Obviously 60's muscle cars leave a lot to be desired in the steering department when driving competitively. I want it to be more exact, and to have a heavier feel. Which ratio should I be looking at? I was looking at the Delphi 600 with 12.7:1?? Would that suit my needs?
Assuming you have all the other gear to connect it, it should. I put a 87 GN F41 box on mine and it works great but I had to change the rag joint and buy line inserts for the unit to accept my old flared lines.
I don't know how serious you want to get or budget, but TRZ has what looks to be a nice manual rack conversion that will shed some weight off the nose. http://trzmotorsports.com/wp2/?product_cat=chevelle-a-body with a planetary style steering quickener depending upon the manual rack ratio(you can commonly find 1.5 and 2:1 quickeners)
I've heard of using a 90s Jeep box, as it will bolt right up with a new pitman arm and provide a 12.7:1 ratio, but I'm curious to hear more peoples experiences as I'm thinking of doing an upgrade this winter.
That looks extremely up my alley, but is a little pricey! But if thats everything I need, I wonder if the Delphi will be the same price in the end?
Looks like they want you to buy their tubular A arms to make it work without "possible" modifications. I think these products are more for drag race only cars. Might be wrong. Mike D.
Well, I'm completely fine with no power steering kinda feel. I have daily driven cars without PS and prefer the "exactness" and communication they provide. And why would the A arms get in the way? I was looking at Ridetech for those.
There's lots of posts on putting a Jeep Grand Cherokee box in an A body. Cheap easy and near bolt on. Just need a different rag joint available at any parts store and a 80s Monte Carlo high pressure hose that you file down on the end going into the pump. Then swap pitman arms to reuse your old one.
what benefits would this give? I have driven Jeeps before and the steering never jumped out at me. But I suppose it would feel different on an A body? Is this the budget way of doing it?
Quick ratio steering that is not ghetto and very affordable. My total cost was less than $150 for everything, no leaks, no problems!
I did the jeep box conversion. Very happy. I used the conversion rag joint and adapters from http://lee-powersteering.com/[/url ...one over on an oldsmobile site if I remember.
Also did the Jeep Grand Cherokee box conversion (2 cars) and am thrilled over the difference from the manual box I had previously setup for drag racing. The box cost me $70 at the wreckers, and I used a new rag joint that was available from the " Help" parts section. Use hose adapters ( economy) or you can completely convert to a teflon braid hoses with Earls fittings. One of the best fun factor mods for the money. With a 1" smaller steering wheel the 71 has a real nice high end eurocar feel. Tom
you have to watch with some of these boxes the g and f body for example you loose your turning radius. the jeep unit i dont think has this problem.
I have run the Delpi 500 series box on many cars, and the feel is fantastic. Closer to what a modern car feels like, with Rack and Pinion steering. Its the best thing you can do for your car to improve the steering. Very tight and precise Classic Performance Products sells the box and all required parts Part number CP50004 is the box RJC-730R is the rag joint CPUHK is the power steering hose kit CPP number is 800-522-5004
