Ok, the thread from Rodney got me thinking. I went to partsamerica.com and checked the part numbers for some rack and pinions. First I checked the part number for a 87 Fiero GT-part number "23-1602" Next I checked for a 1986 Gasoline powered Chevette. Part number-"23-1602 man" "22-102" Pwr. So it would seem they use the same racks. I would think that would be the hardest part. Is it possible to mount a power steering pump where it would normaly be on a front wheel drive car? Or do our cars already have something mounted there? I can't wait to find out if we can finaly do this.

The Chevete rack is not the same, but it can be fitted to a Fiero with some modification.

Janice_Ho of the forum has done this swap. From what I've seen you need different tie-rod ends, and you have to weld the mounts from the Chevette onto the Fiero. I think that the Chevette had an electric pump that you can just mount up front. In fact, I'm pretty sure since Janice_Ho's site says the pump is nice and compact and it shows it mounted up front..

I'd LOVE for GTdude or one of the other members of the forum to pioneer this and document before I go trying it myself. I don't doubt that I could pull it off, but I'd rather let somebody else make the mistakes.

Gimmie a sec and I'll find the site.

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^{The Black Beauty (85 GT) - Bustedato (86 SE, Parts car)
Nobody likes a loser, be a cheater.
RAPE ME!! Er, wait, no.. That's not quite right.. RATE ME!}

If the racks are different why does their site say they are the same? Is it just the power rack thats different? Anyone know what the amp draw of the electric pump is?

Here we are: http://www.lambolounge.com/Chassis/Steering/Steering-rack/Steering-rack.htm

Ok, my bad, I guess I need to learn how to use my computer. You are right, the racks are different.

Taken from http://www.lambobuilder.com/DaveJones.html :

I got my power steering put on after your sent me the information from John Bell. It saved me time on searching for a rack that steered from the front of the axle. I never thought about it, but most cars steer from behind the front axle. The T1000 or Chevette (one I got) works best. I only had to add an extension on one side since the other shaft was the correct length. I had the biggest problem finding fittings and hoses to get it connected. I noticed your comments about the Chevy dealer having parts. Are you aware of "The Fiero Store" online? They may not be the cheapest, but have almost
everything for the Fiero and ship quickly.

why would you want pwr steering? it takes power to turn the pump and fiero's are so easy to stear already.

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CAR BRA'S SUCK!!!!!
'86 gt 4spd

Putting the 'Vette PS rack in the Fiero can certainly be done. My question is....and didn't see it answered anywhere, is there actually an electic pump or do you have to use a regular pump and run PS lines back to it?

In my opinion, if you have to go to all the trouble of installing a PS pump in the rear and run the lines.........you've got way too much time on your hands.......LOL. On the other hand if an electric unit is available it may be a diff story. Thanks.

Phil

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GTDude
OVER 25 years GM experience

Well, FWIW, my next project will have power steering, but it will also have N* power with the pump already there. I'm going to start with looking at the Chevette rack because it will be cheap in junkyards to get things fabbed up, but if it just won't work I'll switch to the Merkur rack. After looking at them, I think the Chevette rack would work, but not without some modding. Time will tell. No matter how a person wants to do it, it won't be a bolt-in, that's for certain.

John Stricker

quote Originally posted by GTDude: Putting the 'Vette PS rack in the Fiero can certainly be done. My question is....and didn't see it answered anywhere, is there actually an electic pump or do you have to use a regular pump and run PS lines back to it? In my opinion, if you have to go to all the trouble of installing a PS pump in the rear and run the lines.........you've got way too much time on your hands.......LOL. On the other hand if an electric unit is available it may be a diff story. Thanks. Phil