Borgeson Update

[chrger1967]

Hello all,

Just a month or so ago I installed a Borgeson power steering box in my '68 B-body. I retained the existing Saginaw power steering pump. The other day the weather allowed me to take it out on an extended cruise up and down a local mountain highway. The steering feel was more precise than the previous Firm Feel unit, BTW. Just before I got back home I noticed a reduction in power steering assist. Upon pulling into the garage I checked the temperature of the power steering pump, and it was nearly 200 degrees.

It dawned on me that some folks noted a loss of power assist if the fluid gets too hot. I also recalled that Borgeson recommends a power steering cooler. I had thought this might only be necessary if I did autocross or something of that nature. Clearly that was a wrong assumption. So I have a universal style cooler on order and will install it in the return line from the box to the pump; I would expect this to solve the problem.

Just an FYI for those who might think they don't need a cooler.

I just put in a Lares 11033 box with a filter. I checked the filter after a road test after installing the box and found the filter was pretty hot. I want to add a cooler, what cooler can I use that will look somewhat stock and is easy to get?

 

[68 Sport Satellite]

I could be mistaken, but I don't think Bergman modifies the pump. When he sent a replacement for mine, it was shipped straight from the supplier and didn't go through him.

thanks, good to know. His website says the pump is modified to work with the Borgeson. Maybe he's not the one who does the modifying.

 

[Kern Dog]

I just put in a Lares 11033 box with a filter. I checked the filter after a road test after installing the box and found the filter was pretty hot. I want to add a cooler, what cooler can I use that will look somewhat stock and is easy to get?

If you want something new, there are numerous choices.
I like looking for cheaper options like stuff in the junkyards. ALL the Mopar minivans and PT Cruisers that I've seen use an inline cooler like this:

They mount right here:

They are really simple and only need to be mounted where they can get some air around them. It does help to have them in the path of air but even if they are under the battery tray, they will still shed some of the heat. Sometimes a difference of 15 degrees can be enough.
You can buy new ones like this one from Dorman....

I'm told it is under $50. The junkyard ones were ten bucks each. I grabbed a few and keep them for future projects.