Chevelle rack and pinion questions

[pt2285]

Worth the swap? Unisteer or flaming river? Anyone run into issues? Benefits beside the obvious?

[WallaceMFG]

On my 69 I got the factory steering box reworked and it feels like a brand new car. They put in a quick ratio and adjusted the turn effort so it's not a slushbox like it was from the factory. I'd have a hard time believing that a rack would feel any better than my setup does.

Overall with the box rebuild and new MOOG steering components I have about $500 into the steering. I don't see how the rack can be worth another $1,200 from Unisteer or another $2,300 from Flaming River. Only advantage I'd give the rack is that it has less parts to wear out, but unless you're driving tons I don't think you'd wear out the steering for a very long time.

[raustinss]

Couldnt have said it any better myself ....unless your going to a aftermarket frame I'd just do what I'm doing ...fresh components and a rebuilt quick ratio box . I'm sure the rack swaps are great but I just couldn't justify the cost

[pt2285]

i got a nascar box of ebay for a good deal, i know box steering is solid as all hell. anyhow done anything with Heim joints instead of tie rod ends?

[rallystyle]

from what i have read about a r&p setup on a A body gm car is that they make the bump steer worse then stock. i would look in to the jgc steering box set up or a new 670 box if you can find one. they both use the r&p valving setup in them.

http://www.chevelles.com/forums/16-b...then-some.html

[kochevy67]

I have a Unisteer and am not very happy with it, the threads to the fittings leak and in my opinion is not worth the money. If I could do it again I would go with a box.

[raustinss]

Well if that doesn't just finish this thread eh ?

[Josh@Ridetech]

Like a few of the guys mentioned above, I too agree and think that you would be much happier with the factory style steering box over a rack. With the box, you can improve the feel by upgrading to a quick ratio setup, and not have to worry about the bumpsteer issues that are seen with a rack and pinion.

We now offer TurnOne boxes for these cars that are a direct bolt-in replacement for the Saginaw 700 gears. These are a balanced and blueprinted design that are built with rack and pinion technology and give a much tighter feel, allowing more control. They can be built in a 10:1 or 12.7:1 ratio. TurnOne actually supplies 50% of the steering boxes to NASCAR at this moment, they're a premium box built by a company with experience in the performance world.



http://www.ridetech.com/store/turn-o...ering-box.html

[Arctic_Ragtop]

I have a Unisteer and am not very happy with it, the threads to the fittings leak and in my opinion is not worth the money. If I could do it again I would go with a box.

Thank you for posting, this is good information for those looking at rack vs box upgrades, myself included.

[csouth]

i got a nascar box of ebay for a good deal, i know box steering is solid as all hell. anyhow done anything with Heim joints instead of tie rod ends?

If I'm not mistaken, NASCAR steering boxes do not have steering stops and would not be recommended for a street car.