Same here. Love the fast ratio and steering feel. Less chance of leaky parts, and saves a little weight too.
to borgeson or not
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 956
Likes: 86
From: McDonough Georgia
to borgeson or not
74 454
This car still had the EGR valve bolted on the front with the clamp. It was totally unserviceable so I removed it, welded up the base and reattached it. With the big cowl air intake on the car you can't see it anyhow.
I don't want to do a NCRS on this car as it is really pretty nice the way it is. I would like to keep it essentially looking stock.
Problem for me is that, as many of you know, "while I'm in there". Since the whole drivers side motor compartment is taken apart. Removed manifold and alternator.
I'm seriously considering a Borgeson box.
Or do I rebuild the original, or do a swap for a rebuilt? Decisions decisions decisions.
Engine running without EGR or A I R pump. Lars rebuilt Q jet is perfect.
This car still had the EGR valve bolted on the front with the clamp. It was totally unserviceable so I removed it, welded up the base and reattached it. With the big cowl air intake on the car you can't see it anyhow.
I don't want to do a NCRS on this car as it is really pretty nice the way it is. I would like to keep it essentially looking stock.
Problem for me is that, as many of you know, "while I'm in there". Since the whole drivers side motor compartment is taken apart. Removed manifold and alternator.
I'm seriously considering a Borgeson box.
Or do I rebuild the original, or do a swap for a rebuilt? Decisions decisions decisions.
Engine running without EGR or A I R pump. Lars rebuilt Q jet is perfect.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 938
From: Arizona
My .02$ I've come to the realization that any C2 or C3 I purchase that's not a "NCRS" candidate I am installing the Borgeson kit, doing my third now, two of the three were factory PS cars with fully rebuilt factory set ups and both leaked. I like the tighter steering the Borgeson provides as well.
For me great upgrade for Saturday project and $750-$950
For me great upgrade for Saturday project and $750-$950
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,428
Likes: 8,232
From: Napa Valley California
You don’t say if you have power steering now or not.
If you have manual steering, have Gary Ramadei (GTR1999) rebuild your steering box and be done.
If I had factory ps I would remove the ram and extra lines and install the Borgeson box.
When I originally went to the Borgeson, I replaced the pump and bought a remote fluid reservoir to make easy access to the cap.
I know your 74 bb is like my 73 bb and checking the fluid is practically impossible.
If you have manual steering, have Gary Ramadei (GTR1999) rebuild your steering box and be done.
If I had factory ps I would remove the ram and extra lines and install the Borgeson box.
When I originally went to the Borgeson, I replaced the pump and bought a remote fluid reservoir to make easy access to the cap.
I know your 74 bb is like my 73 bb and checking the fluid is practically impossible.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,282
Likes: 7,865
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I'll put in a vote for not. Something about collapsing the steering column just doesn't sit well with me.
And putting jeep parts in a Vette kinda bugs me, I know, I have other aftermarket parts. It's much bigger than the factory steering box. Clearance to exhaust can be an issue. It still has a pump and hoses, fewer hoses, but still hoses. So leaks are still possible.
I understand that the pressure required is different from the stock setup. I have no experience but have read on here guys trying to get that right.
Guys on here say they like the change in steering ratio. But to me it would change the feel of the car. Not certain I want that.
I believe I have my factory system working really well.
That said I did recently have a pin hole in a hose.
And putting jeep parts in a Vette kinda bugs me, I know, I have other aftermarket parts. It's much bigger than the factory steering box. Clearance to exhaust can be an issue. It still has a pump and hoses, fewer hoses, but still hoses. So leaks are still possible.
I understand that the pressure required is different from the stock setup. I have no experience but have read on here guys trying to get that right.
Guys on here say they like the change in steering ratio. But to me it would change the feel of the car. Not certain I want that.
I believe I have my factory system working really well.
That said I did recently have a pin hole in a hose.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,926
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From: Youngstown Ohio
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,796
Likes: 1,197
From: Canberra Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I have driven half a dozen C3's with power steering but only 1 with manual.
The manual steering had been rebuilt and it had the best feel in my view but had the normal usability issues of a non power steering setup.
So I was not happy with the steering before I purchased my 71 and they replaced the control valve hoses etc. It certainly improved but to me was not comparable with more modern steering setups.
The ram assist setup that is on the Vette is similar to that on early GMC pickups as well (and probably other GM models) but for some reason, unlike other GM models, the C3 went to the end of its long life without being replaced with an integrated system or rack.
When I swapped out to the Borgeson Box for me it was chalk and cheese. A great improvement in feel, number of turns etc
The box alone is however just one part of the steering system and it all needs to be rebuilt or upgraded to match.
I would not hesitate to consider it if you want power steering.
The manual steering had been rebuilt and it had the best feel in my view but had the normal usability issues of a non power steering setup.
So I was not happy with the steering before I purchased my 71 and they replaced the control valve hoses etc. It certainly improved but to me was not comparable with more modern steering setups.
The ram assist setup that is on the Vette is similar to that on early GMC pickups as well (and probably other GM models) but for some reason, unlike other GM models, the C3 went to the end of its long life without being replaced with an integrated system or rack.
When I swapped out to the Borgeson Box for me it was chalk and cheese. A great improvement in feel, number of turns etc
The box alone is however just one part of the steering system and it all needs to be rebuilt or upgraded to match.
I would not hesitate to consider it if you want power steering.
Last edited by CraigH; Dec 23, 2023 at 02:05 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,384
Likes: 385
From: Leland , North Carolina
I installed the Borgenson on my 80 over the summer. Love it. I had the expensive steeroids rack on my 81 and I like the Borgenson better.
2 tips
1) use these instead of the brass inserts on the steering box. Brass inserts leak. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/c...ol?seid=srese2
2) for the rag joint use the stock upper part that slides on the steering shaft. Not the Borgenson. Only use the lower half they supplyon the box.
2 tips
1) use these instead of the brass inserts on the steering box. Brass inserts leak. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/c...ol?seid=srese2
2) for the rag joint use the stock upper part that slides on the steering shaft. Not the Borgenson. Only use the lower half they supplyon the box.
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From: Napa Valley California
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2022
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From: Wisconsin
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2016
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From: Arizona
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,428
Likes: 8,232
From: Napa Valley California
Some can be a little harder to collapse than others.
When I pulled my column out I had to take apart the rag joint and separate the shaft with a flat blade screwdriver.
Just a little prying with the screwdriver was enough to collapse mine.
When I pulled my column out I had to take apart the rag joint and separate the shaft with a flat blade screwdriver.
Just a little prying with the screwdriver was enough to collapse mine.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 956
Likes: 86
From: McDonough Georgia
Now how is this for an ending.
My dilemma is solved. My wife went and bought me a new Borgeson on sale at Summit.
She gave it to me for xmas.
I guess she was tired of watching me mope around wondering what to do.
My dilemma is solved. My wife went and bought me a new Borgeson on sale at Summit.
She gave it to me for xmas.
I guess she was tired of watching me mope around wondering what to do.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 668
Likes: 87
From: Bismarck IL.
I have the Borgenson box in my 73. I have a LS1 in it and I put a pressure reducer in the power steering pump. The steering was a little light in the steering feel. My wife bought me a hardtop headliner for Christmas.
