Ihave a 1980
Is it possible to make the Power Steering stiffer
I want to feel more grounded on turns and high speed
thanks vcb

 

Yes. Do forum search for Jim Shea, Traccdog2 and GTR1999.

Stephen

 

Just had my OEM steering box blue printed and rebuilt by GTR1999 in New Haven CTin Oct 2010-I brought it to him since I live nearby in RI. He did an unbelieveable job-took it apart in front of me to inspect it, sent me about 20 pictures the following week on e-mail detailing what he was doing, spent 2 hours with me at the drop off explaining what he would do and why what he does is very different then the way the box came from the factory. The steering is perfectly weighted now with zero slob-no play at all. He was great and the price was very reasonable! Hope that this helps!

 

Seriously.....Gary's rebuild......(GTR1999) and 17" or 18" wheels and tires make a HUGE difference...... and using a smaller diameter steering wheel WILL put a HUGE amount of "road" feel back into your hands.......

Hammadown

 

Just be aware that GTR1999 is no longer a member here on CF. You will have to go over to the DC forum to find him.



Rick B.

 

is it better to have have it rebuilt or install rack/pin system?

 

Have a look at this as an alternative to a R&P system. Haven't seen any bad reviews.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...g-install.html

 

With some many questions about steering and front suspension, we should have a sticky or list of things that should be considered when trying to improve suspension and steering to OEM level or better.

What are the items that effect steering?
Rage Joint
Gear Box
Hydraulic System, cylinder & valve
Suspension rubber and joints (rod ends, ball joints, idler arm)
Wheel Alignment

What is the cost of each steering system?
OEM:
Box rebuild: $400
Control Valve: $125
Cylinder: $125

Borgeson Conversion:
All in one steering box: $ 700

Rack and Pinion Conversion
Shark Attack Type: $1300

 

Rebuilding the box or going to rack will make the steering less stiff if anything, as long as all other parts aren't worn out.
Someone at one time has probably replaced the steering pump with an incorrect pressure and flow valve from a full size car. Reducing the flow and pressure will make the steering more stiff. Search for threads on pump pressure.

 

Just had my OEM steering box blue printed and rebuilt by GTR1999 in October 2010 and hand adjusted with custom olite bushing that reduces box shaft play from the factory tolerance of .005 (most of the brand new boxes slapped together by GM were NOT .005 from the factory) to .002 shaft end play-$300.

I did not change my OEM cylinder or control valve (65,000 miles), just had the box rebuilt and the difference in the steering before and after is night and day-zero play, perfectly weighted like when the car was new, tracks perfectly, brakes perfectly straight-it goes where you steer-$300.

The OEM system is pretty good when operating correctly and if rebuilt with some custom changes that are completely hidden from any observer. If everything in the front end is in good working order (not worn) and you eliminate any unnecessary suspension deflection and movement (in my case, poly upper and lower OEM control arm bushings and poly bushings everywhere (sway bar, upper rod on shocks, steering cylinder), a C3's steering response is VERY good and its the way it came from the factory. Just my bias! BTW-I know how good a rack and pinion system can be:2001 Pontiac Grand Prix, 1994 Mustang GT, 2008 Chrysler 300 (all rack and pinion).

I am not sure what the advantage the Borgeson box has over a blue printed rebuilt OEM box since 12.7:1 quicker ratio does not mean that the steering is any "tighter" than a custom OEM rebuilt box, just faster lock to lock. Maybe can someone can help me here?

 

do you have his contact info
thanks
v

 

Sent you a PM!