Power Steering Box???

[nailr65]

I am looking to convert from manual to power steering and keep it as original looking as possible.

Can anyone tell me what the best ratio would be?
Where I can purchase the box? (I was thinking OPGI)
And if there are any tricks or hurdles I need to be aware of during the conversion? 

Thanks Dave

[dsags]

Dave,

I converted the convertible to a quick ratio (3 1/4 turns lock-to-lock) with a box from The Parts Place. I used theirs because I have one on my red car and like it. They are $249 plus shipping. No core necessary. If you want my original (4 1/4 turns lock-to-lock) you can have it for the shipping cost.

Sorry, but I am not familiar as to what the conversion entails.

Dan

[Mark Ascher]

A conversion from manual to PS will require the box, pitman arm, pump, brackets & hoses, and pulleys to run a belt.

Mark

[WkillGS]

It's a VERY worthwhile swap! It makes the car drive so much nicer!

The fastest ratio boxes are the 12.7 units., later GS's (1970 style) used a 14:1, and our early cars are around a 16:1.

The 12.7 boxes were used on Z-28's, Trans Ams, Grand Nationals/442's/Monte SS, Caprice cop cars, and even Jeep Grand Cherokees. Skip the Z-28 and TA boxes, as they will reduce your turning circle diameter.
Junkyard.....maybe $25 from a U-pull-it.
Or buy a replacement from a local auto parts store. Autozone has them listed for under $130 for a #7525 Grand Cherokee  or Grand National box!

You'll need adapters to use your '65 Buick hoses on the later boxes..... early use flare seats, later use o-rings.
Get the adapters from Lee Manufactoring. Under $20.
Watch the shaft size and spline count on the input. 65 manual boxes have a 3/4", while 65 PS boxes have 13/16". Spline count is different as well, so be certain you use the correct one.
I used a Caprice cop car box that had a 3/4" shaft, so the '65 manual box coupler fit right on.

Lots of info on the web!....here's a good one:
http://www.442.com/oldsfaq/ofstr.htm

[nailr65]

Dan thank you for the info and the offer of your original I will let you know. 

Walt thanks for all the info.  I was not aware of the spline count that helps.

Would you all say I should probably change the rag joint?

[kcombs]

You can also have an original box converted by www.powersteering.com. It will cost you more, but you will retain the original look and hoses. I bought everything from him for my 65 when I converted it to quick ratio and I was happy with his work and service. Unfortunately I haven't got the car back on the road after a complete front end rebuild or I could tell you more about how it works (windshield is out for leak repairs).

[dl7265]

You can also have an original box converted by www.powersteering.com. It will cost you more, but you will retain the original look and hoses. I bought everything from him for my 65 when I converted it to quick ratio and I was happy with his work and service. Unfortunately I haven't got the car back on the road after a complete front end rebuild or I could tell you more about how it works (windshield is out for leak repairs).

He was to busy so I used Lares Corp  . Very Happy ! they also did the trans am, quick ratio conversion..
They jet washed up the housing really nice, I asked them to leave it unpainted so I could extreme detail mine.

DL

[WWS]

Do the Delphi steering boxes work on the 65, like they do on the 68-72 model cars?

[WkillGS]

Hi Mark,
That's one I haven't heard about till now. But if the shorter 64-67 pitman arm will fit the Delphi box, it should work.
Is there an advantage to the Delphi box over the older Saginaw boxes?

[WWS]

Walt,

I have put the Delphi seriesboxes in most all of my later model GS cars and because of the design, they are a much tighter feeling box, almost feels like you are driving a rack and pinion style steering system on a modern vehicle. I really like them. Better control, smoother feeling, and very precise.

[nailr65]

Thank you for the info Walt.  I have manual steering and from what I understand it is a 3/4 shaft.  Could you recommend a model number that would bolt right on?  I'm trying to make it a simple conversion.  So any info or recommendations are appreciated.

Thanks Dave

[WkillGS]

Dave, Here's another nice article on upgrading to a newer box. Shows the Lee manufacturing inserts required, and gives a couple more vehicles to choose from. You could even get a rebuilt box from a local auto parts store, using the listed models to help insure you get a fast-ratio box..... just verify it IS a fast ratio before taking it home.
What stores are near you?
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/ccrp_0901_gm_steering_box_upgrade/viewall.html

Mark, I did a quick search on the Delphi boxes, but I need to research more before I can form an opinion.

[nailr65]

Walt, great article.  huge help.

Thank you, Dave

[WWS]

Walt,

They are a bit more money than a standard box.  but are a direct bolt in, just make a few modifications on the steering hose fittings.
I have one on my 69 convert, the 69 Stage 1 i had, the 70 GS that was also sold, and I just ordered one for the 65.
The feeling in the steering is so much better than the light breezy and easy feel off the original Gm boxes.
Sure is worth considering.
Mark