[knauert1]

Hello, I am "modernizing" a 1968 GTO and am replacing the power steering box with a Flaming River power steering box and wanted advise on which ratio to get, the three options available are 12:1, 14:1, or 16:1, I do not know what ratio the car came with from the factory to compare to so any opinion/advise will be appreciated
Tom

[beargfr]

On my 69, I sent my factory unit here: http://www.powersteering.com - and had them rebuild it into a fast ratio 12:1 unit. So far I'm very happy with the results.

Bear

[knauert1]

Bear, do you happen to know what ratio your car started with, how does the fast ratio 12:1 differ, does it turn like a go-cart, is it hard to keep straight at speed (slight movement moves whole car), thanks for your time
Tom

[b-man]

The '68 GTO power box was 17.5:1.

Some consider the 12.7:1 boxes (2.5 turns lock to lock) to be a bit twitchy out on the highway. I have one and I think it's one of the best things I've done to my car ('64 Tempest) and have never had any issues with high-speed instability, parking manuevers are much easier now. Properly done with the high-effort torsion bar inside the box (no sloppy feel like the stock box) they drive great, mine was done by Lee Power Steering.

A good compromise is the 14:1 box. I found a good used one on a '79 -'81 Trans Am and it was a direct bolt-on (3 turns lock to lock), I put that box on a '64 LeMans. The internal stops inside the 2nd-gen F-body box won't allow the tightest possible turning radius when installed on the A-body cars, but the car still turns plenty tight and I really haven't noticed much difference from before in that respect.

[knauert1]

b-man, so I sounds like the 16.1 ratio will not be enough of a noticeable difference the 12:1 would be to sensitive and the 14:1 would be the ticket, if it makes a difference I am also installing the tubular A-arms and the complete front/rear Hotchis TVS suspension, thank you for your help
Tom

[David Jones]

I have a 14:1 from a WS6 T/A on my GTO. I ran it for a few years with the Firebird internal stops and had no issues. I recently had it rebuilt by PowerSteering Services and they removed the internal stops and ..... well ..... I still have no issues.

With the T/A 1.25" front sway bar, 7/8" rear sway bar, the Energy Suspension bushings, Bilstein shocks, Formula steering wheel and T/A steering box the GTO now has a decidedly more modern feel to it and rides better also.

[beargfr]

Originally Posted by knauert1

Bear, do you happen to know what ratio your car started with, how does the fast ratio 12:1 differ, does it turn like a go-cart, is it hard to keep straight at speed (slight movement moves whole car), thanks for your time
Tom

Hi Tom,
My car had "whatever was facotry for 69". As far as how it feels now, I can't say because I don't have the car done and on the road yet. Hopefully I'll have it done by the time summer arrives.

Bear

[b-man]

The '69 GTO had a 15:1 ratio power box, exclusive to the GTO that year. The '69 Tempest and LeMans used the 17.5:1 box.

[antique69lemans]

I don't know if this applies to A-bodies, but the spindles/brakes will swap... The A and G body spindles will swap over to the 67-69 camaros , however there are at least 3 different steering arm lengths/ratios in the camaro world. Those lengths were also juggled in steering box configurations. This may account for some discrepancy in ratio feel and twitchiness. Anyone have any paperwork to document or disprove this concerning the A-body ?

[GOAT8U2]

I have the Powersteering.com box at the 12:1 ratio and they rebuilt my pump and really like it.

[beargfr]

Just a guess, since as I said I don't have my car on the road yet, but it makes sense to me that if the car seems too twitchy it could be controlled with a little more caster.

Bear