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Just got new hooker super comp side pipe headers on an 80 vette the stock steering box touches the #1header. I was going to take off box cover see how thick the casting is and grind 1/8 inch or so off I just put new urethane motor mounts on also . No grease inside the box looks like a charcoal pit inside. Probably need new box and lines and pump and cylinder everything. So I was thinking of going to rack and pinion conversion. Anyone have issues with header clearance pros and cons. Steroids vs flaming river vs. Unisteer vs. Borgeson they look the same unisteer seems to be a little cheaper
The hooker headers.... you may need to put a ding in the header tube that is hitting... I know we had this issue for years with the headman headers and all we'd do is ting the tube so it would clear.
What are you trying to achieve? Tighter steering? Space?
I recommend rebuilding the existing box. They weren't always calibrated tight when new. Racers would remove them from new vehicles and calibrate them ...and every couple races would re-calibrate them again. Nothing wrong with the box but the top bearing often gets rusty from people washing their engine compartments. The bottom bushing is bronze and can wear. Personally, I would drive out/replace the bottom bushing, replace the top bearing (recirculating bearings ?? IDK). Then tighten to specs. Will be a lot tighter when your done. Obviously make sure all steering/suspension joints are tight. Rag joint too. In fact, start by putting a vise grips at input shaft and tie it to frame and feel for any 'freeplay' (before the box). Little here and there adds up.
For my 80, I sent a stock box to @GTR1999 for a rebuild as part of converting to manual steering. The box doesn't hit my Hooker sidepipe headers. Photo below. Every other part of the front suspension was rebuilt and/or replaced. EDIT: I also have solid steel engine mounts. Perhaps yours need to be replaced.
Here's a thread on the size differences with the Borgeson steering box upgrade (which I have in my 79, and can also highly recommend). If you already have to ding the headers just for the stock box, the Borgeson (box) will require additional work to clear. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ifference.html
Last edited by Bikespace; Mar 13, 2020 at 04:04 PM.
Steering box problems
