changing to manual steering
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 4
From: 2011,2012 ECS CC 10.50 CHAMP Massapequa NY
changing to manual steering
I got my 80 project. I will be getting rid of the power steering. Do I have to change the steering box also. How bad will it be to steer leaving the power box without the power stuff?
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
You don't have to change the box, but you should change the relay rod and the steering pitman arm.
Both are different on a non power steering car.
How hard will it be to steer? This will depend on the tire size but pretty hard compared to the power steering.
Willcox Inc.
Both are different on a non power steering car.
How hard will it be to steer? This will depend on the tire size but pretty hard compared to the power steering.
Willcox Inc.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,175
Likes: 3,986
From: Connecticut, USA
The boxes are the same for PS and manaul. As WC said replace the pitman arm and centerlink, your 80 spindles may not have the dual holes either found on the earlier cars for changing the ratio.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 4
From: 2011,2012 ECS CC 10.50 CHAMP Massapequa NY
You don't have to change the box, but you should change the relay rod and the steering pitman arm.
Both are different on a non power steering car.
How hard will it be to steer? This will depend on the tire size but pretty hard compared to the power steering.
Willcox Inc.
Both are different on a non power steering car.
How hard will it be to steer? This will depend on the tire size but pretty hard compared to the power steering.
Willcox Inc.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 4
From: 2011,2012 ECS CC 10.50 CHAMP Massapequa NY
Vinny
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,057
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From: 2011,2012 ECS CC 10.50 CHAMP Massapequa NY
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
The '80 has much wider tires than your '67 and will be much more difficult to steer it. But, if you are just driving in a straight line for a few seconds and need max. power, that's the way to go.
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Le Mans Master
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From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
IMHO, there are a number of reasons to go manual, including after the stock PS has tried to off you (hopefully without success as was my experience). Also, road feel is better and above parking lot speeds manual steering is no big deal. FYI, quick steering will make it even more difficult to steer at parking lot speeds, as the longer steering knuckle length of "slow" steer gives you more leverage, requiring less effort at low speeds. 
Last edited by TheSkunkWorks; Jan 9, 2009 at 01:07 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Sorrento Italy
IMHO, there are a number of reasons to go manual, including after the stock PS has tried to off you (hopefully without success as was my experience). Also, road feel is better and above parking lot speeds manual steering is no big deal. FYI, quick steering will make it even more difficult to steer at parking lot speeds, as the longer steering knuckle length of "slow" steer gives you more leverage, requiring less effort at low speeds.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,057
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From: 2011,2012 ECS CC 10.50 CHAMP Massapequa NY
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
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From: Orange Park Florida
Well we know what the skinny vette Panic's got is going to do now.....loose another few pounds.....
Lucky you in Italy that vette in FLORIDA you get blown away....
Lucky you in Italy that vette in FLORIDA you get blown away....