i came across a power sterring box im told is from a '89 GTA im hoping it is the fast ratio box and want to put it in my '91 RS i was unfortunate enough to get the soft ride suspension with the standard stearing box in this one ...... the box i bought has the numbers "8A139" stamped in the top of it can anyone tell me what i have or is there some other identifying marks i havent uncovered yett? ........ for the record i paid $12 for it ...... hopefuly i got somthing for nothing ..... thanks David

 

the quick ratio steering boxes have either an "XH" or "Z" cast into them, if you do not see any of these markings, than i am about 99.99% sure that it is not a quick ratio one.

 

the streing box i bought has a "Z" cast into it thank you David

 

i might be putting my quick ratio steering box into my 90 RS this weekend, if i do, ill let you know how it went and the differences it made.

 

I installed one of these recently. At first I didnt notice much, but as I drive with it more, I notice that my wheel turns much easier I have to be a bit more careful now when taking turns I had previously had figured out. I like the way it feels, it kind of makes the car feel "lighter" if you can picture that.

 

i also have a "92 RS that came stock with the quick ratio box and i can definatly tell a difference between the two David

 

You also need the steering shaft. The ragjoint on the Z28/IROC/GTA's were like 7 ply cloth as opposed like 4 or 5 on the standard. It provides less play in the steering wheel. I'm not exactly sure anymore of the ply count but the performance cars got better ragjoints.

 

do i need the whole shaft the joint or both? ...... i know where a couple of IROC parts cars are located so getting them is no prob.
David

 

It's easier to get the whole thing. I've never swapped just ragjoints before.

 

A "Z" huh? Wonder why my base model 91 Firebird has the quick ratio box. Oh well, I won't complain.

 

Did your Formy come with the 5.7? or the 5.0TPI motor? If so you got the performance parts. Plus, Pontiac has always provided better "handling" parts across their product line historically.

 

Where do I look for the Z on the steering box?

 

The Z on mine is pretty visable. It's right towards the top.

 

The ones I've seen are ink stamped, and not engraved or embeded into the top plate. So it's possible the ink has come off on some.

 

well the "Z" is cast into the body of my steering box is raised and prob a good inch from top to bottem of the "Z" it is on the left side of the steering box as it would be installed on the car
David

 

here's a method that works without all those WORTHLESS
casting numbers and ID's .... grab the steering wheel shaft and
turn it ...

2.25 turns ..versus 2.5 turns ...

TVP

 

I went to a junkyard specifically looking for a 'Z' stamped sttering box. It turns out almost every one I looked at had it. From berlinetta's to base model firebirds and RS Camaro's. There has to be a better way to tell the difference. TVP has a good point, but if a junkyard car doesn't have a steering whel, that's kind of a problem.

 

i bought a Z steering box, thinking that my 90 RS definately would not have the quick ratio box. And it turns out that it does. THAT WAS A WASTE OF MONEY but i sold it on ebay to minimize my loses.

 

funny i bought the box in question on ebay ............ hmmmmmmm? roflmbo ..... David

 

I dont think that you can totaly go by how many turns it makes depending on the wheel size. I think that the cars w/ 16" wheels locked before those with 15".

 

the "turns" method works on the car or off .. whether the steering column is in the car or not ....whether the car came with 15"s or 16"s ..

it ALWAYS works ... unless the box is junk

TVP

 

Really, I dont know what mine does, but was told that it should have the quick ratio because of codes. But also I have seen people on this board discuss it and it seemed to be believed that the 16" wheel cars had the wheel locks closer together to keep the tires from rubbing as bad.

Ben