Steering box difference?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,472
Likes: 2,180
From: Loveland
Steering box difference?
When I first got my 68 manual steering C3, I was shocked how hard it was to steer when parking and turning without any speed. Driving at speed was just fine. So being a new C3 owner I decided to get the Borgeson kit. I do love the Borgeson power steering, two finger steering going slow or fast and no play. After learning more about the C3, I started thinking what a new rebuilt original manual steering box would feel like.
Anybody experience the difference between a new original manual steering C3, compared to the Borgeson?
Thanks
Anybody experience the difference between a new original manual steering C3, compared to the Borgeson?
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,948
Likes: 4,506
From: Virginia
I have one of each, both converted from stock power steering.
My wife's Borgeson-converted 79 drives like a modern car. Light steering, and a fast ratio, just as you've noticed. There is a thread on here somewhere about how to limit power steering pump pressure. You can also run more caster for firmer steering. If I were Auto-Xing the car, I'd want the Borgeson, no question.
My manual converted 80 is difficult to drive slow. That's okay, I built her to drive fast (on a track). The steering box was rebuilt by @GTR1999, using all new internal components for a 68-era gearbox (this matters for the input shaft, which mattered for which Flaming River U-joint I used). However difficult steering is for you, it is likely worse in my car. I do not have the outer (easier) tie-rod holes in the steering arms, I have adjustable upper A-Arms to give me a lot more caster than stock, and I have a smaller than stock 14" steering wheel. I have to back into parking spaces, and can barely move the wheels at all unless they are rolling a bit.
The two steering styles suit the nature of the cars, and their drivers. They are as different as night and day.
My wife's Borgeson-converted 79 drives like a modern car. Light steering, and a fast ratio, just as you've noticed. There is a thread on here somewhere about how to limit power steering pump pressure. You can also run more caster for firmer steering. If I were Auto-Xing the car, I'd want the Borgeson, no question.
My manual converted 80 is difficult to drive slow. That's okay, I built her to drive fast (on a track). The steering box was rebuilt by @GTR1999, using all new internal components for a 68-era gearbox (this matters for the input shaft, which mattered for which Flaming River U-joint I used). However difficult steering is for you, it is likely worse in my car. I do not have the outer (easier) tie-rod holes in the steering arms, I have adjustable upper A-Arms to give me a lot more caster than stock, and I have a smaller than stock 14" steering wheel. I have to back into parking spaces, and can barely move the wheels at all unless they are rolling a bit.
The two steering styles suit the nature of the cars, and their drivers. They are as different as night and day.
