steering box comparaison

[pontiacbird]

I hear good thing about guys who have exchange their origine steering box for the new generation of box (agr , dse , ats , flamming river ... )
on my 68 firebird , I have the third generation f-body box whith 12-1 ratio . this is very good to compare whith my origine box but a little imprecice at the center to compare whitch a new car of today.
I would like to know if the feeling of the new generation of box is really superior principally the precisiion at center to compare whith the third generation f-body box . is someone have experience or information whith this ? ( excuse my bad english )
http://pontiacbird.monchar.com/

[TD509EFI]

Very few new cars use the recirculating ball steering box found on 1st thru 3rd generation Camaros and Firebirds. GM went to rack and pinion on the 4th gen models. They have less linkage parts and generaly do have better on center feeling than the reciculating ball. It also costs less to manufacture. A properly set up recirculating ball unit can have on center feel very close to that of a rack and pinion, as long as the steering linkage is tight. BMW was one of the last Eurpoean manufacturers to switch to rack and pinion, and their steering feel was always highly regarded.

As far as the new aftermarket boxes are concerned, most people that have switched have mentioned that they have better feel than a good factory box, such as the T/A of Z28 boxes, but I have no personal experience with them.

John

[Cruiser]

So what is the difference between the 3rd gen box and the Lee box or GM 600? I think the GM 600 and Lee boxes are the same right, basically the box that ATS, DSE and others are selling right?

I need to replace my power steering pump and I am thinking of going with a new box. Which one would be best to get. Car will not be a track car but will be driven hard now and then. I am thinking I would like to use the modern pump with the clip on reservoir and get the brackets to use this pump. I will need new lines/hoses also.

What about AGR boxes? What are these like compared to the 3rd gen, GM600/ATS/DSE box?

Thanks !!

Joe

[hotrodf1]

I am curious about this too, as I am going to outfit my 68 camaro with PS here in the near future.

[GetMore]

Lee remanufactures boxes and can set them up to feel like newer systems. They do both the 800 and 600 series, and quite a few companies buy from Lee.

From what I've heard AGR is not as good.

[pitts64]

I had the AGR 12 to 1, its sitting in my shed with the rest of the to good to toss out junk!
I have the Lee and its fantastic!!! I bought it from Marcus.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Jqp9mc7THE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkKyc2wq6O8

I've heard that racks are not worth the money and only help with weight. Remember your Firebird is rear steer like my Bonneville, the linkage is compressed.