69 Steering Pump & Steering Box Questions

[69Z28freak]

I am converting my 6 Cylinder Camaro into a Z/28 Clone. I planning on using my stock original 6 Cylinder Steering Box & Pump.

What is the difference between the 6 cylinder pump and a stock SB pump and can I use my original pump?

I took my steering box to a steering specialist today and he informed me that my steering box is an original unit for my car, however it has been repaired a long time ago. He said that the stock base car steering box should be a 4 & 1/4 turn lock to lock. He also informed me that I have a variable 3 worm gear. He is going to rebuild the box, but wants to know if I want the same variable gear, or a 3 worm gear constant. or close ratio unit.

It was a lot for information to absorb as I am not familiar with steering box's or power steering pumps for that matter. I told him that I would investigate the options and let him know how I want him to proceed.

Hopefully I will get some good advice here that will point me in the right direction.

I am looking to find out which approach would be best suited for my application.

[tom]

If I remember right all 69 power steering used the same variable ratio box. The difference to get fast ratio, came mostly from the steering arms. Good reading on Dave Pozzi's web site. Search here there are a number of links.. would cut and paste a link if my phone had that capability.

[sdkar]

I have found that getting a box from the late 70's early 80's second gens are usuallly the better box and will fit directly into your 69 frame no problem.  Just look for a box from these vehicles and you should have a fast ratio box.  Check the lock to lock number of turns to make sure it is a fast ratio.

[69Z28freak]

If I remember right all 69 power steering used the same variable ratio box. The difference to get fast ratio, came mostly from the steering arms. Good reading on Dave Pozzi's web site. Search here there are a number of links.. would cut and paste a link if my phone had that capability.

Hey Tom my understanding from the guy I brought my steering box and pump to says that most base camaros got a variable 4. something lock to lock worm gear. The next level was a 3 & 1/4 variable and or constant lock to lock, then a close ratio constant lock only 3 & 1/8 turn unit, which would be the close ratio worm gear set up.

Please correct me if I am wrong.

He also informed me that my pump and my steering box are stock OEM, however he thinks that at some point the worm gear was changed to 3 & 1/4 worm gear instead of being replaced by the stander 4 turn unit. So I am planning to rebuild with the current set up of 3 & 1/4 turn to turn, to match my stock pitman arm.

[tmodel66]

If you want the best power steering on your car buy a steering box from Cardone for a 85-89 IROC Camaro and put it on. Use your original pump and buy a kit to put metric hoses on. I forgot the guys name that has the kits but I'm sure somebody will come by and post it or you can do a search. I did this upgrade and wouldn't even think about going back to the old gearbox.

[69Z28]

X2 on what sdkar said...My Z didn't come with power steering. Previous owner/s, don't no who or when, had installed a crappy, leaking 67 box that I changed out for a 1980 WS6 Trans Am power unit (I got it for free, and could have gotten the disc brake rear for free too but stupid me didn't want to put it under my Z). Someone turned me onto the guy that does the NASCAR power steering (can't remember who it is now) and he sent me the inserts I needed to install stock GM standard flared end hoses. If I remember correctly 1980 was the last year for standard threaded hose fittings and 1981 was when GM went with metric fittings. I do know the 1980 boxes are standard because I just installed new hoses I bought from Ricks 1st Gen for a stock 69 box. The turns lock to lock is just under 3, maybe 2 3/4 turns. The feel is tight,  positive and very deliberate and will take some time to get use to. It did for me when your use to 4 turns or less.

Something else to be aware of also, I had to change the coupling at the steering column to fit the splines of the 1980 box. It's been a few years now but the splines is actually smaller and won't actually fit the stock 69 column coupler. If I remember I had to get one for a 1977 power steering box to fit to the 69 column because the 1980 was a bit different where it attached to the 69 column flange. You get what I'm saying here don't you?

Ask your builder if he can build it to 1980 WS6 Trans Am standards and you may not have to go thru all the other parts change outs. You won't be disappointed.  

[tmodel66]

If you want the best power steering on your car buy a steering box from Cardone for a 85-89 IROC Camaro and put it on. Use your original pump and buy a kit to put metric hoses on. I forgot the guys name that has the kits but I'm sure somebody will come by and post it or you can do a search. I did this upgrade and wouldn't even think about going back to the old gearbox.

I made a mistake on this. You use your original hoses and need the inserts for the pump because they are metric. Yes you do have to change the coupling.