manual steering box

Did you like the way it steers with the ratio you have?

bills69 said:

need a new manual steering box for a 72 ss where and what type/brand /where to buy ?
do not know the ratio of the one I have guessing it is original maybe 16:1
should I go a different ratio ?

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The SS used a much faster 4 to 1 in 1969 then the standard Camaro which was horrible (like 6 to 1) IMO. When I was young it was ok but certainly would not want either now. My wife complains about how slow her 71 Camaro SS with PS is with 3.2 to 1 but then again her daily is a 2015 Mustang GT. If it were me and you are not looking for that extra couple HP I would skip the manual and go with a 2.8 PS ratio of used in my 74 Z28. Your arms will appreciate it and it will drive like a totally different car. Then add some Caster and you will love it.

BillDini said:

f it were me and you are not looking for that extra couple HP I would skip the manual and go with a 2.8 PS ratio of used in my 74 Z28. Your arms will appreciate it and it will drive like a totally different car. Then add some Caster and you will love it.

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Agreed, I would like to add that the old thinking of power steering robbing power is misleading. You could probably measure a few HP loss but it's only a "negligible amount" (less than noticeable) and mostly when turning.

jimsl78 said:

Agreed, I would like to add that the old thinking of power steering robbing power is misleading. You could probably measure a few HP loss but it's only a "negligible amount" (less than noticeable) and mostly when turning.

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It really only takes power when turning and ever then its peanuts. It's pretty simple to install just requiring a new box, rag joint, pitman arm, 2 hoses and the PS assembly. Afternoon job at most with the only gotcha being the brackets if you have a 8 inch harmonic balancer and even then you just need the right brackets and even that may not be necessary anymore but check. How do I put this nicely, Manual Steering Sucks.....next you will want AC

Lares Catalog (larescorp.com)

IF it was originally manual and you like it, stick with it.

If doing to increase HP...and it's not a racecar...not worth it.

it is original besides power steering would take the fun out of steering and shifting a 4spd at the same time !!!!!!

In case you aren’t aware GM Heritage provides free vehicle kits. Page 32 is specific to steering ratios and lock to lock specs. As you will see power steering is much quicker but I am surprised only the Z28 has quicker manual steering unlike my 69 SS. Here is a link for your car. Enjoy

thanks for all the info