C3 Power Steering Conversion
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: VA
C3 Power Steering Conversion
Good afternoon,
I have a 1969 Corvette convertible 350 small block (L46), no power steering and manual everything. I would like to have a Borgeson power steering conversion kit installed, probably beyond my expertise (or physical ability being a senior citizen). Can anyone provide a rough cost estimate to install, or recommend installers in the Northern Virginia area? One shop was recommended (Clark’s Automotive) but they’re quoting $2100 labor to install. I’ve seen on Corvette forum where the installation should only be around 4 man-hours or so, no idea if that’s correct. But $2100 seems to be high if it’s not too labor-intensive. Appreciate any information or insight anyone might have, thanks.
Keith
I have a 1969 Corvette convertible 350 small block (L46), no power steering and manual everything. I would like to have a Borgeson power steering conversion kit installed, probably beyond my expertise (or physical ability being a senior citizen). Can anyone provide a rough cost estimate to install, or recommend installers in the Northern Virginia area? One shop was recommended (Clark’s Automotive) but they’re quoting $2100 labor to install. I’ve seen on Corvette forum where the installation should only be around 4 man-hours or so, no idea if that’s correct. But $2100 seems to be high if it’s not too labor-intensive. Appreciate any information or insight anyone might have, thanks.
Keith
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 71
Likes: 8
From: Centreville, VA
Bergeson kit itself is $1050, then you'll need a powered pitman arm and spindle (they're different than those of manual steering) which need to be sourced, if you want this done correctly. If the rest of the stuff in that kit actually fits correctly, nothing seized/rusted/broken on the car itself and nothing else needed, $2100 including these parts sounds about right, but if labor only, you are probably looking at double that in total. Then an alignment needed by someone not lazy and knows how to do it on these cars (specs are again different between powered and non powered).
I did this on my 71 BBC with factory power steering back in 2017 during a complete resto-mod. I'm also in NOVA btw.
I did this on my 71 BBC with factory power steering back in 2017 during a complete resto-mod. I'm also in NOVA btw.
Last edited by 71bbc; May 20, 2025 at 11:18 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,710
Likes: 3,163
From: Shamong, NJ
I'm not exactly sure where you're looking in "Northern Virginia" but Tony's Corvette Shop in Gaithersburg MD (just northeast of DC) has been around for years and to the best of my knowledge, has a good reputation.
https://www.tonyscorvetteshop.com/
https://www.tonyscorvetteshop.com/
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 1,648
From: Fairfax Virginia
Tony's Corvettes is an incredible company and they do nothing but top notch work on every Corvette they work on. They are licensed by GM to do warranty repairs on the newer Corvettes.
I live in Northern Virginia just outside the beltway. It takes me about 1/2 hour to get to Tony's shop in non-rush hour traffic. I have been a customer of Tony's for decades and I would consider no other shop to do anything to my 2 Corvettes. The Owner Tony is an incredible mechanic and entrepreneur. I was going to his shop back in the day we used the shop in his back yard. They re-installed my 427 and they re-painted the engine bay minus the engine and then they also rebuilt my shifter and replaced a wiring harness. The end result was fabulous and everybody who saw the work was impressed. Tony's Corvettes does AWESOME Work...
Call ahead and schedule your appointment and I assure you that you will be happy with the results. As a matter of fact you might want to call Tony and ask him about the various power steering options available for your Corvette.
I have a Steeroids Power Rack and Pinion steering system in my 1968 C3 and I installed it myself. It was not that hard to do as the kit was complete with everything that you would need. A couple calls to Turn One steering and I had it sorted out. Now my C3 steers like my C4 does and I like it!!
I live in Northern Virginia just outside the beltway. It takes me about 1/2 hour to get to Tony's shop in non-rush hour traffic. I have been a customer of Tony's for decades and I would consider no other shop to do anything to my 2 Corvettes. The Owner Tony is an incredible mechanic and entrepreneur. I was going to his shop back in the day we used the shop in his back yard. They re-installed my 427 and they re-painted the engine bay minus the engine and then they also rebuilt my shifter and replaced a wiring harness. The end result was fabulous and everybody who saw the work was impressed. Tony's Corvettes does AWESOME Work...
Call ahead and schedule your appointment and I assure you that you will be happy with the results. As a matter of fact you might want to call Tony and ask him about the various power steering options available for your Corvette.
I have a Steeroids Power Rack and Pinion steering system in my 1968 C3 and I installed it myself. It was not that hard to do as the kit was complete with everything that you would need. A couple calls to Turn One steering and I had it sorted out. Now my C3 steers like my C4 does and I like it!!
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 753
From: Doctors Inlet Florida
I did the Borgeson conversion on my 70 and can't recommend it enough. I used the stock pitman arm and it worked fine. It took about three hours to install. I would highly recommend the Ridetech support brace to go with it.
I also moved the tie rod ends to the "fast" power steering holes.
I also moved the tie rod ends to the "fast" power steering holes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,242
Likes: 1,014
From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
Has anyone done the EPAS electric conversion here. I have looked it over and am seriously considering doing it. He says he has done a C3 but no videos on his site. Just concerned if we have room but think it would be great to eliminate all the fluid whatsoever. I have a spare column I am ready to modify. Anyone do it?
Bill
Bill
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