What quick ratio power steering box should I put in my '66 Chevelle? It will be a nice weekend driver, not a race car, when I'm done. Plans call for a late model 350TPI and Tremec 5-speed along with power front discs, 2 inch front drop spindles and 1 inch rear drop springs. Car already has factory A/C and power steering.
Thank you!

Go to www.corvettefaq.com/A-car.asp (http://www.corvettefaq.com/A-car.asp) and download the first paper:
A-Car Fast Ratio Steering Gear Upgrade

Also the websight has several excel spreadsheets that list the 1964-74 Chevelle production gears as well as listings of 12.7:1 fast ratio gears that will bolt right into your Chevelle.

They should give you a good start.

I installed the OPG steering box and I am quite happy with it. They say it is adjustable but I just left it at the defualt setting. It has a better turn radius and the pressure has a much nicer feel than that spongy stock feeling.

Not sure what your other options cost but the OPG one is about $275 or so.

,
Zuma

If you want a "new/rebuilt" box, I'll add my choice of the AGR box... I think it was about $330 from Summit... It was an easier swap than the late-model Caprice (because it is setup for the same input shaft spline (no new rag-joint needed) and it also used the old-style IF fittings... I am not sure if the adapters are needed with the OPG boxes, or other brands...

The OPG boxes are a stock-type replacement drop-in, at least on my '66 Malibu.

Another one I almost wanted to try was the AGR Tony mentions.

http://www.agrsteering.com/home.jspx

It is defintely more "trick."

,
Zuma

NAPA auto parts stores sell a rebuilt box that is a quicker ratio. The upsides are if you have a local NAPA store you can save on shipping, the outright price for the box is much less than most of the mail order places (who probably get theirs from the same source as NAPA) and they are a direct bolt in replacement that require no additional mofifications to install.

I have the exact part number somewhere at home, I can look it up later if you would like or you can search for it on NAPA's web site.

Rich I think this might be the part # for the NAPA power steering box 27-6509. this was posted around the end of May. I am thinking about this swap for my 66ss. Any thoughts let me know

I'm interested as well. I'd like to upgrade from the soggy box that's in there now.

Don't forget that you'll need to get the proper steering arm for the power setup as well. It's not the same arm as used on a manually-equipped car.

Brian, I see your not a Team Chevelle member so you didn't see that I have basically a "group purchase" type deal going on for the AGR quick ratio box. I would recommend this box for what you want to do, I have one on my 67 and am very happy with it, made a great deal of diffence in the "feel of the wheel" The hot deal I got going on them is $285 shipped to your door, like the guys said it usually runs about $335-$340 from summit. Get them while they last.. Here is the info I have on the box any questions or if you would like to get in on the deal just email me at Chvellss@aol.com


Engineered for street performance. Features the 12:1 ratio, the fastest turning ratio available. Firm race type valving, enhances road feel and offers precise handling. This box is designed for the driver who wants a quick steering box with race car type handling. OEM top covers and end caps are used, adding an OEM-look finish. This is the perfect box for the restorer looking for a high performance box while retaining the original factory look.

OEM Style Top Covers & End Caps
12:1 Ratio
Firm Valving
Silver Satin Finish

and a pic http://www.agrsteering.com/resource/images/files/agr/SB1,%20SB2%20box.jpg

Hope I helped

Tom

my local auto parts store is getting me a rebuilt steering box for 159.00 makes me wonder why the bigger companies all have about the same price but it is 100 bucks more than a store that is just like Napa

birt,

I've been chasing down a lot of these threads on power steering boxes. There are two questions about the NAPA boxes that hasve yet to be answered.

1. No one seems to know the ratio.
2. No one knows if it is a constant ratio, or variable.

Everyone has said that it is fewer turns lock to lock, but that doesn't answer either of the above questions. I sure wish someone could come up with the answers to those. It would make the decision between a NAPA box and an AGR box a whole lot easier.

Originally posted by TH:
birt,

I've been chasing down a lot of these threads on power steering boxes. There are two questions about the NAPA boxes that hasve yet to be answered.

1. No one seems to know the ratio.
2. No one knows if it is a constant ratio, or variable.

Everyone has said that it is fewer turns lock to lock, but that doesn't answer either of the above questions. I sure wish someone could come up with the answers to those. It would make the decision between a NAPA box and an AGR box a whole lot easier. NPD sells the same box as is sold at NAPA (for a whole lot more) and I believe they list it as 12.5:1. NAPA lists no ratio. Wouldn't a smaller lock-to-lock count, assuming the same range of motion, equate to a quicker ratio regardless?

One thing to keep in mind too about the NAPA unit, it is listed at $159 but they also have an $84 core charge. If you have no old box to return the purchase price is $159+$84 which gets close to the cost of the ones mentioned here which do not request a core as far as I know. I have an old box as a core so the NAPA price looks very attractive.

Wouldn't a smaller lock-to-lock count, assuming the same range of motion, equate to a quicker ratio regardless?
This WOULD be correct, EXCEPT for the differing internal "stops" and the overall range of motion of the pitman shaft. For example, many people mention late-model Monte Carlo SS boxes which while they are quick-ratio boxes, there travel is internally limited... Same with Camaro/FireBird boxes... I am not sure how much those limits effect the "lock-to-lock" count.

And does the box actually limit travel in a Chevelle? The chevelle steering arms contact the lower A-arm, but will the Camaro/Monte box bottom out before then? will the wider tires hit the frame first?

I figure approximately a 2.75 Lock-to-lock on the Monte/F-body box and 3.00 Lock-to-lock on a Caprice/Jeep/Chevelle box, (all assuming 12.7:1)... So it can differ... This was assuming the Monte/Camaro has 39-degrees of travel (78-degrees total), while the Caprice/Chevelle has about 43-degrees (86 total)... I am not sure what other arcs are common...


Tom, that is a great deal on the AGR... Even with the 10% off, mine was still $300 through Summit, plus the $9 shipping (although I bought other parts). I like the firm valving too... No more one-finger parking, but the "road feel" is much nicer... I think the AGR boxes are plated too, not just painted... And MY AGR box came with a billet cover and finned end cap (like the picture)...

Originally posted by Hot66ss:
Brian, I see your not a Team Chevelle member so you didn't see that I have basically a "group purchase" type deal going on for the AGR quick ratio box. I would recommend this box for what you want to do, I have one on my 67 and am very happy with it, made a great deal of diffence in the "feel of the wheel" The hot deal I got going on them is $285 shipped to your door, like the guys said it usually runs about $335-$340 from summit. Get them while they last.. Here is the info I have on the box any questions or if you would like to get in on the deal just email me at Chvellss@aol.com


Engineered for street performance. Features the 12:1 ratio, the fastest turning ratio available. Firm race type valving, enhances road feel and offers precise handling. This box is designed for the driver who wants a quick steering box with race car type handling. OEM top covers and end caps are used, adding an OEM-look finish. This is the perfect box for the restorer looking for a high performance box while retaining the original factory look.

OEM Style Top Covers & End Caps
12:1 Ratio
Firm Valving
Silver Satin Finish

and a pic http://www.agrsteering.com/resource/images/files/agr/SB1,%20SB2%20box.jpg

Hope I helped

Tom I assume the box you sell does NOT include the pitman arm. Can you confirm or deny?

Thanks.

Originally posted by 1966_L78:
Tom, that is a great deal on the AGR... Even with the 10% off, mine was still $300 through Summit, plus the $9 shipping (although I bought other parts). I like the firm valving too... No more one-finger parking, but the "road feel" is much nicer... I think the AGR boxes are plated too, not just painted... And MY AGR box came with a billet cover and finned end cap (like the picture)... I'm wondering about the "firm valving." This is one of the things that has me undecided still. Since you've got one, I'd love to hear a real-world description of what "firm valving" means. Care to help out? I recall that I liked my '73 Nova's steering feel pretty much, and I really liked the feel of my Pinto's non-power rack. I don't mind having the road feel, but want to know how much effort I'll be having with this new box.

Thanks!

TH, where I bought my steering box from is called auto value not Napa but same difference. i requested 3 turns lock to lock but I don't know what ratio that is but I believe it is a constant ratio.

Rich, yes there was a core charge but nobody should have a problem getting a core off of a salvage yard car or there own I don't think

it is remanufactured but so are most of the boxes I see from OPG and such

I wonder too if the quicker ratio rebuilt NAPA box has a firmer feel like the AGR box. While I want a quick ratio at the very least, I'd rather not have a slush box feel of they typical GM power steering.

If the guy interested in buying my old small block power steering set up goes through with the transaction I may just have the cash to do the AGR box. But I sure would like to know if it is a marked improvement over the NAPA version.

Rich,

I am right on board with you on ditching the slush feel of the stock type GM box. Mine is now at about 3 turns lock to lock, but it just has almost no road feel to it, making it not much fun to drive. I think once I get this steering and these brakes taken care of (manual drums) I'll be much happier with the car.

I'm at work and can't send off any email. Can someone fire off an email to 1966_L78 and see if he'll chime in here with his driving impressions on his AGR box? I'm about ready to take the plunge, but would like his feedback.

If you are driving your car a lot in real world situations you should consider a varible ratio gear. The sensitivity of the 12.x-1 ratios can be dangerous at high speeds with a quick manuver. The cars they came on, except the Jeep, all have excellent suspension systems cabable of quick manuevers, again except the Jeep but you do see those upside down quite a lot. The varible ratio gets quicker as it comes off center about 1/2 - 3/4 turn. Just my 2 cents but if the rest of the car isn't up to the capabilities of the steering gear you are gaining nothing.

I used the agr as well bolted right up but have yet to try it out. You can see it in some of the pics.

Originally posted by TH:
Rich,

I am right on board with you on ditching the slush feel of the stock type GM box. Mine is now at about 3 turns lock to lock, but it just has almost no road feel to it, making it not much fun to drive. I think once I get this steering and these brakes taken care of (manual drums) I'll be much happier with the car.

I'm at work and can't send off any email. Can someone fire off an email to 1966_L78 and see if he'll chime in here with his driving impressions on his AGR box? I'm about ready to take the plunge, but would like his feedback. What version do you have on the car now that gives the slushy feeling?

Stock box from about a '72 Chevelle. I forget exactly, but it was between a '70 and '72, which is all the same stuff, I imagine.

You can bolt in a s10 zq8 steering box and get 12.7 to 1 ratio. The box bolt in and the stock pitman arm bolt up. Steering stops are fine. You will need a different rag joint and you need the conversion kit from lee to convert fron o ring to the new style. Best of all you can pick these boxes up on ebay for around 100 to 120 dollars.

Thanks, beadblaster. I remember reading a blurb about that swap in Car Craft sometime during the past couple of years, but couldn't recall anything other than the fact that it was some box out of a truck.

For what it's worth, I installed an AGR variable ratio box in my 67 Malibu the week before Hot August Nights this year. I love it - feels like the steering in my 86 Cougar did. I feel by going with this, you don't have to mess with a core return, and you have a NEW unit.

Tom,

Sorry I haden't checked this thread (wife had a baby and I have therefore been offline for 3 weeks...

The "firm valving" feels is very nice...

I can no longer really "one-finger" turn the wheel when stopped/parking, but it is still not too difficult (definitely power assisted)... On the road, it is night-and-day...

I had previously rebuilt all my suspension with Poly bushings up front, 1-1/4" sway bar, Hotchlis springs (1" lowered), Global West lower rear control arms and a steering box from a 1978 Trans Am (which I thought was a "Quick Ratio" when purchased years ago). The car handled nicely, but still not completely comfortable on winding roads due to steering response...

The addition of the AGR box (the only change) made the drive through the mountains enjoyable...

I do use a "cheap" rebuilt (auto parts store rebuild) pump, and maybe that has an affect on the low-speed effort...

I do use a "cheap" rebuilt (auto parts store rebuild) pump, and maybe that has an affect on the low-speed effort...
the pump should be fine, ive got the same basic setup except im using a jeep grand cherokee box.

before doing the swap (went from manual to power) i did alot of searching, i came across this website detailing how to modify the pressure valve in the pump to cure the lack of low speed assist.

http://jeffd.50megs.com/Pump_valve_mod_page.htm

When installing the XH steering box in place of a stock G box, the power steering pump pressure valve (flow valve-alternate name) needs to be changed to one that was used on a Camaro with that box. The higher effort and faster ratio needs a little boost in maximum pressure, and flow, to help it turn smoothly and quickly under all conditions.

The mod involves changing the spring, pressure fitting (with orifice), and removing all washers (if present) from the flow valve. The spring will actually lower the minimum pressure slightly, which helps reduce assist when driving straight ahead. Removing the washers from the flow valve increases the maximum pressure the pump produces, and is needed when turning the steering wheel rapidly left and right. The fitting also produces slightly more flow than stock, which also helps the pump 'keep up' with the demands from the boxi followed the directions to the letter except i left one washer in the flow valve. while parked i can turn the steering wheel lock to lock with one finger. also while parked i can quickly move the steering wheel back and forth with no loss of assist or groaning of any kind. out on the road it feels great, firm but not tight or stiff. however i do have the stock 2 spoke wheel which is fairly big, a smaller wheel will take more effort to turn.

my favorite thing about this steering box is the increased ability to correct yourself while sideways. ;) before i had trouble riding out a burnout, with the manual steering any hint of the back end kicking out you better let off, i couldnt correct the steering wheel fast enough. now with a flick of the wrist i can correct even the nastiest of fishtails.

and this is all with pretty much stock suspension components. the front end is completely stock and the rear has ssm bars, air bags and adjustable drag shocks. some people say that without suspension upgrades these fast ratio boxes can be dangerous. in my opinion thats just not true, even a stock 40 year old car will benefit from this swap.