does handling improve if you take the power steering out?

Not really. Converting your car to rack and pinion would give a much more precise steering system. http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/steering/rack-and-pinion/rack-and- pinion-conversion-kits.html

You're kidding, right????? Whoever told you that is crazy!! I will say that converting to rack and pinion would be highly desirable, if you can do it easily....This is WHY cars, especially American cars are definitely NOT as good as Asian or European cars which had rack and pinion earlier.... I'm very surprised that the Vette didn't have it, another reason to be careful with the handling on 70s American cars.......

I bought my 1969 Corvette without power steering 350/350 engine. After three (3) steering wheel replacement due to me breaking the steering wheel, I switched to power steering. After market but same as factory. No issues since. It is quicker but the driver needs to drive it some to get use to it. In an emergency maneuver, it is far better to have power steering than not. If you have pot holes or rough uneven roads, you can get the car sideways without power steering. Old wives tales will tell you power steering is not good. If you want to feel the road, get hard tires to up the feel of the rocks, rabbits, or squirrels, as you roll over them. Ease of handling, less wear an tear on the body, and quicker response is had with power steering. There is an adjustment to adjust your steering to fast or regular steering on the C-3 Corvettes and C-2 also. .