Why is the power steering pump different?
On the Gen III engines, the lower intake manifold runner #2 sits closer towards the “front” (looking at it transversely) of the engine timing chain cover. The space left between this cover is less than that of the runner to cover size on a Gen II engine. The Power Steering pump has been reduced in width on Both the Pump and the Reservoir to fit. This is why it’s very important to get a pump that its complete! You need the pump, pulley, and reservoir all together! The reason our pages describe needing the front engine timing chain cover is because of this: The cover has the flange for the power steering pump to bolt onto. GM made the bolt holes in a slightly different location and reduced the size of the flange that the P/S pump bolts onto. This flange is now .5 inches thick compared to the thicker flange on the Gen II’s at .750 inches thick. The narrow space is needed because pulley has been brought in closer to the pump body which allows for a more compact fitment.
