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I just completed the Borgeson swap on my 79' and it was an easy job. I removed the steering column to make it easier to push the steering shaft in. Also took out the alternator just to make it easier to get the box in from the top. Buy the brace, the Borgeson unit is bigger and heavier than the stock box. I reused the stock carriage bolts. I restored this car a couple years ago, so I didn't have any rusted bolts to deal with. Haven't driven it yet.
I hope It goes smooth for me. I am going to have the motor out when I do it. Also doing some mild engine upgrades. Heads, cam, intake. I am very nervous about doing this. This will be the biggest project I have done to date.
Put the hoses on before you install the engine. It will make it much easier. Have them facing forward. I opted for the adaptors to go from the o'ring seal to the inverted flare. I guess some have had leak issues pushing the tube seat into the steering box. I just started my up for the first time today and didn't have any leaks (that doesn't happen often!).
It's not that hard, you won't have any problems.
Put the hoses on before you install the engine. It will make it much easier. Have them facing forward. I opted for the adaptors to go from the o'ring seal to the inverted flare. I guess some have had leak issues pushing the tube seat into the steering box. I just started my up for the first time today and didn't have any leaks (that doesn't happen often!).
It's not that hard, you won't have any problems.
i am currently finishing up my borgeson conversion in my 73 today. I do wish i had seen this pic last weekend. Routing the lines has definitely been an issue for me, motor in car, headers, etc. The pressure line not so much, but the return line has been a b*tch for sure. I would love to see a bottom side pic to see how you routed the return line. In order to route mine without any sharp kinks i needed more length than what was provided with the kit. As for leaks, using the adaptors, the only issue i had was using the supplied return hose that come with the kit that goes into the box. Trying all 5 of the different adaptors i had on hand, no matter how tight i tightened the nut into the box, the tube was still loose. I finally tried using my oem return tube with the adaptors and it tightened perfectly. I noticed the oem was double flared as opposed to the one with the kit was only single flared. So, i cut the extra length off my oem tube, flared the end of it, and just used it. Did a couple of test cranks last nite to bleed and fill the system, and so far no leaks.
Personally, Borgeson went thru the trouble of pre-making these lines to specifically fit this kit in these cars.....I cannot understand why they did not just go ahead and use O-ring fittings on the box ends when they put the kits together? Right? or am i missing something?
If you have any pics from the bottom side of your installation that shows how you routed the return line to your pump, i'd love to see them. Thanks
EDIT****** so after looking at the pic again, i noticed you have used screw in adaptors, so, sorry. My kit came with the brass inserts that you just sit into the holes. I would have preferred the type adaptors you used, or again, just why didn't they use o-ring fittings.
Last edited by Shannon Born; Oct 1, 2022 at 11:42 AM.
Reason: adding text
I agree with you. The return line is too short. If the nipple on the pump came out horizontal instead of vertical down, it would be OK. You can see in my pictures, the hose just makes it without a kink. I covered the hose with some convolute tubing because the hose comes real close to rubbing in numerous places. I might do what you did and buy a longer hose.
i think I used some generic RockAuto return hose. 1970 Caprice 454, has a 3/8" steel tubing 90-degree end with 3/8" inverted flare fitting, requires that brass insert, hose cut to fit, Gates 361350, Edelman 70551, or equiv.
Borgeson box installed a while back . One of the best upgrades on the vette.Brace installed when they came out a few years later. Running a Holley Midmount Serpentine system ,the PS pump works perfectly with the box..
Last edited by iokepakai; Oct 4, 2022 at 03:52 PM.
I have a Borgeson box in my LS2 swap. Has anyone done Hydro-boost brakes with the Borgeson? I am thinking of getting rid of the brake booster as it will not allow the LS2 plastic engine covers to fit without cutting off quite a bit on the driver's side. Thanks for any help.
i have the Borgensen box and the hydroboost but have not installed it yet as the engine is out. I will install these before the engine ( big block ) goes back in. I wanted the hydroboost to clear valve covers and increase brake pressure without vacuum concerns on the new cam.
I have a Borgeson box in my LS2 swap. Has anyone done Hydro-boost brakes with the Borgeson? I am thinking of getting rid of the brake booster as it will not allow the LS2 plastic engine covers to fit without cutting off quite a bit on the driver's side. Thanks for any help.
Mike
I am installing the Hydro-boost along with the Borgeson that I already have. It will fit with the Borgeson box. I'm getting mine from Hydratech Systems. I talked with "Jim" at Hydratech. Model #3004 is what I need for my '69 with power brakes and early long rod master cylinder. You must get the Borgeson power steering hose adapters for the Borgeson box. These.....https://www.summitracing.com/parts/brg-925121
