Hi.

I have a '65 Barracuda with a 360. I also have a complete hydroboost setup with a Saginaw power steering pump. The pump was rebuilt by a well known rebuilder, but it whines very noticeably. And by noticeably I mean loud as hell. As in, it's louder than the exhaust. After a thousand miles I sent it back to be rebuilt again and it came back just as loud. I'm very tired of that and don't really want to push the issue.

Instead, I'm wondering about getting a more modern power steering pump from a large Dodge or GM diesel truck. Ideally it would have two return lines for the hydroboost system so I don't have to use a stupid T-connection for the return line.

I have no real machining ability so I wonder if there's a set of brackets I can buy to make all of this happen. The water pump is the later aluminum style so that's probably of some help.

Help?

we run a modern pump on our big block serpentine conversion and are implementing the same pump on the small block kits as well. still the reservoir has only a single return, unless you use a remote reservoir that's custom fabbed. we were debating on coming out with a set of brackets that would use this pump and just run a standard v belt but haven't done so as the serpentine kits are taking priority.

For example, I wonder if one of these Borgeson universals will fit. They look just like the Saginaw pump in the Barracuda, but I don't know if they're a direct fit.

http://www.borgeson.com/xcart/product.php?productid=1716&cat=0&page=1

The Saginaw is a preferred pump with many in service and no whine. I run one with stock style lines and no problemns. I wonder what's causing the whine in your application? Bad pump? Cavitation caused by restriction on the return line? Air leak on suction side? Its possible you could go to the expense of replacing it with a newer unit and have the same problem. A rebuilt Saginaw is not too expensive at NAPA. May be worth a try before condemning the pump.

PS... what fluid? OE called for Dextron ATF. Lots of folks think modern PS fluid is better. I am running my MOPAR on ATF and another classic (brand F) on PS fluid. Both work fine.

D-E-X-R-O-N

No "t".

R.

No T. Got it!

PS: Some later model cars are very particular about fluid. My '98 Neon is that way. It whines on regular PS fluid. There is a PS additive sold for Honda's that really helps. It reduces the viscosity of the oil. It is a small bottle, 4 oz maximum. I got it from NAPA to quiet things down after changing the steering rack and fluid.