[1969camarom22zl1]

I am putting a stock manual steering box on my 1969 camaro.

Are the center drag links different on power steering cars ?

Are 1967-1969 Camaro center drag links interchangeable on both years.

[Fred Ficarra]

Are you sure about that manual box Kevin?
You are going to get a short story, should you choose to accept it or not.
I ordered my car with manual steering. I wanted all the power possible to go to the ground. Then it was a bitch to turn the steering wheel when the car wasn't moving. On top of that, I was towing a ski boat and often had to back it into a narrow garage. Did I mention it was a bitch? Then 10 years later enough was enough. In went a '79 box from my totaled Trans Am. No, I didn't wreck it. It's an ugly story I don't care to share here. Anyway, the swap required a different pitman arm. It's off a mid '70s Camaro or Nova. Walla! One of the very most gratifying sounds I've ever heard was the sound of that manual box hitting the bottom of the garbage can.
But there were a couple of good things about that manual box. First it prevented a lot or wear to the linkage. They are all still tight and original. Second I was able to do 100 push ups and bench press 200 pounds. Sure saved on gym membership.

Forgot something; Is there a car made today without power steering? Just wondering that if so, why, who makes it?

[Ls6racer]

i believe the steering arms at the wheels are different for manual and power steering.

[davidpozzi]

There are two thicknesses of center links, the thin one was used on both systems, so it's OK for a PS conversion. No difference in dimensions.
Most manual systems got longer outer steering arms. Check yours, if they are around 5.25" from spindle center to center of the tie rod stud near the nut, then you have the short/fast arms. You may not be happy with the fastest ratio box, longest pitman arm, & short outer steering arms. I like that combo IF the steering wheel is stock diameter to 14". If the steering wheel is 13" it's twitchy & too fast. Keep in mind, I like fast steering. Lock to lock will be 2 turns or just a hair over 2.
Going to a short pitman arm slows it down a notch.
If you have the long outer arms, you can go with the 12:7 box, & long pitman.
A 14 to 1 box will be 3 to 4 turns, depending.

[1969camarom22zl1]

Thanks for the info.
Yes I want to install a manual box for a couple of reasons. I am using front motor plate with motor. The plate will interfere with power steering setup. Thank you and Team Camaro!!!

[1969camarom22zl1]

Originally Posted by Fred Ficarra

Are you sure about that manual box Kevin?
You are going to get a short story, should you choose to accept it or not.
I ordered my car with manual steering. I wanted all the power possible to go to the ground. Then it was a bitch to turn the steering wheel when the car wasn't moving. On top of that, I was towing a ski boat and often had to back it into a narrow garage. Did I mention it was a bitch? Then 10 years later enough was enough. In went a '79 box from my totaled Trans Am. No, I didn't wreck it. It's an ugly story I don't care to share here. Anyway, the swap required a different pitman arm. It's off a mid '70s Camaro or Nova. Walla! One of the very most gratifying sounds I've ever heard was the sound of that manual box hitting the bottom of the garbage can.
But there were a couple of good things about that manual box. First it prevented a lot or wear to the linkage. They are all still tight and original. Second I was able to do 100 push ups and bench press 200 pounds. Sure saved on gym membership.

Forgot something; Is there a car made today without power steering? Just wondering that if so, why, who makes it?

Thanks for the info.
Yes I want to install a manual box for a couple of reasons. I am using front motor plate with motor. The plate will interfere with power steering setup. Thank you and Team Camaro!!!

[1969camarom22zl1]

Originally Posted by davidpozzi

There are two thicknesses of center links, the thin one was used on both systems, so it's OK for a PS conversion. No difference in dimensions.
Most manual systems got longer outer steering arms. Check yours, if they are around 5.25" from spindle center to center of the tie rod stud near the nut, then you have the short/fast arms. You may not be happy with the fastest ratio box, longest pitman arm, & short outer steering arms. I like that combo IF the steering wheel is stock diameter to 14". If the steering wheel is 13" it's twitchy & too fast. Keep in mind, I like fast steering. Lock to lock will be 2 turns or just a hair over 2.
Going to a short pitman arm slows it down a notch.
If you have the long outer arms, you can go with the 12:7 box, & long pitman.
A 14 to 1 box will be 3 to 4 turns, depending.

Thanks for the info. The link you posted is very helpful !!

[Fred Ficarra]

Kevin, forgot; Welcome to TC.
Any chance of you posting some pictures? How about more build-info?

[1969camarom22zl1]

Originally Posted by Fred Ficarra

Kevin, forgot; Welcome to TC.
Any chance of you posting some pictures? How about more build-info?

Thank you for the welcome !!

I will post pictures later.

I am building a 1969 Camaro. Going to build it up to look stock as possible.
COPO clone maybe.

Going to install a 427 bbc 13.1 on E85, 4 bolt main with aluminum 074 ZL1 heads, HR with morels lifters
Going to install a super cased m22 muncie. 12 bolt / 4.10

Just mainly a street car, maybe a couple of runs a Sacramento Raceway.

[Fred Ficarra]

Don't forget. Camera's are cheap.