Borgeson Steering
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Westchester Co, NY New York
Borgeson Steering
Hi All,
Right now I removed my original numbers matching 350 270hp base motor to install a dart 383. I'm cleaning up the engine bay including new wiring and was thinking of adding a new Borgeson steering system. I would like your opinion from guys that did the install with the motor out as opposed to doing it with the motor installed. I read that there needs to be adjustments to the steering column. Does this include cutting down the length of the column to install the rag joint which I read is a bit of a problem? I'd like to hear all experiences before I dive in and make the purchase of the kit.
Thanks,
Chas
Right now I removed my original numbers matching 350 270hp base motor to install a dart 383. I'm cleaning up the engine bay including new wiring and was thinking of adding a new Borgeson steering system. I would like your opinion from guys that did the install with the motor out as opposed to doing it with the motor installed. I read that there needs to be adjustments to the steering column. Does this include cutting down the length of the column to install the rag joint which I read is a bit of a problem? I'd like to hear all experiences before I dive in and make the purchase of the kit.
Thanks,
Chas
Last edited by charlesr511; Jun 7, 2020 at 08:53 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,030
Likes: 363
From: Lubbock Texas
Hi All,
Right now I removed my original numbers matching 350 270hp base motor to install a dart 383. I'm cleaning up the engine bay including new wiring and was thinking of adding a new Borgeson steering system. I would like your opinion from guys that did the install with the motor out as opposed to doing it with the motor installed. I read that there needs to be adjustments to the steering column. Does this include cutting down the length of the column to install the rag joint which I read is a bit of a problem? I'd like to hear all experiences before I dive in and make the purchase of the kit.
Thanks,
Chas
Right now I removed my original numbers matching 350 270hp base motor to install a dart 383. I'm cleaning up the engine bay including new wiring and was thinking of adding a new Borgeson steering system. I would like your opinion from guys that did the install with the motor out as opposed to doing it with the motor installed. I read that there needs to be adjustments to the steering column. Does this include cutting down the length of the column to install the rag joint which I read is a bit of a problem? I'd like to hear all experiences before I dive in and make the purchase of the kit.
Thanks,
Chas
I did mine with the engine still in the car. Having the engine out would have certainly made the job easier. You will have to shorten the column but there is no need to cut it as it is collapsible.
Here is a link to the installation instructions: https://static.summitracing.com/glob...BRG-999032.pdf
Consider installing a RideTech brace along with the Borgeson kit to help reinforce the frame. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/art-11539535
One minor issue I had was that my wider tires were just barely touching the heads of the hex bolts inside the wheel well when turning sharp. I swapped from the supplied bolts back to the factory bolts which had smooth carriage bolt heads and that gave me the clearance I needed.
I'm very happy with the system. Between me and the previous owner, we had rebuilt and installed new parts to fix the stock system several times but could never stop the leaks. The Borgeson system doesn't leak at all and I like the new turns ratio as well as the overall feel. Nothing wrong with the stock system if it works and doesn't leak but I got tired of throwing time and money at mine.
DC
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 156
Likes: 43
From: Baltimore MD
Easy install. Suuuper easy with no engine. Only issue I had, aside from little clearance between the Doug's headers, was the splines from my steering column were messed up. Could barely get the old joint off and the new one on. Nice upgrade though.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 272
Likes: 69
From: Reno, NV
Hi, Just finished this install in my 71 with engine out. Two things beyond what's been mentioned to keep in mind. I called Borgeson about the brace as my kit didn't come with one. They said for spirited street driving (me), the brace is not needed.
Also, one thing not mentioned often is the ground through the rag joint. Learned the factory rag joint had enough metal in it that there is an electrical connection between the steering column shaft at the ground on the steering box, which is needed for the horn. The rag joint that comes with the kit doesn't, so you can purchase a specialized ground strap for the rag joint, or do what I did, and take some 10g black wire and attach it from the bolt on the column clamp and then on a mount on the box, at the bottom when wheels are straight to make it not so noticable. Again, to ensure I don't have problems with my horn.
Good luck,
Brian
Also, one thing not mentioned often is the ground through the rag joint. Learned the factory rag joint had enough metal in it that there is an electrical connection between the steering column shaft at the ground on the steering box, which is needed for the horn. The rag joint that comes with the kit doesn't, so you can purchase a specialized ground strap for the rag joint, or do what I did, and take some 10g black wire and attach it from the bolt on the column clamp and then on a mount on the box, at the bottom when wheels are straight to make it not so noticable. Again, to ensure I don't have problems with my horn.
Good luck,
Brian
