microvette

I see posts on small block Borgeson unit power steering conversions....but none so far on a '66 big block manual to power steering conversion. Any input or experiences with this conversion or sources for parts, kits? I have stock exhaust manifolds.
Thanks!

427Hotrod

How stock are you wanting? I'd just install a Borgeson setup. Works great....

JIM

microvette

Borgeson seems to be the way to go, better than stock configuration. Where did you buy your parts and or kit. My car has manual steering so I'll also need the water pump and carnk pulleys.

Nowhere Man

tbarb

I agree, the factory system works just fine and it will bolt right up without changing other conponits.

microvette

Even though the Borgeson box is probably a better performer I'm leaning toward original configuration as it is necessary to cut 2.5" off the steering column shaft to make the Borgeson box fit.

rccarson

The stock set up works fine. Just be ready to fix the leaking seal every second year. If I was to do it again I would go Borgeson.
RC

1snake

Good choice, I've rebuilt multiple original systems and once done CORRECTLY, there were never any leaks and you don't have to chop up your original column. If you do a search, the Borgeson set up is not without problems of its own.

Nowhere Man

the one on my dads car is going on five years with no leaks

Avispa

Last I read, Borgeson''s box is a rebuilt Delphi product. Uses a stock GM pump. No drilling, no filling, no welding. Conversion from manual steering even uses the factory drag link, tie rods and idler arm. No change in steering geometry. It IS a stock system. If the choice was whether to swap out factory PS for Borgeson, that would be another matter.

Nowhere Man

so why do so many come on here and have trouble with the boxes not lining up and breaking rag joints?

tuxnharley

427Hotrod

I got mine from Borgeson directly. It's been on my car for 7-8 years now I think. Not a leak or drip...and I routinely spin the engine 7500-8000 RPM. I'm actually amazed the old style PS pump is still alive...but not one single issue. My pulley arrangement is sort of a hybrid deal that mirrors C3 type stuff sort of. The pump runs off the crank, the alternator is mounted to left head (BBC) with one of the GM iron brackets like Chevelle's/Camaro's etc used. The alternator runs off the PS pump using the 2 groove pulley Borgeson supplied. The pump mounts using one of the "horseshoe" cradle type brackets like Camaro's/Chevelle's used for many years. In fact just about everything mounted that way. I modified a support/adjuster bracket from Borgeson to fit. Never had a belt come off yet even at that RPM range.

I used the u-joint connection instead of rag joint. Primarily due to clearance around headers...which really helped when I stuffed a turbo right in that area.

Not sure why cutting the steering shaft bothers so many folks. First....you'll never go back stock...so it will stay that way. Second...the shafts are readily available and easy to change if you ever did want to go back.
There apparently were some pitman arms with the splines machined weird that messed up some folks. I had one at first. Worked OK but right/left turning radius was different. They supplied me a different arm way back when that took care of the issue...so I assume that's a non-issue these days.

Anyway, to me it's a much cleaner install and nicer driving arrangement.

JIM

68hemi

You have to pick your battles.
If you are a stock kind of guy like me I like to keep them either stock or with stealth upgrades. I have never found anything wrong with the original C2 power steering.
I HAVE done some upgrades to my 57 that I was reluctant to do such as convert from a generator to a alternator and aftermarket no dash cut sound system however they are both easily reversible. I am considering putting electric power steering on my 57 which is not so easily reversible since you have to cut the steering column. I will probable do because in my opinion it is both a convenience and safety upgrade as it is easy to get you arms/hands crossed up during fast steering. But I would NEVER put aftermarket steering on a C2 when there is a perfectly good factory system available.

uvettcha

I agree , i got almost 20 thats right 20 years out of my stock ps before i had the slave cyl. and control valve started leaking......replaced everything with new again
,,,,,the pump was still ok........sooo we shall see.........Bill

Egryexz34

Personally I dont have anything against surplus parts as long as it can be tested and returned if found "defective" within a few days or weeks. But i prefer new parts - its more safly for us. If u wana change your steering pump i know the best people for this https://www.steeringlpsr.com/
They did for me a lot difrient jobs and i'm so glad from cooperation

jmthomas

did you pull your steering column
jt

dkleather

No. Just the shaft to shorten it on my 64. If you have a 67 with collapsible column there’s no need to shorten the shaft. Some guys have cut the shaft with a cutting wheel or sawsall while still in the car but I chose not to.