I have a 1973 1800 ES. I would like to modify it with power steering. What has been your experience in upgrading manual steering to power steering?

 

its a 1973 so you'd have to research what steering racks could be swapped in. Once you figure that out,then you'd get the choice of seeing if there's a similar engine model that can support the PS pump or consider going with an electric PS pump design. With that said, its a pretty small car that doesn't really need power steering - if you find the steering too heavy, it may be due to tires. alignment or worn components (including the steering box).

 

Thanks for the feedback. The car has 195/70R15 tires, but Volvo calls for 185/70R15, with high tire pressures. I will address this first to see if it improves the ease of steering.

 

Doesn't the 1800 have a recirculating ball steering box? (not a rack and pinion)? Not sure if ANY Volvos with that steering box design were ever powered.