1969 Chevy Big Block P/S Pump Difference

[WorkinProgress]

There are two different style big block (396, 427) power steering pumps that are used on the following 1969 Chevrolet car line-up. Camaro, Chevelle, Nova, and Passenger car.

Both big block pump reservoirs had the inlet tube attached to the side of pump, unlike the small block which comes out the backside.

The inlet tube positioning is what determines the pumps application.

The Passenger car pump is used exclusively on that car as the inlet tube points away from the engine and has multible bends.

Camaro, Nova, and Chevelle all share the other style pump which the inlet tube points towards the engine, but there are internal differences.

All Camaro's, and according to the parts book some Chevelle's had high pressure pumps for variable ratio steering.

I have taken some pictures of two NOS GM pumps showing the external differences.

The Chevelle, Nova pump #7806372 can be found in parts book Group 6.605 which shows it is non-variable steering. I have taken pictures of that pump and it has a yellow sticker on it with the letters AF. The GM box is dated 5/13/69. This pump is also cosmetically the same as Camaro.

Power steering adapter kit #3960262 Group 6.508 is for Impala, Caprice, (exc Station Wagon). The pump from that kit has the yellow sticker with the letters AD.

The adapter unit #3960262 instructions shows that the hoses get clamped to the upper A arm shaft bolts, as there is a bracket enclosed. I can only assume that is why the inlet tube on the pump points away from the engine.































None of the NOS parts are for sale in the pictures, and hopefully this will end the guess work on the pumps application.

- Warren