The Spark

I took my car to the track for the first time last weekend (HPDE). I'm pretty sure the power steering fluid got hot on at least one track session. When coming in I had very little power assist while driving slow. It was real bad one time but not so bad the other times.

I have a base C5 so it doesn't have cooling fins on the power steering tubing.

Should I get the Z06 power steering line (with fins)?
What do you guys use?

Gray Ghost GS

I had a Z06 power steering cooler installed in my C5 for the track because the fluid had boiled a few times. Works great. Go for it!

Oyishdog

How is the install? I need to add one to my car as well. I boiled the fluid a few times and lost PS a few times at VIR NCM.

Gray Ghost GS

It's a relatively easy install. I purchased mine from forum vendor Gene Culley at http://www.gmpartshouse.com/ The Corvette master tech of our club sponsoring dealership did the install while it was in for an oil change and scheduled maintenance. Also recommend using Valvoline's SynPower Power Steering Fluid.

geerookie

I had the same issue at Pocono a month or so ago. Happened on the first day and I ran for a day and a half w/ no PS. It kicked back in about halfway home. When I got home I ordered a new pump because I could see where the front seal was leaking. I also bought a tranny cooler for an automatic (small one) from Pep Boys took out the original cooler cut the tubing at the appropriate places and installed the new cooler where the original one was. This took drilling a new hole to mount and fabricating a mount for the cooler but was worth it. The new cooler has much more cooling capacity then the Z06 cooler and was cheaper! I also switched to Valvoline SynthPower Steering fluid.

davidfarmer

easy install, total bolt on. Comes with lines and hose clamps, just bolt it to the subframe and attach the lines where the "loop" is now.

The Spark

I was thinking about doing something like that.
The cooler is on the low pressure side - isn't it?

Did you use hose and hose clamps to connect to the hard lines where you cut them?

any pics of the install?

rikhek

ttt

2000BSME

I'm not sure how long forum threads are kept, I searched, but couldn't find my March thread on my P.S. cooler install. I bought the z51 cooler from a vendor and the install was very easy.

ghoffman

This is an almost mandatory thing to do. I did not initially have one back in '89 on my C4 and the fluid got so hot the hose failed and all of the pressurized PS oil went on my headers and caused a fire. I had a small Halon fire extingusher so the damage was limited to the hose and 4 spark plug wires, but it could have been a total write off.

The Spark

I bought a Z06 P/S cooler from Gene Culley

While I am installing it I might as well replace the P/S fluid.
What is the proper procedure to get the old fluid out?

I saw where you turn the wheels (off the ground) from side to side several times to get air out after putting in new fluid.

Anyone know how much fluid it will take?
I want to get enough the first time I go to the store.

Thanks. I hope to get to it this weekend.
I got an EOC from DRM and want to install it this weekend too.

geerookie

Yes it's on the low pressure side. I used hose clamps. 2 per connection and did a slight flare on the ends of the hardlines just to be safe. If you send me your email I will send pictures.
Mine took less than 2 quarts and that's with the larger cooler. I used Valvoline SynPower fluid. No more problems!

Oyishdog

What is the part # for the cooler?

Oyishdog

still looking for the part #....anyone?

The Spark

are you asking about the Z06 P/S cooler or the aftermarket one?

Oyishdog

c5 z06 one for now

The Spark

I can't find the P/N but contact Gene @ gmpartshouse.com
He can fix you up and guy.

I think there is are 2 different coolers for the C5 depending on model year.

rikhek

A Search on power steering cooler will produce the part number. I'd do it for you but I'm tired. Ran all day today at Hallett.

However, Forum member Valvegod sent me to following PM last week or so. Too bad he sent it the day after I got a used one from a Corvette salvage yard in MS for MORE money:

Rick, I have surslus never mounted OEM PS coolers. $50.00 plus $15 UPS.

Best regards,

Shaun (valvegod@aol.com)
SMC Performance, INC
248.276.0483

I think most Forum venders are selling for around $140 plus shipping. This is a STEAL!!!

mcintex

Thanks Shaun. Ordered mine today.