[dpjmw]

Thanks to everyone for all the help I always get from this board. I want what everyone wants. I'm building a 69 Camaro, I don't want a power steering system added to the engine compartment and the pulley system, but I want ease of operation. I don't know if a good quick ratio steering box will accomplish this or if I will need to investigate rack & pinion. Has anyone set up somthing they are really happy with?

[tomslik]

a quick ratio box will make the effort to turn harder not easier.

R&P?
can't help ya there...

[EBlack36]

Check with Speed Direct, they have a bolt in R & P kit.

[novajohnb]

It sounds like you want (power) steering with light effort- but don't want a big ugly pump, pulley, belt, hoses, etc. cluttering up your engine compartment.

If you want easy operation, you need power steering. If you want big shoulders, go with manual.

I think you can have your power and clean engine bay too! Some later model cars have electric power steering pumps. It can be hidden somewhere else. You will need to run hydraulic lines between the pump and box (they will be custom- different ends on pump and box and different length, etc...)

Rack & pinion is expensive, and you still need a hydraulic circuit if you want power. As for a manual rack, I hope you like Wheaties!

[dpjmw]

Thanks for your replies. The last post is correct. See, wife wants to par-take in the pleasure, but I don't want the pump, etc. Thank you for the info. I was under the impression that a rack would make it easy. That would have been a very disapointing purchase. I'll send her to the gym.

[farna]

I'd just leave a standard power steering box on it, no quick ratio. You should be okay, unless you're road racing, and wifey can drive. If you don't want the pulleys there's not much you can do unless you find one of the electric power steering units. Look at Lexus and things like that though -- high end recent models. If you go with the power steering, you could maximize use of the pump by using a hydro boost brake system. Look on GM diesel vehicles and some other trucks and large cars. At least you'd have super power brakes along with the steering.