Power steering suggestions (1st gen)

[Buryingthesun]

My car is a 1967 firebird, I'm running speedtech chicane / ridetech front coilover system on a factory frame. Ridetech true turn and ridetech control arms. I want to get a new ps box but I don't know what pitman arm / idler arm combo works best. I'm not even sure what box to run. I've read the posi racing article but it didn't really guide me much. I'm going to be using the car for road racing and street use.

[Buryingthesun]

Everyone's running a stock power steering box? -_-

[Rod]

what were you running before??? do you still have a Pontiac motor? the tru turn doesn't require you to change the pitman or idler

[Buryingthesun]

what were you running before??? do you still have a Pontiac motor? the tru turn doesn't require you to change the pitman or idler

I was all factory, it felt like a wet bag of dog crap. Pontiac motor is gone and replaced with a LSX, Tru-Turn reuses the pitman/idler but I dont want to use the GM box that came with the car, I want more feel from it.

[wendell]

What class do you plan to road race your street car in? 3rd gen IROC box with your current idler and pitman.

[Rod]

I use an AGR box (http://www.summitracing.com/parts/agr-292117/overview/) its used by NASCAR so I guessed it was enough for me

[Buryingthesun]

What class do you plan to road race your street car in? 3rd gen IROC box with your current idler and pitman.

I keep hearing people say the 3rd gen box, but you have to make a 5 point turn to turn around. . . not what im looking for. I'm doing more time attack and track days with the car then "road racing" It's just easier to explain as "road racing" I guess

[wendell]

Then call Lee.

[Buryingthesun]

Then call Lee.

Who is lee?

[rickpaw]

Who is lee?

Tom Lee of Lee Manufacturing Co.
http://lee-powersteering.com/

[pitts64]

Switch to 1970 up front steer.... The box isn't going to get you there... I have a Tom Lee 12 to 1 on my 64 Pontiac (rear steer), it's a nice box but doesn't cure the inherent issues of having the steering linkage under compression on todays modern paved roads... Funny, on old fashioned, cement roads, my car is a handling dream..

[Buryingthesun]

Switch to 1970 up front steer.... The box isn't going to get you there... I have a Tom Lee 12 to 1 on my 64 Pontiac (rear steer), it's a nice box but doesn't cure the inherent issues of having the steering linkage under compression on todays modern paved roads... Funny, on old fashioned, cement roads, my car is a handling dream..

Can you give me more details on the 70's front steer?

[Rod]

what ever you do buy the BEST!! Idler arm you can get (your budget allows) that is the one item that takes all the force on the rear steer cars and with fat tires, autocross, big brakes and HP they often become loose and woobly and then the steering SUCKS it gets wandery and darty, tracks grooves in the road worse than normal, if you buy a cheap one (or if its all your supplier carries) get 2 because it will need replacing within a year or less (remember I daily drive mine and Race monthly) your Idler arm mileage may vary


???how do you do that??? were do you put your sway bar? do you have to cut the frame? I would like to see this...need pictures


Switch to 1970 up front steer.... The box isn't going to get you there... I have a Tom Lee 12 to 1 on my 64 Pontiac (rear steer), it's a nice box but doesn't cure the inherent issues of having the steering linkage under compression on todays modern paved roads... Funny, on old fashioned, cement roads, my car is a handling dream..

[wendell]

I can't think of a way to use 2nd gen steering gear on a 1st gen subframe.

[camrat68]

I have an 800 series box out of a 79 Z28 in my 68, you just have to re-use your original pitman arm. To do it right though you should definitely call Tom at Lee MFG. Even if you were able to find a similar box in the salvage yard, you'd have to send it to him to have the correct steering stops installed. Better yet have him work his magic on a smaller 670 steering gear for even better results.

Jim