no pump.

I believe as the 60's gave way to the 70's the Federal, TRW, and Thompson pumps were given up by Chrysler in favor of the Saginaw pumps. I don't know if they're better or why, but if the old Chrysler Corp. moved to use them more in later years one could assume they were more reliable or efficient.

I've read in the handling section that Federal/TRW pumps are not good for road racing. IIRC, the constant turning of the wheels @ speed causes the pump to work slower & not wanting to return the wheels straight. I don't road race so I can't attest to this info. I've a Federal on my '67 b-body, & it is holding up well.

I read somewhere that the Saginaw pumps were the better of the lot. But I don't remember why they were better.