Okay... I've only had my vette a few months. It had a power steering leak when I got it, well... lots of leaks!

I replaced the power steering pump, but still have a leak. In reality, I'm sure the power steering control valve and piston needs to be rebuilt or replaced. Here is my question... should I do that, or should I go the route of the Borgeson Corvette Power Steering Kit upgrade from Summit Racing? From what I see it eliminates the PS control valve and piston, so way less places for leaks and also giving me improved steering. So that's the first set of questions- is this the better way to go and how hard is it to do? So far EVERYTHING on this Vette has been a royal pain to work on! Any heads up or tips would be great!

Next question... any issues with the new steering box and headers? I have Doug's Headers on mine and I am having an issue with the factory steering binding on one of the header pipes. I'm not sure what is hitting, but it is something under the steering box that hits one of the tubes when I do a hard turn. Is there a clearance issue with the Borgeson steering box and headers? If so what have people done to resolve this? Dimple that pipe?

Header question... why does my driver's side header stick out further than the passenger side? It's well over 1/4 inch, maybe closer to 1/2 inch difference. On the drivers side I can put the rocker trim back on with no problem at all. On the passenger's side it won't slide in place. The only way to get it on would be to cut the trim up by the 'nest of snakes' and I don't want to do that. It does baffle/concern me that there is that much difference between the sides.

 

If you are referring to Dougs side pipes, you are supposed to cut the trim. The instructions include a template for cutting.

 

I went through all the leaks with the factory system and ended up with the Borgeson system. Between me and the previous owner, we rebuilt or replaced all the factory components several times without success in stopping the leaks. If you could find new old stock components or rebuild parts, there is nothing wrong with the factory system but given the poor quality of the reproduction parts and the better turns ratio of the Borgeson, that is what I would recommend. My Borgeson system has never leaked a drop.

The Borgeson box is slightly bigger and so there is some potential for more interference with headers. I don't know anything specific about your headers but I started a thread a few months ago to learn the size difference between the Borgeson gear box and the factory gear box. Maybe something in that thread will help you: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ifference.html

DC

 

I'll check my instructions again, I don't recall seeing a template. Still though the drivers side is out much more than the passenger side. Not so much that people make a comment about it, but I know it is out further and I can get the trim on with no issues at all. It seems like something isn't right to me.

 

Perhaps one of your engine mounts needs to be replaced? I switched to solid steel mounts when I put in headers (Hooker sidepipes, likely similar dimensions to Dougs).

On my other C3, the Borgeson conversion absolutely transformed the car. No leaks! After I changed out the steering pump, at least. I don't know about header clearance. In my sidepipe car, I converted to manual steering, which also doesn't leak.

 

I just finished installing Doug's side pipes with my Doug's headers. I did not have to trim the side trim and it fit fine on both sides (there also were not any instructions telling me to do so). In terms of the headers, I did have to dimple one pipe to clear the borgeson box.





Richard

 

I would go with the Borgeson system if you can swing it. I was in the same situation and I was looking at getting another power steering ram and instead went ahead and got the Borgeson box. Much better system all around. I'm glad I did. And I also have Doug's sidepipe headers. They are close to the Borgeson box but do not hit. Let me know if you need any pics.

Jim

 

Sorry the instructions come with Hooker not Dougs. See the first page of the PDF.

 

Well I made the plunge and bought the Borgenson conversion. Gotta love Summit Racing! I ordered the parts yesterday morning, and tracking says they should be here today!

 

Have a new Borgeson box on my 71 conv project, and hope to see how it works in a couple months when I get the car on the road. Bought the kit, but didn't get a bracket. Saw brackets on Borgeson installs shown on this forum. Asked Borgeson's tech dept if I needed a bracket and they said no for spirited street driving--the three bolt mount to the frame is OK. For autocross or other racing, the bracket helps stiffen everything up. Just FYI. Good luck.

 

What bracket?

Matt

 

 

I added the bracket to my 79. The frame flexes, and can even fail at that point, so I figured the bracket was a bit of free strength.

It does push those bolts out even further, though, so you may need to adjust the turning stops to keep from rubbing the inside of the tire on the sharp bolt heads.

 

I put Dougs side pipes and the Borgerson unit on my 80 over the winter. I dimpled one of the pipes very slightly though maybe didn't really have to for clearance with the box. For me, the passenger side headers are a little tighter to the side of the car, but I chalked that up to manufacturing tolerances and bent a bit more of an angle into the mounting tabs to space that side out a bit. Also my driver side tire does rub with the new bolts installed for the box, even without the bracket installed (which I have on the shelf and may install later), but that probably because my turn stops weren't ever adjusted correctly. Either way I'm happy with it all and would recommend it all.

 

I had this exact issue. The heads on the bolts were rubbing the tire. I ended up replacing the bolts that came with the kit with the factory carriage head type bolts. That bought me just enough clearance to avoid the tire rubbing. Plus the carriage bolt heads are smooth in the event of rubbing during a hard turn.

DC

 

same here...used the bracket with the original carriage bolts..fiddly to get everything in but worked great!
ptegler

 

I love the Borgenson but has anyone had any issues with return line at box leaking at fitting?

 

The return line fitting that came in my kit would not seal. I used the original GM that was on my old PS box and that took care of the issue.

 

I haven't had any issues with the hoses, but have noticed the seam where the upper body going to the column weeps between the unpainted and painted body sections. Not enough to drip but always seems wet there
Not dripped yet, but as if it weeps there.
ptegler

 

No leaks but was concerned it would be an issue when installed. Assume you installed the brass inserts they supply with the kit? Might want to try another set or check if they are nicked or distorted . I recollect a set came with the steering box as well as the line kit supplied and used the ones that came with the box . The lines they supply with the kit are rather stiff and difficult to align and seat cleanly in the threads when tightening.