1970 Dodge Charger - steering pump

[6219_Rules]

The steering is a little light, kind of loose actually. What I need to know is if you change out the pump will that change the way the car steers? What will make the car steer a little tighter and firm?

Thanks

[Dave@Moon]

Have you tried letting the air out of the tires?

I had a '69 Coronet which was more or less the same. These cars are kind of infamous for having some of the most overboosted steering systems in history. they were criticized when new as having no road feel relative to the other systems of the day, which weren't exactly stellar to begin with.

Short of replacing the system I'm not sure there's much you can do. There may be an aftermarket solution, or you could drop in a manual steering system. Otherwise I think you're just kind of swimming upstream on this one.

[6219_Rules]

Dave, thanks for the prompt response. My son bought the car for vintage racing and was curious. It needs some other things, like tightening up the front end, new gas shocks, etc..

But the car is in good shape, new paint (orange/red no less) and will make an excellent car to race.

[Guest imported_56BuickSuper]

Like Dave said. This is a very common issue for the Mopar crowd. The product with the best rating is from Firm Feel. They offer several different options.

http://www.firmfeel.com/products.htm

An excellent resource for your son is Moparts. It is a fast moving forum with lots of great information. I also have a '71 Charger and have been a member for some time. I think it is the best Mopar site on the internet.

http://www.moparts.com/

Hope this helps.

Dan

[6219_Rules]

Thanks, Dan! That's great...we have been looking at the Firm Feel and other sites, like Jegs, and has already tallyed up $3K worth of goodies. Thank God it isn't MY money. hehehe <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[6219_Rules]

Could either of you tell me what the weight of the 318 engine was?

And where can you get parts like the head light toggle switch? The dashboard is in relatively good shape but needs to be reconditioned and repainted. The light switch, heater controls (slide controls) and gauges all need work.

Oh and what is the basic 318's 0-60 time? Anyone know?

[Guest imported_56BuickSuper]

The samll block Mopar V8's are all about the same. 273 CUI - 340 CUI is about 525 lbs. I found this and much more in the Tech archives at the site I posted above, here is the link. http://www.moparts.com/Tech/ For a pretty complete list of most manufactures try here. http://www.team.net/sol/tech/engine.html

The rocker switches are difficult to find and expensive new. Best bet is to keep an eye on eBay, They fit a few years prior to '70 and most B, A, and C bodys.

My dash was pretty bad so I decided to make my own using after market gauges and indicator lights. A pictire is here

http://home.centurytel.net/dand/dash.jpg

As far as the 0-60 times, can't help there. Hope this helps.

Dan