Power steering options
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2014
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Power steering options
From google and on here it looks like the only two options for converting to power steering are the OE style slave cylinder and the Borgeson kit. Ive seen the rack and pinion kits but were not going that far with it. Personally, I would rather go with the Borgeson kit. Is there any reason not too? Ive seen the posts about raising the caster and that is already in the works.
Nick
Nick
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From: Grosse Pointe, MI
Race Director
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From: NorCal
I put the Borgeson kit in my non PS '67 last year. I love it!
It also enabled me to go to a smaller diameter steering wheel, which at 6'2" and 225 lbs is a lot easier ingress and egress for me. I used the Grant #930 wheel.
The added caster is a bonus!
It also enabled me to go to a smaller diameter steering wheel, which at 6'2" and 225 lbs is a lot easier ingress and egress for me. I used the Grant #930 wheel.
The added caster is a bonus!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2014
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I don't understand what all the fuss is about. I installed a factory power steering relay rod and valve along with a good hydraulic slave cylinder and have not had any issues. Much less $$ and everything bolts up like the general did it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: doral florida
From google and on here it looks like the only two options for converting to power steering are the OE style slave cylinder and the Borgeson kit. Ive seen the rack and pinion kits but were not going that far with it. Personally, I would rather go with the Borgeson kit. Is there any reason not too? Ive seen the posts about raising the caster and that is already in the works.
Nick
Nick
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: Waltham Ma.
I have R&P and love it. Every late model car has it now because it's the best option, although electric is taking over because it can be computer controlled. But I understand if people want a steering box to make it look somewhat original but it's not.
Race Director
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From: NorCal
The old GM system provided a constant amount of boost all the way from dead center to full lock. The Borgeson kit provides a variable amount of boost, increasing from essentially none at dead center to full boost with max steering input. it is not over boosted or "twitchy".
Drive one of each and the difference is startling. The Borgeson kit feels like a new car type system; the old GM system feels like, well, a 50 year old car......
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Safety Car
Joined: May 2014
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The big difference (fuss?) is that the Borgeson kit uses a modern progressive boost steering box that is much more responsive to the amount of boost needed at varying levels of driver/steering wheel input than the old GM system.
The old GM system provided a constant amount of boost all the way from dead center to full lock. The Borgeson kit provides a variable amount of boost, increasing from essentially none at dead center to full boost with max steering input. it is not over boosted or "twitchy".
Drive one of each and the difference is startling. The Borgeson kit feels like a new car type system; the old GM system feels like, well, a 50 year old car......
The old GM system provided a constant amount of boost all the way from dead center to full lock. The Borgeson kit provides a variable amount of boost, increasing from essentially none at dead center to full boost with max steering input. it is not over boosted or "twitchy".
Drive one of each and the difference is startling. The Borgeson kit feels like a new car type system; the old GM system feels like, well, a 50 year old car......
Race Director
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From: Close to DC
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
Your comfort and convenience have a value. If you get all the parts and install it, it's about $1000. Shopping it out to a competent/experienced shop, $1300-$1400. Your geographic area may raise or lower the $$ Dennis
Dennis
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From: NorCal
However, by that criteria neither my Tremec 5 spd nor my Haartz cloth/ Stayfast convertible top would have made the cut either.
Safety Car
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Dennis,
I respect you opinion but were are just not going to agree. For a few hundred dollars you can install the factory unit, on my 67 it made a world of difference over manual steering.
If you want comfort and convenience and the feel of a modern car why not buy a new corvette.
I respect you opinion but were are just not going to agree. For a few hundred dollars you can install the factory unit, on my 67 it made a world of difference over manual steering.
If you want comfort and convenience and the feel of a modern car why not buy a new corvette.
Race Director
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From: NorCal
Yup. After working for 45+ years I am fortunate enough to be able to afford some comfort and convenience choices. I recognize that others may not be at that same point in life.It's kinda like which seating class you want to buy on an airline flight - coach, business, or first class. I'm glad I can finally afford to pay for more legroom on longer flights!
Last edited by tuxnharley; Aug 30, 2017 at 05:01 PM. Reason: Typo
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: NorCal
Dennis,
I respect you opinion but were are just not going to agree. For a few hundred dollars you can install the factory unit, on my 67 it made a world of difference over manual steering.
If you want comfort and convenience and the feel of a modern car why not buy a new corvette.
I respect you opinion but were are just not going to agree. For a few hundred dollars you can install the factory unit, on my 67 it made a world of difference over manual steering.
If you want comfort and convenience and the feel of a modern car why not buy a new corvette.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,554
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From: Strongsville, OH
2016 C2 of the Year Finalist
What would the effect be of not increasing the caster with the Borgeson? Is it necessary? That's the only part of the install I don't think I'd feel comfortable doing on my 64. Dave
Dave
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: NorCal
Increased caster has some benefits - better straight line tracking, and quicker "unwinding" return to center after turning.
Increased caster does increase the amount of force required to turn the wheel - which is why it is not recommended with manual steering. With the power steering conversion that becomes a non issue and the other benefits can be realized.
I did so on my '67, and it is like a modern car!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2014
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With the included power steering mount, which groove on the crank pulley does the belt line up with. Refering to the borgeson kit. Need to order pulleys also and thats turning into a headache with what seems like way more options than I remember. Its getting a vintage air kit also so I need to figure that into the belts. Thanks
Nick
Nick
Last edited by Cautrell05; Aug 30, 2017 at 06:14 PM.
Race Director
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From: NorCal
I have had mine for just over a year now, and it works just fine at that setting. I suspect 4* may be a recommended "optimal" setting, but I can tell you mine works just fine at 3*+!
Last edited by tuxnharley; Aug 30, 2017 at 07:22 PM. Reason: dig, not dog......