Power Steerng Sensitivity

[69importkilla]

My 69 has the original PS box, and the pump is from a 04 Gm truck. Is there anyway to make the steering less sensitive without replacing the steering box itself?

[12sec ss]

i know when i did LS swap in my RX7 i had to take return spring out from under the high pressure fitting and cut about 1/4" off of it to lower the pressure to Mazda rack, maybe same principle applies?

[David Pozzi]

trucks generally ran higher pressure valves around 1400 psi. stock was 850 to 900 on a first gen Camaro. None of the stock first gen boxes have a very good feel to them. Any third gen Camaro box would be much much better. The IROC box is WAY better.

[69importkilla]

Ok, thanks! Next would be, what kind of undertaking is it to install the IROC box?

[SLO_Z28]

The only part that isnt a direct bolt in is the lines are metric, and yours are SAE. You can either get fitting adapters for sae>Metric, or just get the 3rd gen pump and lines and have a whole new system. Another option that is only a little more expensive but a direct bolt in is the AGR steering box, great feel, faster steering without being touchy, and they're only about $360.

[ProTouring442]

The amount of assist in a power steering gearbox is governed by the torsion bar connected to the spool valve. Lowering the PS pump output pressure simply lowers the maximum assist, which can lead to a dangerous situation! Thus, you must replace the box for one with a thicker torsion bar/spool valve combination.

If I recall correctly, increasing caster will, up to a point, increase road feel. So a combination of a new box (one of the new hi-tech boxes would be great), and an increase in caster may give you what you seek.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

[David Pozzi]

The AGR box is a bolt-in.

[69importkilla]

I appreciate the suggestion of the AGR box. I'd prefer to go with Dave's original suggestion of the IROC box ( Its on the cheap! Bonus! ) at least for now. I got the comments on the metric hose, luckily I still have the original metric fittings for the truck box ( hopefully they are the same ). The other question I have, is the original ( original to 69, not the actual original ) rag joint going to work?

[David Pozzi]

no, you need 0ne from a 79 camaro, or Lee Manufacturing has them.

[Skip Fix]

Lee also has some tap in adapters for the O ring fittings to use flare. The thread for the metric on the box -standard are close enough often also to use the stock lines.