rack and pinion vs powersteering box

[70ssnova]

I'm building a 1970 nova. My question is what would be the better way to go. Use a rack and pinion set up from unisteer or flamming river or use a after market powersteering box? And which brand is the best to go with?

[MrQuick]

After seeing combinations first hand, i'd recommend a Lee's 670 box. Same feel as a rack with out the issues of one. In my experience...
Rack= a lot of fab work required
less room for oil pan and/or headers
compromise in steering geometery
cost
weight increase

Lee's 670 box=
has same feel as a rack
no increase in weight
no adverse effect on bump steer
no fabrication required
cost less than a well designed rack set up
no change in clearence over stock unit

You might have clearance issues with headers as I did in my case but I fixed mine with a 2006 Jeep box line fitting head unit which moves the lines away from the headers by 1 1/2 inches. It was a simple swap.

[68Formula]

After seeing combinations first hand, i'd recommend a Lee's 670 box. Same feel as a rack with out the issues of one. In my experience...
Rack= a lot of fab work required
less room for oil pan and/or headers
compromise in steering geometery
cost
weight increase

Lee's 670 box=
has same feel as a rack
no increase in weight
no adverse effect on bump steer
no fabrication required
cost less than a well designed rack set up
no change in clearence over stock unit

You might have clearance issues with headers as I did in my case but I fixed mine with a 2006 Jeep box line fitting head unit which moves the lines away from the headers by 1 1/2 inches. It was a simple swap.

Great info. I always thought the rack was supposed to be a weight advantage. Learn something new everyday. So how much is the Jeep part and do you have a part number?

[jerome]

the rack is lighter

[70ssnova]

Rack= a lot of fab work required.

The unisteer setup is supposed to bolt directly to subframe on the backside of lower control arms bolts. On their site it says you need to watch for the design of headers for the steering linkage. flamming river has a cradle that bolts to subframe where the steering box and idlerarm bolt that hold the rack. looks like it would have oil pan clearance problems. DSE say they don't use one on stock subfame only the after market subframe they sell.

[Mean 69]

With a stock subframe, no question, use a good box and you will be FAR happier.

Mark

[69bigblock]

I read the horror storys about the rack install on the BBC camaro/novas. I've got one, but have yet to install it.
So I guess I will wait and see...

[Pro-Tour Heavy Chevy]

Get a good box, Lee or DSE or even Unisteer offer great 670 boxes. there about 6lbs. lighter than the stock 808 box and the feel can't be beat.

[68Formula]

MrQuick, do you have a price and part number for the Jeep adapter? Thanks.

[MrQuick]

Hi , sorry im still working on it.
It was from a recall box I had from a 2004 Grand. Im going to check more tomorrow.
The manual shows the stub shaft housing is a service part but my parts guy is looking for a pn. shoot me an email. [email protected]

Vince