I checked the interchange for a '69 Impala Power Steering Pump and 2 are listed for the small block. One is for a Variable Ratio and the other Exc. Variable Ratio.

Trying to find out what Variable Ratio is ??

Any info would be appreciated.

Bill

It means that the ratio changes as the wheels are turned (shorter)..... ie-the steering becomes faster as the wheels go to the off center position. 1969 was the first year of this feature and by 1971 all were fast. If I remember correctly all 1969 cars had V.R. except the wagons. They were slightly few turns from lock to lock than the non V.R....was not used in wagons as they thought it would make the steering too sensitive. If you ever drove one of those wagons at high speed with a load in the back you will know what I mean. The wagons also called for like 22 pounds in the front tires and 32 in the rear. On some years the wagons also had some up and down free place built into the drag link connection at the pitman arm to desensitize the steering. I don't remember why the pump would be different other than the faster steering may have required more pressure. Let me know if you need more info. and I will look it up.

Gene,

You just answered another question. The books says in 1970 that the passenger car has a different pump than the wagon.

In '69 and '70 between the Six, Small Block and Big Block, there were, according to the book, 12 different pumps.

The book is a little confusing, as the Hollander can sometimes be. In '69 they just say V.R. and Exc. V.R., but in '70 it says Wagon and Exc. Wagon.

Bill