Evo versus standard power steering

df2x4 said:

My '97s are both early and they both have it. The red truck's build date is 1/7/97 and the Suburban is 12/16/96. If '97 was indeed a split year for EVO it must have been extremely early.

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My 96 was built 1/96 and my 97 10/96. My 97 still has the two piece trans case, same charcoal canister as my 96, although there is some wiring in the engine bay and under the dash that is different. Later 97's I have seen have the one piece trans and the "square" charcoal canister, among other changes.

alpinecrick said:

My 96 was built 1/96 and my 97 10/96. My 97 still has the two piece trans case, same charcoal canister as my 96, although there is some wiring in the engine bay and under the dash that is different. Later 97's I have seen have the one piece trans and the "square" charcoal canister, among other changes.

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My early 97 van had the older style 4L60E with the bellhousing integral and not the newer bolt on style. All the 99s we have had came with the bolt on bellhousing.

All the 98+ light duty stuff seems to have the vapor canister vent solenoid and a 3 wire pressure sensor on the fuel pump.

My 97 Van also had a fuel vapor pressure switch on the intake manifold.

On a van the 4L60E and 4L80E used the same driveshaft except for the transmission yoke.

L31MaxExpress said:

My 97 Express was built 09/03/96. Had EVO. Until I put a reman pump for a 96 Express on it along with a 96 high pressure pump to hydroboost hose.

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Come to think of it my 02 Savana does have EVO. So far it hasn't caused my any grief.........

alpinecrick said:

Come to think of it my 02 Savana does have EVO. So far it hasn't caused my any grief.........

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Mine went out years ago. I ran it with the solenoid unplugged forever.

I have a 1998 RCSB C1500 that I dearly love. I bought it with a blown engine. Once the new engine was installed (with blah, blah, blah, blah) it sounded like a WWII bomber and was black so it seemed appropriate to refer to it as the Night Bomber; dark and a bit noisy. Loved it so much I lowered it with a DJM (blah, blah, blah, blah). The love increased…

It is my third RCSB GMT400. Seems I am hooked also.

My Simple EVO Steering-Feel Modification

Some have chosen to disconnect their EVO plug on the back of their power steering pump for various valid reasons. I did not want to do that because it results in maximum hydraulic boost and a light steering feel at all times. I was hoping to make the steering-feel adjustable while driving instead. A potentiometer was mounted under the dash that can be turned to dial in a heavy, medium or light feel appropriate for the driving I am doing. Heavy for extended duration cruising speeds near 100 mph (160 km/h) or a light feel for in a parking lot if I choose.

Just kidding about the cruising speeds. My wife rolls her eyes at my jokes too…




I can't remember who had the idea to put that mounting strip under the steering column. Thank-you and much respect.

What you will need for this project:

- A 0-250 ohm potentiometer

- An EVO Valve Connector from a donor vehicle (optional)

- Some single conductor wire of different colors

- Black plastic “armour” to protect your new conductors and to make your installation look factory

Here is your circuit schematic:



I did not want to cut into my existing circuit for a plug to connect to the power steering output valve so I got one off of a donor truck. I left my existing EVO circuit unmodified. The original power steering pump EVO plug is supported and tied out of the way leaving me more options later. So far I have detected no digital trouble codes but if I do I will likely plug my original power steering EVO connector into a donor valve so the EVO module can see current flow through the solenoid and stays happy.

Does it work…? Yes!

The maximum LIGHT feel is a bit lighter than I would like while at speed but it is nice and light in a parking lot. The maximum HEAVY feel is a bit too much effort in a parking lot but is solid at speed. Normally, the dial is set somewhere in the heavy range and then I concentrate on the road.

It was an interesting and satisfying project with obvious and adjustable results.

Ben Eisler said:

Just kidding about the cruising speeds.

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I didn't think you were kidding. Lol!
Years ago, I posted on here about a 20 minute vid out of 2.5 hour run on The Coquihalla, Kelowna to Van, cruising at no less than 150kmh for most of that 2.5 hours & on up to 165-170 consistently for extended periods. (Speed limiter tuned out)
4:30am on a Tuesday in May. Sun just coming up. No one around. Sooo...
Hammer down.

Sounds like a cool mod.
I think I've asked you before.
Whereabouts in B.C. are you? I'd like to check the differences up close, in person.

Ben Eisler said:

I have a 1998 RCSB C1500 that I dearly love. I bought it with a blown engine. Once the new engine was installed (with blah, blah, blah, blah) it sounded like a WWII bomber and was black so it seemed appropriate to refer to it as the Night Bomber; dark and a bit noisy. Loved it so much I lowered it with a DJM (blah, blah, blah, blah). The love increased…

It is my third RCSB GMT400. Seems I am hooked also.

My Simple EVO Steering-Feel Modification

Some have chosen to disconnect their EVO plug on the back of their power steering pump for various valid reasons. I did not want to do that because it results in maximum hydraulic boost and a light steering feel at all times. I was hoping to make the steering-feel adjustable while driving instead. A potentiometer was mounted under the dash that can be turned to dial in a heavy, medium or light feel appropriate for the driving I am doing. Heavy for extended duration cruising speeds near 100 mph (160 km/h) or a light feel for in a parking lot if I choose.

Just kidding about the cruising speeds. My wife rolls her eyes at my jokes too…

I can't remember who had the idea to put that mounting strip under the steering column. Thank-you and much respect.

What you will need for this project:

- A 0-250 ohm potentiometer

- An EVO Valve Connector from a donor vehicle (optional)

- Some single conductor wire of different colors

- Black plastic “armour” to protect your new conductors and to make your installation look factory

Here is your circuit schematic:

I did not want to cut into my existing circuit for a plug to connect to the power steering output valve so I got one off of a donor truck. I left my existing EVO circuit unmodified. The original power steering pump EVO plug is supported and tied out of the way leaving me more options later. So far I have detected no digital trouble codes but if I do I will likely plug my original power steering EVO connector into a donor valve so the EVO module can see current flow through the solenoid and stays happy.

Does it work…? Yes!

The maximum LIGHT feel is a bit lighter than I would like while at speed but it is nice and light in a parking lot. The maximum HEAVY feel is a bit too much effort in a parking lot but is solid at speed. Normally, the dial is set somewhere in the heavy range and then I concentrate on the road.

It was an interesting and satisfying project with obvious and adjustable results.

Click to expand...

This is very cool indeed. If the supply chain ever decides to abandon steering wheel position sensors this is an excellent solution.

Sewlow!

Nice to hear from you again!

We live in Quesnel. I had hoped to travel to Vancouver at the end of last summer in the Night Bomber but a number of things got in the way.

Sadly, I just read YESTERDAY about the demise of your blue '97. Glad you survived but alarming what inattentive drivers can cause. I shudder when I see children walking to school with drivers like that around.

And thank-you for the in-depth tutorial on ABS and vinyl coloring and dying. My Escalade console is disassembled, washed and awaiting my first preparation steps.

NP! Always glad to help!
Send me a DM when you get a chance. I can let you know more into about what's been going on since the demise of my '97, (*sniff*) rather than jack this thread.