72 Nova Power Steering Gear Options

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Apr 12, 2017 | 07:10 AM

bing98

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From: Plymouth, MA

72 Nova Power Steering Gear Options

I'm looking to upgrade my power steering gear for a firmer feel and quicker ratio. I want to do a swap from a later model GM product. There appear to be a few options. Any suggestions on a box that will provide some additional header clearance as well as better steering? I can't find any place on the web that offers comparison pictures or dimensions of the different boxes.

I saw a Super Chevy article where they put a new CPP 400 gear into a 68 Camaro. It added quite a bit of header clearance. I don't want to spend that kind of money on a new box if I can get something used for much less. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Apr 12, 2017 | 08:50 AM

ryanleiker

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From: Wichita, KS

I used a quick ratio steering box from a 1992 Z28 Camaro. Its absolutely a quick ratio and will bolt right in place of your existing steering box.
It will change over to metric o-ring hose fittings, which are the same as most LS engines anyway... but also the input spline shaft is different than your stock nova box, so you'll have to swap your rag joint to a different piece... I can get you the ebay part number I bought to make mine work. Not a lot of work... all bolt in pieces, good results.

Apr 12, 2017 | 09:12 AM

bing98

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From: Plymouth, MA

Awesome. You didn't say if if provide more room for headers. Is the Z28 box smaller than our factory original? Any chance you have a picture you can post?

I'm also using a hybroboost system out of a 2012 Silverado so the metric fittings won't an issue. I'm going get a set of hoses from the Silverado so it should bolt right up.

I read this great article at HotRod.com

http://www.hotrod.com/articles/ccrp-...x-upgrade/amp/

It references the box you used. It says that the total travel on the 1992 Camaro is either 64 or 70 degrees(depending upon options) vs our original of 87 degrees. Did you notice a significant loss of turning radius after the install?

Apr 12, 2017 | 09:30 AM

steering_experts1

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From: Saginaw, MI

The Saginaw 700 series box, which is what the Z28 Camaro uses, is the same as your factory box, only it has a faster ratio (12.7:1) and stiffer steering effort than your factory box. There wouldn't be any additional header clearance. I would recommend using a Saginaw 700 or 600 box over the CPP boxes. The CPP boxes are 100% China and the quality is very poor, from our experience with them. Depending on where your headers are interfering with the steering box, the Saginaw 600 series may fit as the housing by the input shaft is smaller than the Saginaw 700 series, and it is a better box and 100% brand new. We have them in stock and ready to sell, as well as rag joints to convert to the 3/4" x 30 spline input shaft.

Thanks,
Junior

Apr 12, 2017 | 11:46 AM

bczee

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From: Concord, CA

One thing to take into account is that many boxes will swap in with no or very little to changed/modify.. but if you look at the specs of the box.. yes you may get a quicker ratio.. but also look at the sweep in degrees in travel.. You could end up losing some steering from lock to lock in in travel (Pitman arm).

IIRC the early F-Body is around 67*.. only at later model Camaro with FE2 had a shorter travel.. and almost all other boxes here 70*, 78* or 87* of travel.

Lee Manufacturing makes a adapter to convert a Metric O-Ring fitting back to Inverted flare. It is just as easy to use AN adapters and fittings.

You can also change the amount of steering effort or feed back by changing or adjusting the valve in the PS pump.

I have read my online and Magazine articles this subject, suggest you do our home work.

BC

Apr 12, 2017 | 02:08 PM

bing98

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From: Plymouth, MA

Thanks BC. I'm well aware of all that. In fact that hotrod.com article speaks to those points exactly. I have a tendency to do to much homework and never make any decisions and get anything done.

I always think there's a better solution or idea beyond the next click.

The one thing I just can't seem to find anyone speaking to is the size difference between some of these boxes, thus this thread....