commander_47

74 454

This car still had the EGR valve bolted on the front with the clamp. It was totally unserviceable so I removed it, welded up the base and reattached it. With the big cowl air intake on the car you can't see it anyhow.

I don't want to do a NCRS on this car as it is really pretty nice the way it is. I would like to keep it essentially looking stock.

Problem for me is that, as many of you know, "while I'm in there". Since the whole drivers side motor compartment is taken apart. Removed manifold and alternator.

I'm seriously considering a Borgeson box.

Or do I rebuild the original, or do a swap for a rebuilt? Decisions decisions decisions.

Engine running without EGR or A I R pump. Lars rebuilt Q jet is perfect.

Golfobsessed

My .02$ I've come to the realization that any C2 or C3 I purchase that's not a "NCRS" candidate I am installing the Borgeson kit, doing my third now, two of the three were factory PS cars with fully rebuilt factory set ups and both leaked. I like the tighter steering the Borgeson provides as well.

For me great upgrade for Saturday project and $750-$950

OldCarBum

You don’t say if you have power steering now or not.
If you have manual steering, have Gary Ramadei (GTR1999) rebuild your steering box and be done.
If I had factory ps I would remove the ram and extra lines and install the Borgeson box.
When I originally went to the Borgeson, I replaced the pump and bought a remote fluid reservoir to make easy access to the cap.
I know your 74 bb is like my 73 bb and checking the fluid is practically impossible.

4-vettes

I'll put in a vote for not. Something about collapsing the steering column just doesn't sit well with me.
And putting jeep parts in a Vette kinda bugs me, I know, I have other aftermarket parts. It's much bigger than the factory steering box. Clearance to exhaust can be an issue. It still has a pump and hoses, fewer hoses, but still hoses. So leaks are still possible.
I understand that the pressure required is different from the stock setup. I have no experience but have read on here guys trying to get that right.
Guys on here say they like the change in steering ratio. But to me it would change the feel of the car. Not certain I want that.
I believe I have my factory system working really well.
That said I did recently have a pin hole in a hose.

Crimson Thunder

The Borgeson conversion is one of the best mods I've ever done to my car. I love the fast ratio and the feel of the steering.

C3 Stroker

Same here. Love the fast ratio and steering feel. Less chance of leaky parts, and saves a little weight too.

CraigH

I have driven half a dozen C3's with power steering but only 1 with manual.

The manual steering had been rebuilt and it had the best feel in my view but had the normal usability issues of a non power steering setup.

So I was not happy with the steering before I purchased my 71 and they replaced the control valve hoses etc. It certainly improved but to me was not comparable with more modern steering setups.

The ram assist setup that is on the Vette is similar to that on early GMC pickups as well (and probably other GM models) but for some reason, unlike other GM models, the C3 went to the end of its long life without being replaced with an integrated system or rack.

When I swapped out to the Borgeson Box for me it was chalk and cheese. A great improvement in feel, number of turns etc

The box alone is however just one part of the steering system and it all needs to be rebuilt or upgraded to match.

I would not hesitate to consider it if you want power steering.

TommyFox

I installed the Borgenson on my 80 over the summer. Love it. I had the expensive steeroids rack on my 81 and I like the Borgenson better.

2 tips
1) use these instead of the brass inserts on the steering box. Brass inserts leak. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/c...ol?seid=srese2
2) for the rag joint use the stock upper part that slides on the steering shaft. Not the Borgenson. Only use the lower half they supplyon the box.

socal_tom

Collapsing the steering column is the part I'm not sure how to do, How is that done ?

OldCarBum

Just tap it with a hammer on the end of the shaft.
It doesn’t take much.

Mdbirk

That's it? My uncle did the swap on his 66 a body and had to cut the column, I'm guessing because it was solid and not a collapsible column ?

Golfobsessed

my 64 had to be cut, forget the year they started collapsible columns but think is was about 67-68

OldCarBum

Some can be a little harder to collapse than others.
When I pulled my column out I had to take apart the rag joint and separate the shaft with a flat blade screwdriver.
Just a little prying with the screwdriver was enough to collapse mine.

MelWff

Have Gary rebuild the box.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...x-rebuild.html

commander_47

Now how is this for an ending.

My dilemma is solved. My wife went and bought me a new Borgeson on sale at Summit.

She gave it to me for xmas.

I guess she was tired of watching me mope around wondering what to do.

OldCarBum

It’s nice having a wife that makes your decisions for you, especially when she pays for the parts.

5gear

That's a good wife.

73ls1

I have the Borgenson box in my 73. I have a LS1 in it and I put a pressure reducer in the power steering pump. The steering was a little light in the steering feel. My wife bought me a hardtop headliner for Christmas.

Stick To Your Gunz

Nice wives in this thread! Enjoy the Borgeson steering!