Does anyone have a big block Beaumont or Chevelle with standard steering? I am wondering if you have any driveability problems. I can't see any other issue other than low speed turning but wanted to check. I don't parallel park my car so that is not really a concern to me. My 69 did not come with power steering and I am debating whether or not to take it off. All of the components on the car now are correct one year only parts and I do have the original standard steering box that I can put back on. My car is pretty much the way it came from the factory as far as date correct with the exception of the PS, date correct tinted glass 7" steel wheels and the modified factory AM (FM/XM) radio. Yes it has T3's and is getting belted tires put back on.
Is the standard steering not a lot more turns, lock to lock? That would be the main reason I would change it, to improve on that. As far as the hard steering, that to me is always bearable.
My mom bought a 72 Malibu new with manual. We put power on it about 8 or 10 years later. As I recall, it was much quicker turning after that, much more enjoyable to drive. 30 years have passed, my memory may be fuzzy!
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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars
I can't speak about a big block Beaumont, but many years ago I had a '72 Nova with the six and powerglide and standard steering. The actual steering effort was not a problem (I was young and strong then) but if I remember correctly it had about 8 turns lock-to-lock which made quick maneuvering in city driving very difficult. Much more steering wheel turning was required for the same wheel movement than power steering would require.
I would say it would depend on how much you drive it and how you drive it. For me, I'd be tempted to keep the power steering just for driveability reasons. (i.e. accident avoidance, parking lot maneuvering, etc.)
I guess part of the problem right now it that the steering is too touchy for my liking. I am sure that the radial tires I put on in the spring have something to do with the feel of how it drives now. I really don't like it so I am going back to bias ply tires. Because the car is coming apart I thought it would be a good time to put the standard steering box back on the car at the same time so I don't have to lean across the header and fender to do it later. If I don't put to standard steering box on I can always put it on later. It would just mean I would have to get another front end alignment.
I would change up the ps to something that you like the feel of. The manual steering in my bb 66 was really tough. My wife for instance would not drive it, maybe thats a good thing lol. but seriously made it old school to drive and a pain to park. It felt like the steering column was moving around as you cranked the wheel
Why not put on the standard steering when its apart, and if you really don't like it you can put on the power steering after... the touchy/sloppy feel of the ps box is why some upgrade to the grand cherokee box....but you don't want to modify your car, so I wouldn't go there...
I guess part of the problem right now it that the steering is too touchy for my liking. I am sure that the radial tires I put on in the spring have something to do with the feel of how it drives now. I really don't like it so I am going back to bias ply tires. Because the car is coming apart I thought it would be a good time to put the standard steering box back on the car at the same time so I don't have to lean across the header and fender to do it later. If I don't put to standard steering box on I can always put it on later. It would just mean I would have to get another front end alignment.
I did notice the Strato Chief was a little touchy as well (with radials)
I mentioned it to GTOJoe, and he said he has put a variable ratio box in his 66 CS HT it solved the problem
Just a suggestion before you go back to bias tires. I had my 68 lined up and the tech set it up for radials . Made a difference in how it tracks going down the road!
I installed the Cherokee steering box on my 67 Chevelle and what a Huge difference it made. Easy to do and way cheaper than purchasing a new or rebuilt one. But I have owned the car for 27 years and it is by no means original. Can you say LS power!
Just a suggestion before you go back to bias tires. I had my 68 lined up and the tech set it up for radials . Made a difference in how it tracks going down the road!
I had the car re-aligned when I put the radials on. I think it may be the tire. BFG Silvertown. My muscle car rides like a car.