I’ve suddenly become the owner of a 57 Pontiac restomod. I raised the hood to find the original power steering pump dominating the engine compartment. I’d like to replace the original with a smaller late model GM pump. I’ve not found a conversion kit specifically for this 347 Pontiac motor. This motor was produced from 1955 until 1981 in versions ranging from 267 to 455 cubic inches. Up until 1959, this motor had a reverse flow cooling system with water entering the front of the heads from the water pump through external tubes. Obviously, this external tube configuration would require brackets designed specifically for it. Does anyone know of any power steering/alternator brackets that would fit this motor?
Let the original dominate the engine compartment, that's part of the cars character. As long as it still works OK, unless you enjoy making more work for yourself.
I would look for a pump and brackets from a ‘65 - ‘68 Pontiac. You might need to modify them to make the pump clear the water elbow on the front of the head. I have a ‘59 and a ‘67 engine sitting out in my shop, I’ll try to take pictures of the front of both and compare to see what bosses are the same on the front of the block.
While I kinda agree with BJR and I’m usually an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” guy, at the first leak or squeal out of those things I’d be looking at my options too. Just so you can see what you might be dealing with, here’s some photos of the early block vs the later one. No real difference in the bolt locations on the block, but due to the deeper timing cover, 1” spacers would be needed to make up the difference in timing cover depth. Note, my ‘59 389 has been converted to a 1960 timing cover and pump so it doesn’t have the water elbows on the heads. Looking at internet pictures, the filler opening on the later pump would interfere with the elbow. But the pump might be tilted out enough to clear it with a longer belt. So later brackets and pump might be made to work. You will also need to be sure that the pump output pressure is compatible with the ‘57 steering box. I suggest researching some Pontiac enthusiast sites on the internet, I’m sure someone has been there and done that. As a courtesy, come back and tell us the outcome even if you decide to leave it stock. Early front view…. (1959 block with 1960 timing cover) 1967 400…. There’s a couple more bolt holes in the later head. Early - side view…. 1967 400 side view…. There’s about 1” difference in the timing cover requiring some spacers.
I would make sure the pressure/volume of the new pump is workable for the steering gear before wasting too much time. 57 might be late enough that it will be okay, but there was some oddball **** going on earlier in the 50’s for sure. I actually like the looks of the early pumps vs the newer style, but that is just me.
With no pre-engineered parts, for now the decision is to leave well enough alone. Generally, I believe that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Thanks for all the advice. Your efforts were not wasted steering me to curb over ambition. I’ll bet that the lower temperature coolant going directly to the head would reduce detonation.
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