Borgeson Steering Install
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,960
Likes: 573
From: Lompoc, CA. Santa Barbara County
My wife wanted PS for the 70 LT-1 I installed a Corvette Steering Service kit over 3 years ago (Tom "invented" the Jeep box conversion.) I have been VERY HAPPY with the performance of this conversion and it allowed me to retain my 6quart "trapdoor" LT-1 oil pan (I have a NOS GM power steering system sitting in my garage right now and didn't use it because it would require me to change my LT-1 oil pan.) I know this conversion has plenty of clearance with Stailessworks small block 1.75" diameter chassis exit headers but, with a big block you may have some re-working to do on the driver's side tubes of any header system. The old power steering control valve is eliminated on this conversion and our C3 Corvette's technology level is moved from the 1950s invented Bendix power steering to the 1960s invented Saginaw intregal boost PS box. I have known people who have installed the rack and pinion kits, you loose ground clearance, the brackets are SCARY flimsy looking and the numer of universal joints and brackets makes me think the long term reliability will leave something to be desired. The "Jeep box" conversion is relativley straight forward, looks factory stock after completion and fits in with my idea of a proper modification for a reliable Corvette. Do a search on the amount of cracked mounting brackets the rack and pinion systems have had then make your decision, I know what I want in my Vette.
Bee Jay
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 6
From: springfield ohio
How does your steering feel compared to a newer car with a rack and pinion
set up? My wifes daily driver is a 2008 grand prix and the steering in it is very
responsive, more how I would like the vette to be. Whats your thought on this
after adding this new box?
Thanks,
Riggs.
set up? My wifes daily driver is a 2008 grand prix and the steering in it is very
responsive, more how I would like the vette to be. Whats your thought on this
after adding this new box?
Thanks,
Riggs.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
This is a great upgrade for your vette! Bolts right up in the stock location ,lines up with the steering column with no problems.I also did the conversion with out pulling the column .Been driving with it now for two months and love how tight and quick the steering feels.Check out my pics.http://www.flickr.com/photos/3910403...n/photostream/ .I went with a u joint from Borgeson and all seems to be fine so far.I really like how I can "feel the road" with this set up.....Best money I spent on my car so far. Thanks to all for your posts keep the info flowing...Alohas
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
I was going to replace my column lower bearing but didn't know how to get it out! I got the spring clip out but the bearing didn't budge.It didn't have any play so I just let it be.Did you guys change yours? If so how did you do it any tricks to it?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 6
From: springfield ohio
How does your steering feel compared to a newer car with a rack and pinion
set up? My wifes daily driver is a 2008 grand prix and the steering in it is very
responsive, more how I would like the vette to be. Whats your thought on this
after adding this new box?
Thanks,
Riggs.
set up? My wifes daily driver is a 2008 grand prix and the steering in it is very
responsive, more how I would like the vette to be. Whats your thought on this
after adding this new box?
Thanks,
Riggs.
I want the car to be as responsive as a new car, not just better
than it was, will this steering box do it for me or will I have to do
a rack and pinion set up? Does any body have experience with both
systems?
Thanks,
Riggs.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,429
Likes: 20
From: Kingston Ontario
Does any body have enough seat time to answer this question?
I want the car to be as responsive as a new car, not just better
than it was, will this steering box do it for me or will I have to do
a rack and pinion set up? Does any body have experience with both
systems?
Thanks,
Riggs.
I want the car to be as responsive as a new car, not just better
than it was, will this steering box do it for me or will I have to do
a rack and pinion set up? Does any body have experience with both
systems?
Thanks,
Riggs.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 20
From: Central Michigan
Best answer I can give would be:
My 2001 Toyota Solara- Real close
Wife's 2005 Mercedes- Not close, rack system wins
If you want the car to steer like it has rack-and-pinion you should probably install the rack system
It would be interesting to see a head-to-head comparison of the two systems in a C3
My 2001 Toyota Solara- Real close
Wife's 2005 Mercedes- Not close, rack system wins
If you want the car to steer like it has rack-and-pinion you should probably install the rack system
It would be interesting to see a head-to-head comparison of the two systems in a C3
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 2
From: Arkansas
Great information, I like the fact that it bolts directly on....I've been looking at doing some sort of jeep box conversion and this looks way better than the hacked brackets in the corvette steering kit....at almost the same price.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 20
From: Central Michigan
Just out of curiosity, I did a search on Corvette Fever's website for the Borgeson kit. Saw an ad for it, but no articles of any kind(maybe I wasn't digging deep enough). So I sent an email to the editor asking if any kind of write-up has been done on the Borgeson system comparing it with the Steeroids. I'll post if and when I get a reply
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 2
From: Arkansas
Do you know if you have to use the custom hoses that borgeson sells or will a standard stock Corvette steering pumps hoses work?
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 2
From: Arkansas
Well I went ahead and ordered one of these, I got mine from Jegs it was a little cheaper than CC and ecklers. I still need to get the hoses and rag joint.
Good thing was I just snagged a manual drag link off fleabay this weekend for $30 shipped.
Thanks for taking the time to do a write up
Good thing was I just snagged a manual drag link off fleabay this weekend for $30 shipped.
Thanks for taking the time to do a write up
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 2
From: Arkansas
Got the rag joint today, one thing I found odd was that you don't get a warranty or maybe I am misreading this. This was folded up inside the rag joint.
But it seems like if you use one of thier jeep boxes and rag joint you would get something especially at $104 for the rag joint
But it seems like if you use one of thier jeep boxes and rag joint you would get something especially at $104 for the rag joint