Are there any performance manual steering gear boxes out there? What are the benefits of manual steering vs power steering?

Of course, the horsepower drag on the engine will be absent with manual. However, your upper body strength will improve. And you aversion to parallel parking will be increased. Manual steering (0bviously) was the norm many years ago, and I had my share of old cars that worked well with it. But, the Chevelle is a lot heavier than the cars of the 30's and 50's, so it can be a chore to steer. I converted one of my chevelles to power and am glad of it.If you are doing a drag car or have other reasons to avoid power steering , go for it. Otherwise, keep the power, especially if it is a daily driver.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by JWagner:
But, the Chevelle is a lot heavier than the cars of the 30's and 50's, so it can be a chore to steer. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

??? My original 57 was heavier (very little plastic) than the Chevelle AND had manual steering! A real bear to parallel park. That's why the steering wheel was soooo large...gave you a little more leverage. The 57 I have now HAS power steering, and what a difference! http://www.chevelles.com/forum/wink.gif



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MalibuJerry350
TC Member #1279
Original owner '70 Chevelle.
595,000 miles on car.
Hey, if it's got wheels, DRIVE IT!
My Chevelle: http://hometown.aol.com/erie614/myhomepage/index.html

With performance steering boxes the only real improvement is the ratio. A quicker ratio will give you better steering response. Of corse, with a manual box, a quicker ratio would make it much harder to turn. That is why it is not commonly done.

The power unit that is on there now is totally sloppy. I am putting headers on and the old humpies have no mounting provisions for power steering. I am also changing from PG to Manual trans and will upgrade the steering while I have the inner fenderwell out. Sounds like I need a good quick ratio box. I am looking for road feel and more precise steering without putting in a rack & pinion.

I have enuf going on with the car.

Who has a referral for performance pump and quick ratio box?

Also - is there a better rag joint set-up?

Thanks for your replies!

Burke

ttt

I have used a fast manual box from Lee Mfg. I changed it to a 12:7 power gear & pump. I have been happy with the power box ever since. My car was an orig. manual car and I thought it would be cool to keep it orig. Power steering is much more pleasureable to drive. Manual box on the shelf just in case I ever go back to orig. Tom tried to talk me out of the manual. He said you will be back and I was.

After suffering through trying to park with wide meats and 247 turns Lock to Lock, the first thing I did was convert to power steering when I redid the front suspension.

I got a '89 T/A high ratio box, and the fitting adapters through Lee Mfg. Had to acquire a '64 power steering pitman arm, the rest was a bolt on. Used a pump/brackets/pulley/hoses assy. off a '76 Nova with a 305.

I'll never go back. Good road "feel", and the steering is "assisted", not Caddy or Lincoln mushy. There's still some effort, but I don't have Popeye forearms anymore :D