Quick Ratio Steering Box Upgrade P1: Pre-Upgrade Driving Impressions

Preparing to upgrade a 1970 Nova stock power steering box to a new fast ratio, heavy tbar box from Sweet Mfg. I discuss the swap and take the car for a drive to discuss performance expectations.

[@r3tr0sp3ct3r]

I had a '72 Nova with the variable ratio steering box, I liked how easy it was to turn at low speed compared to the quick ratio manual box in my '67 Camaro.

[@kennethalbert4653]

Great video! Lots of information and insights into what/how the changes will be.

[@thebandit4393]

Thank you Kenneth. I was searching for similar videos. Be sure to check out the other parts of this series 👍

[@kennethalbert4653]

@@thebandit4393 I just replaced the manual box in my 67 with a new Borgeson fast ratio (manual). I am hoping for less effort (based on assumption; the old box was shot) and faster ratio. I watched so many videos, prior to my decision, hoping to find the vast information like you provided for the power steering in this video..... to no avail!

[@jayg1358]

@@kennethalbert4653 How did it go

[@kennethalbert4653]

@@jayg1358 It went well ! The new Borgeson box is slightly smaller, a little extra header clearance is always good. The steering effort is the same. The steering response is Much better! I was hoping it would be reduced effort , but no. End result, I got what I wanted but not what I hoped for leaving me satisfied. My overall opinion is that power steering is the way to go ! I consider my self hardcore but honestly the effort with the manual box is very high, the fear of the car going sideways and not being able to respond quickly enough detracts from my willingness to do stupid things (I guess that is good and bad :) and that unease is more significant than the benefit of underhood simplicity that motivated me. If you really want manual steering, the Borgeson box is far better than the stock high ratio tho !

[@jaygee2006]

@@kennethalbert4653 Thanks for the info Kenneth did you keep it in or have you changed since then

[@deankay4434]

Backward on torsion valve. Skinny twist the spool valve latter. Thick turns quicker providing less road feel. Depends on caster settings. Most alignment techs will set passengers side with more as it handles better as the roads are rougher on curb side.

[@thebandit4393]

I disagree. The thicker tbar doesn't twist as much for the same steering torque, therefore the valve does not open as much thereby providing less assist. You get more feedback because there is less assist.

[@deankay4434]

Yes, like I said, a skinner or thinner torsion bar twist more. Thicker torsion valve twist less. Read what I said, less assist, harder to turn and feels more like manual steering as the spool valve turns late. How many have you rebuilt or a simple re-seal. I suppose the housing doesn’t wear egg-shaped front to rear at cross shaft needle bearing. Needs honed to oversized, steel bushing installed, then ball rolled into place to fit the cross-shaft. Needle bearings have a tiny area of contact, then they put a guide between the needles spacing them out further producing even less contact to wear out even quicker. A worm ball gear and the number of polished grooves determine the gear box ratio. They are made 40 feet and longer for quick high speed CNC equipment for X & Y axis. Frequently they use an optical coupler for positioning. Certified automotive ASE Master Tech since 1978 - Retired

[@ghtrcp7554]

Item number?