Just a quick question:
My '89 RS had a much tighter turning circle than my '88 IROC-Z does.
It also didn't make the grinds and groans that the IROC-Z does (specifically a grind on full right - I know, I know, full lock should be avoided but we live in an imperfect world).

So, were the ratios different? If I could the steering of my RS onto my IROC, I'd be a happy man.
As part of my quest to get rid of the full-right-grind I suspect I'm going to end up replacing most, it not all, of the front steering set up, so I'm wondering if I should be factoring a new box to the bill as well.

 

The a-arm steering stops are different between 15" and 16" wheels (IIRC, the steering box stops are different as well). The wider IROC wheels/tires wouldn't help the the 'pushing/jumping reaction either.

Here's some general steering box info (I'd like to give credit, but I don't recall where I found the info):

• “WS” – 1982-1992 Camaro – 12.7:1 ratio (just like your Z/28, this may be the box that you Z originally had.

• “XH” – 1985-1992 Camaro – 12.7:1 ratio (this box was also installed on Z/28’s and other high performance Camaros; it has slightly more steering effort required than the WS box.) NOTE – I believe this box was used on cars originally equipped with 16” wheels

• “WN” – 1982-1985 Camaro – 14.1 ratio

• “WP” – 1982-1985 Camaro – 13:1-15:1 variable ratio (used in Berlinettas, least steering effort required of all third gen. Camaro steering boxes)

• “JL” – 1986-1992 Camaro – 14.1 ratio (base Camaro steering box)

JamesC

 

Please clarify, if you can, is that supposed to be 14:1, or 14.1:1? ( Not that it's a huge difference )

 

Interesting, cheers for that.
Just wondering because I could turn the RS straight into my driveway, but the IROC needs a kinda 3 point manoeuvre to get her in. I guess the 16" wheels and the different stops are the reason why.

 

This is really neat. Thanks for posting it.

 

Thanks for this informaiton JamesC. I am looking into a steering box upgrade and wanted to make sure I don't buy the same ratio box just cleaned up.

 

Hi Sir James, where may these codes be located, a tag on the steering box or inside the glove box? Would a VIN number help? I have a 1987 RS Camaro, just finished sticking a CTS V LS6 into it.
TXs
Dennis

 

Im not sure the part # but I got the fast ratio steering box replacement for my 89 WS6 Formula and WOW what a difference it was from any 3rd gen ive had as far as steering. If I remember right there were several different ones I could order but I went with the performance one that came with my car. But in saying that I replaced almost every suspension part and bushings under the whole car. World of difference

 

The code (XH, WS, JL, ...) is ink stamped on the box itself. Usually on the far end cover and someplace on the top.

The problem is the ink, it doesn't last. So it becomes difficult to see the code on the box. RPO codes can help as certain steering boxes were dedicated to certain suspension & wheel/tire combinations.

But it isn't the end all to be all, as a different box could have been installed.

Counting input shaft turns lock-to-lock is helpful. So is using a protractor on the output shaft to measure the center-to-lock angles.

RBob.