Steering box - 68 "quick" ratio vs. IROC box

[hotrodf1]

Hey all,

was just curious if maybe one of you wizards could shed some light on this for me. I am trying to upgrade the steering box in my 68 Camaro for one that has a quicker ratio and better feel.

Just shopping around a little, I found that Advance Auto offers a Cardone reman. steering box for 67-9 camaro, that claims a 2 1/2 to 3 turns L-L. I think the same box is listed for CHevelle, too, which I was told would have different "stops".

But I know that many guys that take the more budget approach search out the Z/28 / IROC/ TA steering box, which is supposed to be 12.7:1, and I think it ends up being about 2 1/2 turns L-L also right?

So the question is: what is it about the IROC box that is more desireable? Is it improved valving that gives better feel?

Is it worth messing with different rag joints / line adapters to make the IROC box fit?

Thanks for any info you might have!

Jer.

[hotrodf1]

For anyone curious, I went with the IROC box rebuilt by Cardone, and got a hold of a late model PS pump with the O-ring fittings so I don't have to fool with the conversion between the two with early lines.

I am also adding hydroboost at the same time, so the lines will be OEM lines if I can find an application that fits without looking too goofy.

[rwhite692]

Glad to see that you did (or are going to do?) the swap...In my opinion, the 3rd gen box swap is a great low buck upgrade to a first-gen. It has to be one of the top five "best bang-for-the-buck" mods for these cars.

The ratio is quicker, and the steering feel is much more "heavy" (ie like a modern car). ie no more feeling like you can steer the car with one pinky, like back in 69....

If you would like more info, Do a search on www.pro-touring.com (http://www.pro-touring.com) and/or www.camaros.net (http://www.camaros.net) and you will find a TON of information on this exact swap, part numbers, etc.

I would not hesitate to use the Lee adapter inserts, unless you really have your heart set on doing a power steering pump swap too...

Lee Manufacturing can set you up with the adapter inserts and coupler that you need with a quick phone call and about $60. (818) 768-0371.

Additionally, David Pozzi has a great page with tons of info on first gen steering upgrades here:

http://www.pozziracing.com/camaro_steering.htm

Good Luck!
-Rob

[hotrodf1]

Cool, thanks for the reply.

I have been doing research on all the sites you recommended which is where I did find part numbers etc.. Pozzis site is pretty sweet, lots of great "grassroots" type info for a guy like me that doesn't have the $ to buy a high dollar subframe, etc, etc.

I am trying to stay away from the adapters based on price alone. My OEM lines cost $40 for BOTH and no adapters needed. Trying to keep it simple. Car didn't have any power steering before, so I needed a pump anyway, just so happens my freebie pump is the late style with the O-ring fitting, and will probably be better suited to the pressure / flow of the newer steering box anyway. Goods for me. . . .

I gotta fab up a bracket for the pump now. The vortech won't allow most mounts to work.

[jy211]

The ratio is quicker, and the steering feel is much more "heavy" (ie like a modern car). ie no more feeling like you can steer the car with one pinky, like back in 69....-Rob

I just bought a 12.7:1 670 ATS/Lee quick ratio box and was looking for the "steer the car with one pinky" feel... I currently fight the steering wheel when trying to turn at no or very very slow speeds...or trying to back into the garage...

I really hope what I planned on happens...other wise there goes a few hundred bucks...

[Teetoe_Jones]

Wait a second-

You wanted an over-assisted steering box feel? Our 670 will not give you that at all.

Tyler

[Rybar]

I just bought a 12.7:1 670 ATS/Lee quick ratio box and was looking for the "steer the car with one pinky" feel... I currently fight the steering wheel when trying to turn at no or very very slow speeds...or trying to back into the garage...

I really hope what I planned on happens...other wise there goes a few hundred bucks...

I should trade you my steering box which is aparently an IROC box. It has the "steer the car with one pinky" feel and I don't like it. I wish it was heavier like a modern car.

[79ZED]

my steering box which is aparently an IROC box. It has the "steer the car with one pinky" feel

If you can do that with your pinky, I seriously doubt it's an IROC box. Either that, or you've got one heck of a strong pinky...:)

John

[jy211]

Wait a second-

You wanted an over-assisted steering box feel? Our 670 will not give you that at all.

Tyler

Yes. The car is driven by my pops (67 yrs old)...and he hates fighting the steering...When I called and talked with you I asked you if this would make driving the car simple...and you responded yes...that's why I ordered it...

Can you tell me what I can expect to get with this box, steering wise then?

I currently have a brand new 605 box (non power) in it and wanted effort less driving...

Let me know ASAP. I was going to be installing it this weekend...

My sales order # with you was 1167. Invoice # 1175

[skatinjay27]

if you have NON power steering now... thats why it hard to turn the wheel...

[Rybar]

my steering box which is aparently an IROC box. It has the "steer the car with one pinky" feel

If you can do that with your pinky, I seriously doubt it's an IROC box. Either that, or you've got one heck of a strong pinky...:)

John

Your probably right, the guy that sold it to me said it was. I guess that's why I had trouble sizing the rag joint last year. I must have a stock style steering box.

[Sharky1967]

I sent you an email on my details, couldn't be happier with the IROC box, followed the following article:

http://69camaro.nextmill.net/steering.html



67 Camaro
Procharged and intercooled 14# SBC 406 with serp belt system
Gear Vendors 6 spd, A/C, 9", 4WDB

[Clockwork]

Yes. The car is driven by my pops (67 yrs old)...and he hates fighting the steering...When I called and talked with you I asked you if this would make driving the car simple...and you responded yes...that's why I ordered it...

Can you tell me what I can expect to get with this box, steering wise then?

I currently have a brand new 605 box (non power) in it and wanted effort less driving...

Let me know ASAP. I was going to be installing it this weekend...

My sales order # with you was 1167. Invoice # 1175



Ok that makes more sense if the 670 was NOT installed yet.

Can you post back your results of the 670 when you get some seat time in it?

Also what pump are you going with?

[Teetoe_Jones]

Our 670 box will feel like a late model vehicle rack and pinion. The factory camaro power steering has an 'over-assisted' feel to it where there is little to no road feedback, and you can park the car with one finger. I don't like the feel of factory P/S at all. The 670 box will have enough assist to park the car easily, but at driving speeds you will get much more feedback and road feel.

Tyler

[jy211]

Ok that makes more sense if the 670 was NOT installed yet.

Can you post back your results of the 670 when you get some seat time in it?

Also what pump are you going with?

Should be installed within the next 2 weeks for sure...hopefully. I will for sure offer feed back!!! :thumbsup:

I will be running a Maval Mfg. power steering pump, that's what comes along in the Billet Specialties tru trac kit....

[hotrodf1]

:question: Just curious, would anyone have any interest in seeing a thread on my DIY build for adding hydroboost brakes and IROC steering box, using OEM parts for the most part and in true DIY style? I just finished adding both to my Camaro, and I could do a little writeup if there was any interest in it. It is more of a low buck setup, but I think it looks pretty decent, and was pretty cheap to do.

Let me know if it would be worth the time to put it out there.

thanks. jer.

[dhondagod]

:question: Just curious, would anyone have any interest in seeing a thread on my DIY build for adding hydroboost brakes and IROC steering box, using OEM parts for the most part and in true DIY style? I just finished adding both to my Camaro, and I could do a little writeup if there was any interest in it. It is more of a low buck setup, but I think it looks pretty decent, and was pretty cheap to do.

Let me know if it would be worth the time to put it out there.

thanks. jer.



Uh, yea!!!! BRING IT!!!!


Chris:cool:

[skatinjay27]

Uh, yea!!!! BRING IT!!!!


Chris:cool:duh!!! lol

[jimbobbriggs]

My two cents might help or at least get some gray matter stirring. Back in '88 I packed up a '69 camaro with the 2 1/2 turn variable ratio box,after buying alot of manuals and investigating I found out these were supposed to be popular in 6 cyl cars and this one was. I bought it with a 4 bolt 350 so I didn't mind the wrong codes,VIN,ect. Around '90 or so Popular Hot Rodding Mag had an article about modding your P/S pump for more effort and feel (lower pressure), I tried it and loved it. I think the reverse should work on the old pumps (I don't have the article any more) but I have no exp on the new pumps or boxes. Hope this helps someone out there.