Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

There isn't really a lot of information on these boards about the 670 steering box. I'm about to dive into the swap now, and judging by the looks, I might have to message the framerail a bit to make it fit. If you look at the 670 box facing the four mounting points, the upper right looks like it might interfere with the framerail.

Whereas the stock box tapers off to a narrower point, the 670 projects out a bit. I am taking a short break to type this before I get too dirty trying to install it.

But aside from the mounting points, I don't see any issues with it fitting. Its physically about .5 to 1" shorter. Even though it actually looks as much as 2" shorter, its not.

Supposedly, its 3lbs lighter, but with all the crap thats on my box and the fluid inside it would be difficult to tell the difference.

I have an LT1 swap, and as such I sent my LT1 pump off to Lee to have it reflowed and calibrated for the 670 gear. Previoulsy I was running a stock box, and at idle speeds there was significant lag in steering assist. I believe thats because the LT1 racks use less(?) pressure?

But here are the pics. of the two side by side.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

some more pics.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

2 more, then I go off to install it.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

The bottom right boss (pitman shaft side) is too thick, and hits the sway bar mounting bracket. So right now I'm trying to decide do I grind the gear case down, or do I modify the bracket. The case has more material to work with, however the sway bar bracket is easier to work with, easier to replace too, but has less material.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

Yay! Its finally in!

I decided on grinding the steering gear because the mounting points had so much meat on them. I just ground a little, mocked it, ground a little again, until it fit. I had to ground like shown in the posts above highlighted in yellow. The bottom didn't need much, just enough to clear. The other vertical side needed way more grinding. Took a while, the grinding wheel I had wasn't very good so I probably spent an hour and a half on it.

The frame I hammered in a bit too far. have more clearance than I need now. I also broke my mini sledge and ended up finishing with a regular hammer. Since the smaller hammer was rougher it marred up and chipped the remaining paint on the frame rail so I cleaned it up, degreased it, and sprayed it with some rustoleum white. The entire bay needs to be painted, so I'm not concerned with it not matching. You can't really see the painted area anyways, it was more for rust prevention (I have enough already thank you very much).

Chuck84TA

So how's the drive with it? Just ordered mine

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

Still fighting engine issues preventing me from driving the car. Limited to weekend only, good weather to work on the car. Plus sisters wedding. Probably won't be able to touch it again till the end of the month.

Chuck84TA

Sounds like I am in the same boat as you. Hopefully before the white stuff hits.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

Well, I have driven the car a bit. Still so incomplete, no exhaust, wiring hanging in the passenger foot well…etc…

BUT.

The power steering system is bled and the Lee's box there.

I opted for the 35lb valve, with the 12.7 ratio. And while its been too long to compare it to the worn out box, I will compare it against my 2013 Focus ST's steering.

Short version? Like a BRAND new car. The steering is shockingly light at parking lot speeds, there is zero play. And moving along the road at 40mph or so its as precise as my Focus is.

And the Focus is VERY precise. Its easy enough that it makes me want to install a smaller diameter wheel. I thought the 35lb valve would be heavier, but its not. I can't wait to start dipping it into some on/off ramps at speed.

B4CHawk

Let me know how long it lasts. My lee 670 gave up the ghost after nearly a year.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

Did you also have your PS pump rebuilt and calibrated for the 670? I had mine rebuilt and flowed so the volume and pressure was right for it.

Part of that was necessary though as the LT1 PS pump puts out much less pressure and volume. Learned that lesson with the stock gear.

B4CHawk

When I had my first 800 series rebuilt by lee, we matched a new pump to it. The valve was rated the same on my 670 so we decided that it was okay.

I've been through two lee boxes at this point.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

That is not an encouraging statement.

When I was looking at them, I saw none of this feedback. No one else had reported issues with his boxes. Even now aside from information on this board from 2 other people I can't find anything negative from other boards concerning the 670 boxes.

TEDSgrad

iTrader: (4)

That's why we're all Focus-ed (ha ha) on your experience.
Great game last night!

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

I think I have run out of time to get the exhaust on the car and actually drive it.

B4CHawk

I know a lot of people have had great experiences with him. I'm just telling you my experience, I hope it does work out for you.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

I had a chance to drive the car, not a hard drive, just a round the block deal.

I haven't driven the car in a LONG time, so this is just a quick initial impression.

Its VERY difficult to tell the difference between my 2013 Focus ST and the GTA now. The steering is super precise. Part of me is wondering why I didn't go for a heavier valve though. I still feel like steering effort is too light, maybe that opinion will change with some harder miles on the car.

Its not light enough that I can wheel it around with my pinkie, but its not too hard to move one handed.

I was almost more excited to feel how much better the steering is than I was to hear the engine breath fire!

TEDSgrad

iTrader: (4)

I see Detroit Speed is using a 600 box as a replacement with 12.7 ratio on page 95 of their interactive catalog on the website. Great minds think alike.
Bring it up - run it.

http://www.detroitspeed.com/DSE_Cata...og-15.html#/97

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

The soonest I can get any exhaust on it is Thursday if I had it towed to a shop for exhaust work. Which means all break-in driving would be done friday.

New engine (with new base tune), new brakes (C5 upgrade), new UMI Roto-joints, new steering box, new lots of things.

I would rather run a few hundred light street miles locally after the exhaust is on. I'd feel better than immediately taking it on a 300 mile trip and beating on it at Road America with untested brakes, suspension, and engine. Lots of things that can go wrong.

I will however be up there in the Focus ST, and I'm thinking of putting some good fluid and pads on it so I can thrash it a bit harder.

Chuck84TA

Ok, my concern is that if I put this box in, hammer the frame rail to get it to fit...

Then it craps out...

Then I want to go back to a stock replacement but the frame rail is hammered in ....

Not good.

Colt

I don't think you have to hammer the frame in. When I was looking for a new box, I was told to grind off the 4th mount hole from the box that is unused in our application.

The steering box is replaceable. Your frame isn't.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

It really is a small bit of clearancing. No big. And it's covered up by any box that's installed.

stealtht/a

iTrader: (1)

You might be able to decrease the steering effort by backing off the over-center adjustment if the lee box has that. On stock box you loosen the sector shaft nut, turn the post counter clock wise and hold in place while you retighten the nut. 1/16 of a turn can make a difference if it's too tight.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

It was a typo, the steering was too light. I chose the 35# valve when I had it built which was already the heavier option.