Borgeson Box VS. Rack&Pinion
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Chatham Ontario
Borgeson Box VS. Rack&Pinion
Ok guys, plenty of great info on here. I'm hoping to get a good debate going here on this one. Which one do you prefer and why? Is the Borgeson box conversion a better choice or the rack & pinion conversion? Would anyone just stick with the factory set up. In my case, originality is not a major concern. And, either of these conversions can be reversed without any problems, so going back to the factory stuff is easy. I'm in the proccess of overhauling my current factory steering and don't want to do this again anytime soon. The old stuff leaks and the steering is sloppy. What are the good and bad points for each system. Thanks fellas.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,293
Likes: 6
From: North of the Bay California
I have been looking into this too.
I currently have a rebuilt box from a very good builder(he also built my rear end). I have also rebuilt my steering column but I still have a little play in the wheel that I'd like to remove. I'm going to replace the rag joint with the flaming river unit. If I still have too much play I'll then look into a rack or borgeson box. I know that the week link in the stock power system is the control valve and both these systems will fix that problem.
I have yet to read about an install of either units that require no modifications. Usually a header pipe or a rack bracket..............except Randy's install
I currently have a rebuilt box from a very good builder(he also built my rear end). I have also rebuilt my steering column but I still have a little play in the wheel that I'd like to remove. I'm going to replace the rag joint with the flaming river unit. If I still have too much play I'll then look into a rack or borgeson box. I know that the week link in the stock power system is the control valve and both these systems will fix that problem.
I have yet to read about an install of either units that require no modifications. Usually a header pipe or a rack bracket..............except Randy's install
Last edited by blueray72; Apr 28, 2010 at 05:10 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 14,062
Likes: 602
From: Henderson Nv-Rohnert Park/Sonoma C o. ca/born in NY Rockaway Beach.
I have been looking into this too.
I currently have a rebuilt box from a very good builder(he also built my rear end). I have also rebuilt my steering column but I still have a little play in the wheel that I'd like to remove. I'm going to replace the rag joint with the flaming river unit. If I still have too much play I'll then look into a rack or borgeson box. I know that the week link in the stock power system is the control valve and both these systems will fix that problem.
I have yet to read about an install of either units that require no modifications. Usually a header pipe or a rack bracket.
I currently have a rebuilt box from a very good builder(he also built my rear end). I have also rebuilt my steering column but I still have a little play in the wheel that I'd like to remove. I'm going to replace the rag joint with the flaming river unit. If I still have too much play I'll then look into a rack or borgeson box. I know that the week link in the stock power system is the control valve and both these systems will fix that problem.
I have yet to read about an install of either units that require no modifications. Usually a header pipe or a rack bracket.
When are you actually going to be able to put a new rag on ?
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 20
From: Central Michigan
Yep, he sure does
I went with the Borgeson unit mainly because I was tired of replacing steering components with rebuilt parts that still don't work right. I looked into the Steeroids unit, but the cost (over $1200 at the time) put that on hold. Then about a year ago I read about the Borgeson steering box. Number of guys here on the Forum had installed it and liked it, so after doing some more research on the subject and talking to the company I went ahead and bought one. One of the best mods I've made on the 68 to date
I went with the Borgeson unit mainly because I was tired of replacing steering components with rebuilt parts that still don't work right. I looked into the Steeroids unit, but the cost (over $1200 at the time) put that on hold. Then about a year ago I read about the Borgeson steering box. Number of guys here on the Forum had installed it and liked it, so after doing some more research on the subject and talking to the company I went ahead and bought one. One of the best mods I've made on the 68 to date
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 14,345
Likes: 4
From: Hartselle AL
St. Jude Donor '09
I have refreshed/renewed the original system (CV, Ram & hoses), new tires, have good alignment and good mechanical parts (ball joints, etc.). It handles very good and tracks great with one exception - that little bit of slop at the top/center.
From reading here, it sounds like the Borgeson box removes and/or tightens up the system at the top end. True?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 14,062
Likes: 602
From: Henderson Nv-Rohnert Park/Sonoma C o. ca/born in NY Rockaway Beach.
well ill have to chek that out next time i see you randy.. whats the cost of the system.. ? ? and what mods did you have to make with it....
Still need you and tom to drive mine.. need more thoughts on where to go next.
Im pasting your post to my thread..
Still need you and tom to drive mine.. need more thoughts on where to go next.
Im pasting your post to my thread..
Yep, he sure does
I went with the Borgeson unit mainly because I was tired of replacing steering components with rebuilt parts that still don't work right. I looked into the Steeroids unit, but the cost (over $1200 at the time) put that on hold. Then about a year ago I read about the Borgeson steering box. Number of guys here on the Forum had installed it and liked it, so after doing some more research on the subject and talking to the company I went ahead and bought one. One of the best mods I've made on the 68 to date
I went with the Borgeson unit mainly because I was tired of replacing steering components with rebuilt parts that still don't work right. I looked into the Steeroids unit, but the cost (over $1200 at the time) put that on hold. Then about a year ago I read about the Borgeson steering box. Number of guys here on the Forum had installed it and liked it, so after doing some more research on the subject and talking to the company I went ahead and bought one. One of the best mods I've made on the 68 to date
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 20
From: Central Michigan
I have refreshed/renewed the original system (CV, Ram & hoses), new tires, have good alignment and good mechanical parts (ball joints, etc.). It handles very good and tracks great with one exception - that little bit of slop at the top/center.
From reading here, it sounds like the Borgeson box removes and/or tightens up the system at the top end. True?
Too much slop in the center was the main issue here also...traced the problem to the control valve. Your steering box may also need to be adjusted(search) or could be worn...
We can all hook up one afternoon, Thomas' place maybe since he is at a central location, otherwise I probably won't be around till the Rio Vista show
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...g-install.html
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
I really do need to check out your car one of these days... you've got two mods I'm deadly curious about.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,293
Likes: 6
From: North of the Bay California
Randy, could you post some pics of your setup in this thread
Last edited by blueray72; Apr 28, 2010 at 03:21 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 20
From: Central Michigan
Here you go!
Box comparo, Borgeson on the right
[IMG]
[/IMG]
Box and link adapter installed
[IMG]
[/IMG]
Rag joint installed
Pitman arm installed
[IMG]
[/IMG]
Header clearance. This is the subject I get the most questions about. I can easily get my hand in between the header and the box, plus the header can be removed/reinstalled without hassle
[IMG]
[/IMG]
Box comparo, Borgeson on the right
[IMG]
[/IMG]Box and link adapter installed
[IMG]
[/IMG]Rag joint installed
Pitman arm installed
[IMG]
[/IMG]Header clearance. This is the subject I get the most questions about. I can easily get my hand in between the header and the box, plus the header can be removed/reinstalled without hassle
[IMG]
[/IMG]
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 20
From: Central Michigan
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I don't think you are going to go wrong with either system. They both are a big upgrade from the old 50s style steering they replace. If the Borgesen box was available at the time I did mine I probably would have also taken a good hard look at it. Both systems seem to work very well.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 20
From: Central Michigan
Not to knock Borgeson, but does anyone know what is different with their box and this one?
E-Bay
Other than ~$400
E-Bay
Other than ~$400
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
Yep, he sure does
I went with the Borgeson unit mainly because I was tired of replacing steering components with rebuilt parts that still don't work right. I looked into the Steeroids unit, but the cost (over $1200 at the time) put that on hold. Then about a year ago I read about the Borgeson steering box. Number of guys here on the Forum had installed it and liked it, so after doing some more research on the subject and talking to the company I went ahead and bought one. One of the best mods I've made on the 68 to date
I went with the Borgeson unit mainly because I was tired of replacing steering components with rebuilt parts that still don't work right. I looked into the Steeroids unit, but the cost (over $1200 at the time) put that on hold. Then about a year ago I read about the Borgeson steering box. Number of guys here on the Forum had installed it and liked it, so after doing some more research on the subject and talking to the company I went ahead and bought one. One of the best mods I've made on the 68 to date
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 14,345
Likes: 4
From: Hartselle AL
St. Jude Donor '09
Again, just comparison shopping.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
but I went rack, before any kits were on the market, and it's been fine so far....not changing now....
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 20
From: Central Michigan
Took another look at the ebay link and caught the part about the limited lifetime warranty. It would be interesting to know what shop actually does the rebuilding
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 20
From: Central Michigan