Best Electric Power Steering Conversion for Hot Rods
For hot rod enthusiasts, upgrading to an electric power steering (EPS) system can improve steering feel, reduce effort, and modernize classic chassis. This article highlights five top products that support EPS conversions, with a focus on reliability, fit, and installation readiness. The selections cover serpentine-driven setups, pump and rack fittings, and essential mounting components to help you plan a clean, performance-oriented retrofit.
Summary Table: Selected EPS Conversion Products
| Product | Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Chevy Small Block Serpentine Conversion – Power Steering Applications with Electric Water Pump | CVF Racing | Polished billet pulleys, 8-rib serpentine, complete kit with pulleys/brackets/hardware, lifetime warranty |
| PTNHZ Saginaw Power Steering Pump P Series 5/8″ Keyway Pulley | PTNHZ | Fits GM 66-74 and other models; easy pulley installation; 1200-1450 PSI, 1.3-3.2 GPM |
| maXpeedingrods Power Steering Rack Line Conversion Fittings Kit | maXpeedingrods | -6 AN fittings; lightweight aluminum body; compatible with Ford Crown Victoria, Focus, Lincoln Town Car, Mercury Grand Marquis |
| Chevy Small Block Power Steering Bracket – Electric or Long Water Pump | CVF Racing | Black billet bracket; requires long water pump; hardware included; pairs with CVF PS pulleys |
| Dirty Dingo Motorsports LS1 Conversion Power Steering Fitting | Dirty Dingo Motorsports | Brass fittings, 3/8 flare, includes viton o-ring for reliability |
CVF Racing Chevy Small Block Serpentine Conversion
The CVF Racing serpentine conversion kit for small-block Chevy engines integrates an electric water pump with a polished billet pulley system and USA-made CNC-machined brackets. This complete kit includes all pulleys, brackets, and necessary hardware for installation, with a focus on reduced belt slip and improved drive efficiency. Belts and accessories are not included, so buyers should plan on sourcing those components separately. The design emphasizes reliability and a lifetime warranty, appealing to hot rod builders seeking a polished, factory-like appearance with robust performance.
PTNHZ Saginaw Power Steering Pump P Series
This Saginaw-based power steering pump from PTNHZ targets classic GM models (66–74) and similar vehicles, with a threaded and keyed shaft designed for straightforward pulley installation. The pump delivers a typical pressure range around 1200–1450 PSI and a flow rate between 1.3–3.2 GPM, making it suitable for hot rod applications that require reliable steering assist without modern electronic complexities. It is important to verify compatibility with your vehicle’s configuration before purchase.
maXpeedingrods Power Steering Rack Line Conversion Fittings Kit
The maXpeedingrods kit converts the power steering rack to -6 AN fittings, enabling clean, high-performance hose routing and compatibility with aftermarket lines. The kit is designed for multiple vehicles, including Ford Crown Victoria and Ford Focus models from early 2000s to 2011, with an emphasis on lightweight aluminum construction and anodized corrosion resistance. This kit is best for builders looking to standardize high-performance AN connections in a retrofitted EPS system.
CVF Racing Chevy Small Block Power Steering Bracket
This black billet aluminum bracket is designed for small-block Chevy engines with either electric or long water pump configurations. It requires a long water pump and corresponding pulleys, and it pairs well with CVF PS pulley options (SBC1PS). Included mounting hardware simplifies installation, helping hot rod builders achieve a clean, secure mounting solution for an EPS integration.
BST BSSP Chrome Tilt Steering Column For GM Hot Rods
This chrome tilt steering column is designed for GM floor-shift hot rods and provides compatibility with various wheel adapters. While not a direct EPS component, a modern tilt column can combine with an EPS setup to deliver precise steering feel and ergonomic alignment for classic builds. It features a manual 28-inch length and a 2-inch column diameter, with emphasis on compatibility with 9-bolt wheel adapters for authentic restorations.
Dirty Dingo LS1 Conversion Fitting
The LS1 conversion fitting from Dirty Dingo Motorsports centers on brass construction with a 3/8 flare and a viton o-ring, designed to enhance reliability in LS-based EPS retrofits. This component helps ensure leak-free connections in the high-pressure plumbing of modernized steering systems, contributing to consistent steering response when combined with an electric assist pump and appropriate pressure fittings.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Vehicle compatibility: Confirm engine type, transmission, water pump arrangement, and chassis layout to ensure the EPS components integrate cleanly.
- Pump and pulley configuration: Electric water pumps, serpentine systems, and bracketry must align with your engine bay height and belt strategy to avoid clearance issues and belt slip.
- Mounting and brackets: Billet aluminum brackets offer strength and alignment accuracy, but verify hardware fitment and whether long water pump pulleys are required for your setup.
- Fittings and hose routing: -6 AN fittings and quality o-rings reduce pressure losses and leaks; plan hose routing to minimize bends and heat exposure near the exhaust or hot components.
- Warranty and support: Lifetime guarantees or manufacturer support can be a deciding factor for builders seeking long-term reliability in a classic car project.
- Overall weight and complexity: EPS adds weight and wiring; balance the performance gains with wiring harness routing and fuse/relay placement in the interior or engine bay.
- Installation complexity: Some kits are “complete,” while others require sourcing belts, hoses, and sensors separately. Assess your DIY skill level or plan for professional assistance.
- Aesthetics and fitment: For hot rods, consider how brackets, pulleys, and steering columns align with the vehicle’s styling cues and wheel offset to maintain a period-correct look.
- Future upgrades: If you anticipate further upgrades (different wheels, higher-performance racks, or additional sensors), choose components that offer modular compatibility with future parts.
Electric power steering conversions for hot rods combine modern steering assist with classic styling. When selecting components, prioritize compatibility, reliable fittings, and robust brackets to ensure a clean installation that enhances steering feel without compromising the vehicle’s vintage character. The listed products offer a mix of serpentine-driven pumps, -6 AN line fittings, and sturdy mounting hardware designed to support various hot rod configurations while maintaining a balance between performance and authenticity.