steering box upgrade?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 27
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steering box upgrade?
I have a 72 Corvette with sloppy steering. I replaced the power steering control valve and the steering ram. Still sloppy steering. Any opinions on replacing/upgrading the steering box? Should I go from a 16:1 ratio to a 12.7:1 ratio? If I go to a 12.7:1 ratio, is there an advantage to getting a steering box with the power steering assist attached to it and removing my existing power steering control valve and steering ram? I can't find a manual steering box (i.e. without attached power steering assist) with a 12.7:1 ratio. All thoughts appreciated. Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9,063
Likes: 2,736
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
First, if the steering box needs rebuilt, nothing will fix that but a good rebuild....I recommend Gary Ramadei.
Secondly, I couldn't get good steering feel with the power steering setup and switched back to manual steering.....NOW its a sports car, and really is not an issue with force required.
Apparently the Borgeson system is good, but requires collapsing the steering column and does not fit with some headers.
I like the manual setup. Simple and feels great.
Secondly, I couldn't get good steering feel with the power steering setup and switched back to manual steering.....NOW its a sports car, and really is not an issue with force required.
Apparently the Borgeson system is good, but requires collapsing the steering column and does not fit with some headers.
I like the manual setup. Simple and feels great.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
If that screw on top of the box is in as far as it will go, it's possible the gears in the box are done. That screw is to adjust the lash between the gears. Too tight, the gears are jammed together and will damage them. Too loose is sloppy. The FSM has instruction on how to adjust the box.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 476
From: NSW, Australia
C3 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019
The power steering control valve, ram etc are removed with the Borgeson box, the power steering is internal to the steering box (the hoses from the pump connect directly to the steering box).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,422
Likes: 955
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
I have since 2010 the Gary Ramadei custom blueprinted/rebuilt OEM box with zero play....retains the OEM system but eliminates all play. The stock 16:1 box is fine for street driving...the Borgeson box with 12:1 ratio is probably good for autocross and racing but I do not miss the quicker ratio using the stock box on the street especially with the OEM designed C3 suspension. As a comparison I have a 2010 C6 Z06 with lightening fast steering with 4,000 miles on the car as well as a 94 Mustang GT Convertible with cobra steering R&P that I put on and a 2012 Lexus IS350 Fsport with a modified suspension also with lightening fast R&P steering.