Power steering or not for 66 vette
09-24-2017, 12:42 PM
#41
Race Director
On 63 to 66, yes, the shaft needs to be cut 2". On a 67, which has a two piece collapsible shaft introduced that for safety reasons, no. You just slide the inner shaft up inside the outer shaft. Easy!
09-24-2017, 12:49 PM
#42
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I've been know to "stir" things up on occasion . . . so, why not now? I've owned my '66 for over 42 years - and put up with the truck-like manual steering until I added power steering 2 years ago. But - I added the Steeroids Rack & Pinion PS system - and LOVE it! With the exception of cutting the steering shaft @ 2 inches, it's a complete, reversible addition to any C2. While the borgeson system is a fine system (I have a few friends who have it), it's still a "box" based on 70 year old technology (too many moving parts). There's a reason that all modern cars use R & P steering - way better precision and feel! Just my 2 cents!
Tom
Tom
My '66 L79 came with power steering and I added Steeroids R&P to it 10 years ago and also love it!
09-24-2017, 03:01 PM
#43
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Thanks for all of the comments. I bought the unit from Corvette America and will have my local shop install it. I will keep the original parts just in case. I have no plans on ever selling my car. I promised it to my oldest daughter. It's a sweet running L-79, Sunfire Yellow baby.
09-24-2017, 04:05 PM
#45
I am 6'3"280 lbs so even if I lack testosterone, I make up for it in brute mass. In my younger days, I was the same height but 90 lbs. less. My wife, however was (and still is 50 years later) 115 lbs. and had no problem steering '60's model cars without PS.
You are welcome to put whatever tag on this that you see fit. I' called it like I see it. Maybe your vision needs to be checked?
In my opinion ( as expressed n a thread the other day) The OEM PS on a midyear Corvette is a misterabie piece of engineering.
Did you like Trump's UN speed the other day?
Just another deplorable here.
You are welcome to put whatever tag on this that you see fit. I' called it like I see it. Maybe your vision needs to be checked?
In my opinion ( as expressed n a thread the other day) The OEM PS on a midyear Corvette is a misterabie piece of engineering.
Did you like Trump's UN speed the other day?
Just another deplorable here.
09-24-2017, 04:49 PM
#46
Team Owner
Thanks for all of the comments. I bought the unit from Corvette America and will have my local shop install it. I will keep the original parts just in case. I have no plans on ever selling my car. I promised it to my oldest daughter. It's a sweet running L-79, Sunfire Yellow baby.
09-24-2017, 05:03 PM
#47
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09-24-2017, 05:05 PM
#48
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09-24-2017, 05:29 PM
#49
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I just drove dads 67 BB with PS. I have no clue why people don't like it it drives great steers easy and good feel. much better then the factory PS on my 66 Chevelle. if you don't like these cars you should find a new hobby or stick to driving boring new stuff
09-24-2017, 06:27 PM
#50
Le Mans Master
09-24-2017, 06:52 PM
#51
Race Director
I haven't kept the car for 46 years because I don't like it. When you get one of your own rather than your daddy's you can make your own decisions about how you want to keep it.
Last edited by tuxnharley; 09-24-2017 at 06:55 PM.
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09-24-2017, 06:54 PM
#52
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keith- I know you care about stock correctly restored cars - and that's totally valid - but I think people who "like" these cars on the forum still like to change them in myriad ways, from steering boxes to LS swaps on tube frames. I don't really think you meant a rough half or more of us should find a new hobby.
09-24-2017, 06:54 PM
#53
Le Mans Master
A good steering box helps
Hi, I have stock PS...and yes there are upgrades that do perform better.
For those who prefer to stay with stock PS units...there are a few things you need to do to have it work to it best capacity.
You must have a properly restored or new steering box. Much of the play in our steering is because of old worn steering boxes.
A properly set up steering box / idle arm is very important to consistent steering. My box is an original box with new gears and parts set up by Gary Ramadie. There are others including most of the vendors...who do it. Better to have them (pros) do it as certain specs need to be met with special equipment .
A properly set up PS valve that has been centered and all hoses and PS equipment set up correctly. Almost ALL PS units and hoses will leak a bit....it is very hard to keep the low pressure hose clamp not to leak.
Proper alignment with as much Castor as you can get on your car. Not much with stock A arms.
Once all components are in place, you have a nice driving car that can be parked with ease. I have almost no play, even taking into consideration of the play in the Power Steering Valve system.
in conclusion...A properly set up stock PS system will make driving a pleasure....for a 50 year old plus car
Yes , upgrades will make it more modern.....it all depends on you..
Jack
For those who prefer to stay with stock PS units...there are a few things you need to do to have it work to it best capacity.
You must have a properly restored or new steering box. Much of the play in our steering is because of old worn steering boxes.
A properly set up steering box / idle arm is very important to consistent steering. My box is an original box with new gears and parts set up by Gary Ramadie. There are others including most of the vendors...who do it. Better to have them (pros) do it as certain specs need to be met with special equipment .
A properly set up PS valve that has been centered and all hoses and PS equipment set up correctly. Almost ALL PS units and hoses will leak a bit....it is very hard to keep the low pressure hose clamp not to leak.
Proper alignment with as much Castor as you can get on your car. Not much with stock A arms.
Once all components are in place, you have a nice driving car that can be parked with ease. I have almost no play, even taking into consideration of the play in the Power Steering Valve system.
in conclusion...A properly set up stock PS system will make driving a pleasure....for a 50 year old plus car
Yes , upgrades will make it more modern.....it all depends on you..
Jack
Last edited by Jackfit; 09-24-2017 at 06:58 PM.
09-24-2017, 07:07 PM
#54
Le Mans Master
It's MY opinion that every one wants something these cars were never meant to be. What would you have done in the 70's if you bought a car and it didn't drive like you wanted? You sold it and bought something else. I never ask more out of my old car then it was designed for. I just don't under stand the big deal on power steering or not. Or stock or not. I'm not going to drive a car becouse of steering. I under stand the motors and tube frames. Let's just enjoy these cars for what they are. You should be thankful on how better these cars are compared to other Chevy cars.
09-24-2017, 07:14 PM
#55
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09-24-2017, 07:23 PM
#56
Thanks for all of the comments. I bought the unit from Corvette America and will have my local shop install it. I will keep the original parts just in case. I have no plans on ever selling my car. I promised it to my oldest daughter. It's a sweet running L-79, Sunfire Yellow baby.
09-24-2017, 07:44 PM
#57
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It's MY opinion that every one wants something these cars were never meant to be. What would you have done in the 70's if you bought a car and it didn't drive like you wanted? You sold it and bought something else. I never ask more out of my old car then it was designed for. I just don't under stand the big deal on power steering or not. Or stock or not. I'm not going to drive a car becouse of steering. I under stand the motors and tube frames. Let's just enjoy these cars for what they are. You should be thankful on how better these cars are compared to other Chevy cars.
Tom
09-24-2017, 07:59 PM
#58
Le Mans Master
in truth I'm not arguing the merits of steering box technology in the 70's- I'm directly replying to your supposition that if I didn't like an aspect of my car in the 70's that I would buy a different car. Specifically I'm saying I would have modified the car to suit my preferences- like generations had already done before a "1970's me."
If a better box wasn't available in 197x then I wouldn't be likely to be upset, I don't think. I would feel (correctly) I had the best of what's available. But if I had a set of bias tires, I would install radials. If I had drums I'd surely consider discs. if I had a tired 326/250 I'd install an LT-1...on and on.
Like you I love stock looks, I just diverge after that, is all.
If a better box wasn't available in 197x then I wouldn't be likely to be upset, I don't think. I would feel (correctly) I had the best of what's available. But if I had a set of bias tires, I would install radials. If I had drums I'd surely consider discs. if I had a tired 326/250 I'd install an LT-1...on and on.
Like you I love stock looks, I just diverge after that, is all.
09-24-2017, 08:04 PM
#59
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in truth I'm not arguing the merits of steering box technology in the 70's- I'm directly replying to your supposition that if I didn't like an aspect of my car in the 70's that I would buy a different car. Specifically I'm saying I would have modified the car to suit my preferences- like generations had already done before a "1970's me."
If a better box wasn't available in 197x then I wouldn't be likely to be upset, I don't think. I would feel (correctly) I had the best of what's available. But if I had a set of bias tires, I would install radials. If I had drums I'd surely consider discs. if I had a tired 326/250 I'd install an LT-1...on and on.
Like you I love stock looks, I just diverge after that, is all.
If a better box wasn't available in 197x then I wouldn't be likely to be upset, I don't think. I would feel (correctly) I had the best of what's available. But if I had a set of bias tires, I would install radials. If I had drums I'd surely consider discs. if I had a tired 326/250 I'd install an LT-1...on and on.
Like you I love stock looks, I just diverge after that, is all.
But in the end it's no one else car or money enjoy what you want. No one is going to agree with me and I know it. I herd the line before about my age.
Last edited by Nowhere Man; 09-24-2017 at 08:05 PM.
09-24-2017, 08:16 PM
#60
Le Mans Master
Yes I agree with you on all those points but the point is everyone is spoiled now and wants or thinks they need all these "up grades" to enjoy these cars. In raw form these cars are great without anyone's help. I just drove a car with bias tires and while I hate them the car performed quite well
But in the end it's no one else car or money enjoy what you want. No one is going to agree with me and I know it. I herd the line before about my age.
But in the end it's no one else car or money enjoy what you want. No one is going to agree with me and I know it. I herd the line before about my age.
Or put another way, given the choice between my old 2009 and my '64 I'll take my 64 (before the Borgeson box which is my biggest update) any day, hands down.
