Rack and Pinion steering

[71455Formula]

Hello. My name is Ben. I'm new to the site, but not cars. I'm restoring a 71 Formula 455 and I'm interested in in putting rack and pinion steering on the car. Has anyone done this to an early 2nd gen? Is there a bolt in kit or what did you do to get one on there? Thanks.

[dontlifttoshift]

Do a search on the subject. There is not a good reason to add a rack and pinion to any existing suspension design.

Spend the money a good steering box and the related components.

[71455Formula]

Ok. Thanks.

[71455Formula]

Did some searching and couldn't come up with anything form rack and pinion on for 70-73 Firebirds. Most of what comes up is the 67-69 fbody's.

[dontlifttoshift]

Same thing for the purpose of this conversation.

Let's try this. Why would you like to install a rack and pinion? What problem are you trying to solve or what shortcoming in the factory steering setup are you trying to make up for?

[71455Formula]

I'd like a more direct feel and faster response for the steering.

[dontlifttoshift]

Then a steering box from DSE or LEE is your answer. Less money, easier install, less compromise.

[aidanfancystang]

what about header clearance? I am thinking about it for my nova because the headers need to be massaged to clear the steering box.

[6carmello8]

I'd like a more direct feel and faster response for the steering.

Talk to one of the guys at Ridetech...forgot his name but I think he owns the yellow Ridetech test car but should be pretty easy to narrow it down. I was chatting with him at one of the Good Guys events and the conversation just happen to steer towards rack and pinion...pun intended. Basically he had the opportunity to try out all the r&p's out there and was unsatisfied with ALL of them in one way or another however was very happy with a new steering box. I forgot which one but you can't go wrong with a Lee 600/670 steering box. I have a 12.7 and love it. If you want "normal" or less response, go with the 14.1

what about header clearance? I am thinking about it for my nova because the headers need to be massaged to clear the steering box.

This is always an issue in one way or another and depends on type of engine, type of header/size combo but I run the 1/7/8" LS swap Dynatech headers and the clearance is incredible. Most can get away with a banging a little dent for fitment but again this all depends on the engine/header combo...