Author Topic: Power Steering 2 turns lock to lock?  (Read 5105 times)

Tinkerr

  • Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 340
    • View Profile
Power Steering 2 turns lock to lock?
« on: April 22, 2020, 03:27:47 AM »
I added power steering to my 68 Camaro. This included upgrading a 68 box to 14.1 ratio. I also changed the steering arms to the short ones part#'s ending in 519/520. Additionally I added a 5 3/4" pitman arm and 5 3/8" idler arm and now have 2 turns lock to lock. I can't drive it, it's not together yet, no front clip. Doing a little research I've seen mention of 2.5 lock to lock, but nothing lower. Is this going to be a problem 2 turns is like a 3500lb. go-cart. Now would be a good time to change it if there's going to be a problem. Just looking for advise. Thanks

dale68z

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 8
    • View Profile
Re: Power Steering 2 turns lock to lock?
« Reply #1 on: April 22, 2020, 04:43:46 AM »
2 turns is very fast. If you drive it all the time you get used to it.  But it is too fast if an emergency happens.

william

  • CRG Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3119
    • View Profile
Re: Power Steering 2 turns lock to lock?
« Reply #2 on: April 22, 2020, 12:46:13 PM »
'69 variable-ratio power steering with N44 was 2.06 turns L-L.

Chevy noted that the new faster ratio required heavier-duty center link and pitman arm due to the higher loading.
Learning more and more about less and less...

bertfam

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4492
    • View Profile
Re: Power Steering 2 turns lock to lock?
« Reply #3 on: April 22, 2020, 01:23:33 PM »
My 68 came with N40/N44 special ratio power steering which is just a hair over 2 turns lock to lock. It DOES take some getting used to, but once you do, you might like it. I know I do.

Ed

rich69rs

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1110
  • LF7/M35/Z22/Z87
    • View Profile
Re: Power Steering 2 turns lock to lock?
« Reply #4 on: April 22, 2020, 11:49:08 PM »
My 68 came with N40/N44 special ratio power steering which is just a hair over 2 turns lock to lock. It DOES take some getting used to, but once you do, you might like it. I know I do.

Ed



I concur with Ed.  My ‘69 RS has variable ratio power steering with N44.  As Ed & William have noted, from lock to lock it is just a tick over 2 full turns of the steering wheel.  Like Ed, I like it a lot and really can’t envision my ride without it.

As far as emergency maneuvering, i don’t see an issue - but then again I am a firm believer in the old adage of: “Never run out of traction, talent, or ideas at the same time”. 

Richard

Richard Thomas
1969 RS

169INDY

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1788
    • View Profile
Re: Power Steering 2 turns lock to lock?
« Reply #5 on: April 23, 2020, 12:41:17 AM »
“Never run out of traction, talent, or ideas at the same time”. 

LoL

I like that one.
Jim
68 SS/RS L35 Th-400 LOS
69 Pace Car L48 Th-350 LOS
68 Z28 M21 LOS

JKZ27

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 559
    • View Profile
Re: Power Steering 2 turns lock to lock?
« Reply #6 on: April 23, 2020, 02:19:08 AM »
Mine is about 2 turns. Took some getting used to on the highway. Started out with a 69 variable then switched to an IROC gear. I think you'll want to make sure the rest of the linkage is good and tight and is properly aligned.
John
69 RS/SS Cortez Silver, L48 MC1
68 RS Ash/Ivy Gold 327EFI M20

Tinkerr

  • Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 340
    • View Profile
Re: Power Steering 2 turns lock to lock?
« Reply #7 on: April 23, 2020, 03:08:42 AM »
It looks like the positives out way the negatives. I'll leave it as is and if the progress continues at its current pace I'll get some asphalt under it later this summer and see for myself. Thank for all the replies. Paul

Stingr69

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 901
    • View Profile
Re: Power Steering 2 turns lock to lock?
« Reply #8 on: July 19, 2020, 02:41:09 PM »
I had Tom Lee rebuild my original '69 PS box.  He strongly advised me to do the higher effort valving modification to my stock box.  I wish I would have listened to him.  I would like more road feel.