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Camaro Gen 5, GM Gen 5 LT, GM power steering pump, Kwik AC bracket, Kwik power steering bracket, L83, L84, L86, L87, LT1 Camaro, P series pump, power steering hoses, Type 2 pump

How to Add Hydraulic Power Steering to GM Gen 5 LT Engine Swaps

Featured image for an article on how to add hydraulic power steering to GM Gen 5 LT engine swaps

Wayne Powell |

GM Gen 5 LT engines were first introduced in 2014 in Corvettes and GM trucks and 2016 in Camaros.  This engine series is becoming popular for engine swappers because of its direct fuel injection, variable valve timing, and allows for high horsepower potential while maintaining good fuel efficiency.

It's a great option for those looking to swap a peppy motor into a classic car or truck or any vehicle you're looking to provide a performance boost. Not to mention these engines are now readily available in salvage yards, and as GM crate engines and they have improved aftermarket swap support.

However, one thing that's become a pain point for hotrodders is the lack of a hydraulic power steering pump (GM has switched to electric power steering assist on these vehicles) and the AC compressors are variable displacement and aren’t recommended for aftermarket AC systems.  Plus, the compressors are located low on the passenger’s side of the engine and often run into frame rails and crossmembers.

Kwik Performance has solutions to both those problems.  

Let’s talk about Gen V truck engines first since those are the most plentiful in salvage yards. There are two series:

The L83/86 running from 2014 through 2019. This series is identified by the water pump pulley being offset to the driver’s side of the engine

The second series, the L84/87, runs from 2020 on.  This series places the water pump pulley in the center of the engine.

Photo of aftermarket brackets that allow you to add hydraulic power steering to GM Gen 5 LT engine swaps
Pictured are Kwik Performance power steering and AC compressor brackets. On the left is the configuration for Chevy L83, L86 engines. Right is for Chevy L84, L87 engines.

Here at Kwik Performance, our design philosophy is to let you use as many of the original front drive components as possible.  So that means the space available to add a hydraulic power steering pump and aftermarket AC compressor ended up being on the passenger’s side for the L83/86.  While it may seem unusual to have the PS pump on the passenger’s side, the work-around is to have longer power steering hoses and we have a hose kit designed just for that.

For your L83/86 engine, we have two part numbers, the difference being the AC compressor you choose.  Both use a Type 2 power steering pump which is included. For a Sanden Mini, use part number K10742.  For a Sanden HD compressor, use part number K10702.  The Mini works great for most applications.  Use the HD for station wagons and Suburbans.

Now let’s explore options for the 2020+ Gen 5 truck engines.

The centered water pump on L84, L87 and L8T (6.6L) gives options to just add a power steering pump or add both power steering and air conditioning.

If you just need power steering for your L84 or L87, use our K10755 bracket and a matching P-Series power steering pump.  By mounting the larger Saginaw P-Series pump, you also have the option of running a hydro-boost brake system. Just choose our PS pump with two return lines .

To complete the system, source an L8T belt tensioner because your L84/87 engine used a “stretchy” belt instead of a tensioner.  The GM part number for the tensioner is 12654271.

Even if you have an L8T engine and it came with a power steering pump, you may want to use our Kwik setup.  First reason is the extremely tall plastic reservoir may cause hood clearance issues.  Second reason is that you may want to run hydro-boost brakes and the stock pump has no option for a second return line.

To add air conditioning to these engines, check out our K10750 bracket for a Sanden Mini AC compressor.

What about power steering for Gen 5 LT1 Camaro engines?


Now, let’s talk about the 2016 and later Camaro Gen 5 engines.

We do have a bracket system that allows for you to add a hydraulic power steering pump and a Sanden AC compressor just outside the driver's side cylinder head.  It’s a combination bracket that mounts both accessories and lets you keep all the rest of your front drive system. It’s a bracket that mounts both the power steering pump and the Sanden HD compressor on the driver’s side of the engine.


LT Camaro (2016+) AC/PS Bracket
Pictured above: Kwik Performance power steering and AC compressor bracket for LT1 Camaro engines.