Close Ratio Steering Box

[Stumann]

I'm putting together a 78 Tran-Am pro touring car and I'd like to make my steering a little quicker. I'm looking at a couple of close ratio steering gear boxes by Sweet Mfg. they make a couple choices, one is a 12:1 ratio, the other is 8:1. Would the 8:1 ratio be too much for street driving? I believe the one I have now is 12.7:1, but it also is a variable ratio, so it probably is higher than that in the center if its travel. I also wonder if the factory pump would be able to handle the 8:1 box. Has anyone tried either ratio on their cars?

[David Pozzi]

GM never offered more than a 14:1 box on a Second gen. 12:1 ratios came out for the Third gen F bodies. The variable ratio 14:1 was the fast option for most years but in 79, they offered a constant ratio 14:1. The variable ratio is slow on-center and around 10:1 near the ends of travel. A 12:1 with firm IROC valving is about as quick as you would want. An 8 to 1 would be too fast.

[68Formula]

Unless you're doing strictly autocross or short circle track, 8:1 is too fast. The 12:1 would be the quickest for street and road course.

[Skip Fix]

Even Tom Lee said their 10:1 would be really twitchy on the street.

[pitts64]

Try reducing the power steering pump pressure with this shim kit from Borgeson.. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/brg-899001?seid=srese1&gclid=COTWqILZvsUCFVMYHwodhxwA4w

Also try a slight toe out...

[Rwolf15241]

I had a GTA box in my El Camino, I have a 10:1 Box from Lee, . Still putting the car together!