Suspension and Chassis Questions about your suspension? Need chassis advice?

Steering ratio differences

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-30-2012, 06:55 PM
  #1  
Supreme Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
Base91's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Georgetown TX
Posts: 1,928
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: Base 91 'bird
Engine: 3.1 v6
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt 3.27 & PBR
Steering ratio differences

I've read that there is a 'sport' higher ratio steering box with 2 1/4 turns lock to lock. I've got a parts car with a box that is 2 turns lock to lock. The one on my driver, which I hadn't checked before, is 2 1/2 turns. I've looked them up and see listings for 2 - 2 1/2 turn and 3 - 3 1/2 turn units. Why do they have such a spread and do I already have the 'sport' ratio? Any opinion on whether going from 2 1/2 to 2 is worth it? I auto-x the car.
Old 04-23-2012, 02:55 PM
  #2  
Guest
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Re: Steering ratio differences

Not sure about the 2 2 1/2 turn maybe thats an Rs.. A 3 3 1/2 turn is a Iroc ratio standard gear box. Iroc ratio Is street or Oval. Not sure of auto X...But even a Oval track you can get a better gear box for that also, same as Auto-X.. you just need some one to input with more experience.
Old 04-24-2012, 07:05 AM
  #3  
Moderator

iTrader: (5)
 
JamesC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Lawrence, KS
Posts: 19,282
Received 93 Likes on 68 Posts
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
Re: Steering ratio differences

Originally Posted by CaliBranden
Not sure about the 2 2 1/2 turn maybe thats an Rs.. A 3 3 1/2 turn is a Iroc ratio standard gear box.
The IROC box is 2 1/2 turns lock to lock--or thereabouts.

Base, though I'm unsure how helpful the following info will be, it is interesting, if nothing else:

Here's some general 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)

If you're interested in autoxing the car, Base, and the steering box is in question, the following link may be helpful:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...ering-box.html

JamesC
Old 04-24-2012, 07:15 AM
  #4  
On Probation
 
Atilla the Fun's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Northern Utah
Posts: 6,319
Likes: 0
Received 17 Likes on 17 Posts
Car: seeking '90.5-'92 'bird hardtop
Engine: several
Transmission: none
Axle/Gears: none
Re: Steering ratio differences

Can we really use the number of turns, lock-to-lock? Cars with 16" wheels got different internal stops from cars with 15" wheels. Seems to me like that alone would reduce the number of turns, regardless of ratio.
Old 04-24-2012, 10:06 AM
  #5  
Supreme Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
Base91's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Georgetown TX
Posts: 1,928
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: Base 91 'bird
Engine: 3.1 v6
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt 3.27 & PBR
Re: Steering ratio differences

Thanks for the links. When I had the car up to put on track tires I checked and I count 2 turns lock to lock without forcing it. There is a little more each way if I push hard. Anyway it sounds like I already have the fastest stock box available and it's not loose at all. I just wanted a little less turning for some of the tighter turns but not worth shelling out for only a small improvement. And if I get on a road track I may not want faster.
Old 04-30-2012, 04:35 AM
  #6  
Guest
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Re: Steering ratio differences

Originally Posted by JamesC
The IROC box is 2 1/2 turns lock to lock--or thereabouts.

Base, though I'm unsure how helpful the following info will be, it is interesting, if nothing else:

Here's some general 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)

If you're interested in autoxing the car, Base, and the steering box is in question, the following link may be helpful:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...ering-box.html

JamesC
OK Im thinking my 88 G92 package has this box here with the 16" wheel
Now Im going to show you something from rock auto.

• “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

ACDELCO Part # 360516561 More Info {#88991244} Reman
GEAR,STRG 2 TO 2-1/2 TURNS LOCK TO LOCK; 2 DOORS; w/RIDE & HANDLING SUSP(FE2) or FIRM RIDE & HANDLING SUSP(F41) or IROC-Z PKG(Z28) So seems like this is the box with the suspension package..

ACDELCO Part # 360516530 More Info {#88991227} Reman
GEAR,STRG 3 TO 3 1/2 TURNS LOCK TO LOCK; 2 DOORS; w/o RIDE & HANDLING SUSP(FE2) or FIRM RIDE & HANDLING SUSP(F41) or IROC-Z PKG(Z28) This one here says no Handling suspension..
Now are these Ac delco just as good as our orignals? I see everyone sending there boxes out to places like
LEE MFG. CO.
11661 Pendleton Street
Sun Valley, CA 91352
Ph.(818)768-0371
Fax.(818)768-2687
12.7:1 w/ a 220 valve from Agr from Sweet Ride 45..

My main question is if I order one of these Ac/ delco box is the pitman arm going to fit? Because as I searched for a new one I found two kinds in a 88,, one had a number 7836737 5.. and mine has a 8, So they are very hard to find. Will Rock Auto have this info on there Ac delco. Or should I send mine out to Lee and spend the extra 100.00 that I could spend on a wrong pitman arm. I just want my pitman arm to work. I hit it with a hammer and left some hammer marks on it, I thought I was buying a new one, but that's not so easy. I just want the stock Iroc-Z g92 package ratio gear box with the 16" tires and be able to turn around real quick on a little more than a single lane road an with the power to make the quick rip around turn. And Im guessing sending my unit Lee puts the arm exactly back where it needs to go.. If I bought the ac delco Id be paying a shop to do it an if it's not right an alignment shop would have to do it.. So what do you think James? Send it out to Lee and get what Im looking for an need so there is no mistakes?
Old 04-30-2012, 04:58 PM
  #7  
Guest
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Re: Steering ratio differences

I just called Lee they want 440.00 to rebuild my Iroc-Z gear box. She didnt say why they were so high.. I thought people were getting them for around 220+.. No way could I afford that..
Old 04-30-2012, 05:21 PM
  #8  
Supreme Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
Base91's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Georgetown TX
Posts: 1,928
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: Base 91 'bird
Engine: 3.1 v6
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt 3.27 & PBR
Re: Steering ratio differences

PM replied to.
Old 05-01-2012, 05:06 AM
  #9  
Guest
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Re: Steering ratio differences

that pm didnt go through
Old 12-20-2012, 06:16 PM
  #10  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (2)
 
MY87LT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Southern California
Posts: 1,685
Received 16 Likes on 12 Posts
Car: 1987 Camaro LT
Engine: LG4 w/ SLP headers & a 3" catback
Transmission: THM700R4 (Stock)
Axle/Gears: Stock 2.73 gears. No Posi
Re: Steering ratio differences

The end cap on my steering box has JL stamped and I saw that it's supposed to be the base "slow" ratio. I looked up some info on a restoration packet from GM that I have and it lists that the LT is a 2.5 lock to lock and it does do a 2.5 lock to lock.

Is is safe to assume that the JL box on my car and other LT's were specifically valved that way for this option package? I read also here on the boards that the "Z" stamped on top of the steering box really doesn't mean it's for a Z28/IROC.

Last edited by MY87LT; 02-17-2014 at 06:56 PM.
Old 01-02-2013, 07:24 PM
  #11  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (2)
 
MY87LT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Southern California
Posts: 1,685
Received 16 Likes on 12 Posts
Car: 1987 Camaro LT
Engine: LG4 w/ SLP headers & a 3" catback
Transmission: THM700R4 (Stock)
Axle/Gears: Stock 2.73 gears. No Posi
Re: Steering ratio differences

I would to hear from the other LT owners chime in on their lock to lock.
Old 03-13-2013, 07:56 PM
  #12  
Junior Member

 
D&S 85 IROC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Lexington NC
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 85 IROCZ
Engine: 350 TPI with a fast EZ efi
Transmission: t-5 conversion
Axle/Gears: 3;42
Re: Steering ratio differences

i'm watching this post, looking to replace my box with a faster one
Old 03-13-2013, 10:14 PM
  #13  
Senior Member

iTrader: (2)
 
Mirror Image's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Birmingham Alabama
Posts: 859
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Car: 1991 Firebird convertible
Engine: LQ4 ls 6.0
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 342 Limited slip
Re: Steering ratio differences

I just picked up one at a yard for 15 bucks it is a 2 1/2 turn box I have never found a 2 turn box I though the 12to7 box was the fast one
Old 03-13-2013, 10:50 PM
  #14  
Senior Member
iTrader: (7)
 
jas2730's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Romney, WV
Posts: 586
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Car: 89 IROC Z/88 IROC Vert
Engine: 350c.i./305c.i.
Transmission: 700R4/T-56
Axle/Gears: 3.42/4.10
Re: Steering ratio differences

could always grab this.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ag...t/model/camaro
Old 03-14-2013, 12:32 PM
  #15  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (2)
 
MY87LT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Southern California
Posts: 1,685
Received 16 Likes on 12 Posts
Car: 1987 Camaro LT
Engine: LG4 w/ SLP headers & a 3" catback
Transmission: THM700R4 (Stock)
Axle/Gears: Stock 2.73 gears. No Posi
Re: Steering ratio differences

Looks like a nice box. Anyone have one installed already?
Old 03-14-2013, 05:37 PM
  #16  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (2)
 
hellz_wings's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Montreal, Canada
Posts: 2,337
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 1986 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z28
Engine: TPI 310ci (LB9)
Transmission: Custom Rebuilt 700R4 - 2600 Stall
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, 3.73 Eaton Limited-Slip
Re: Steering ratio differences

Heard AGR boxes were crap, but I cannot personally say that I've tried them. I have a Lee 670 box (the smaller, lighter version of the 800 type boxes that bolts into our cars). It was really good at first, firm, accurate, no slop.. Then about 6 months later there was some looseness and off center feeling which I tried to remedy by turning the screw on top of the box, but became loose again. Lee offered to look at it and fix it for free if it was an internal thing, which is probably is.. I just haven't had the time to remove it and send it to California yet because I've been going through a bad breakup (selling and splitting of house and all that jazz). Camaro has been put on hold since November..
Old 03-15-2013, 09:30 AM
  #17  
Former Sponsor
 
BMR Tech's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: Steering ratio differences

You can have your steering box built to a custom ratio by TurnOne and it will completely change the feel of your Third-Gen.
Old 03-15-2013, 12:27 PM
  #18  
Senior Member

iTrader: (2)
 
Mirror Image's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Birmingham Alabama
Posts: 859
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Car: 1991 Firebird convertible
Engine: LQ4 ls 6.0
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 342 Limited slip
Re: Steering ratio differences

Originally Posted by BMR Tech
You can have your steering box built to a custom ratio by TurnOne and it will completely change the feel of your Third-Gen.
I looked them up they look nice but they are like $650
Old 03-15-2013, 12:39 PM
  #19  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (2)
 
hellz_wings's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Montreal, Canada
Posts: 2,337
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 1986 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z28
Engine: TPI 310ci (LB9)
Transmission: Custom Rebuilt 700R4 - 2600 Stall
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, 3.73 Eaton Limited-Slip
Re: Steering ratio differences

I paid 550 i think for mine, plus shipping and the exchange rate came out to 680$ canadian.
Old 03-15-2013, 12:45 PM
  #20  
Senior Member
iTrader: (7)
 
jas2730's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Romney, WV
Posts: 586
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Car: 89 IROC Z/88 IROC Vert
Engine: 350c.i./305c.i.
Transmission: 700R4/T-56
Axle/Gears: 3.42/4.10
Re: Steering ratio differences

Originally Posted by hellz_wings
I paid 550 i think for mine, plus shipping and the exchange rate came out to 680$ canadian.
The average third gen owner would be better off putting that kinda money into their suspension and would see a bigger return on their investment.
Old 03-15-2013, 02:59 PM
  #21  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (2)
 
hellz_wings's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Montreal, Canada
Posts: 2,337
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 1986 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z28
Engine: TPI 310ci (LB9)
Transmission: Custom Rebuilt 700R4 - 2600 Stall
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, 3.73 Eaton Limited-Slip
Re: Steering ratio differences

Originally Posted by jas2730
The average third gen owner would be better off putting that kinda money into their suspension and would see a bigger return on their investment.
If they did all the other mods to their suspension, then a box might be what they are looking for next for improvement in handling. This is all subjective what is better off or not anyway.
Old 04-14-2013, 04:53 PM
  #22  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (15)
 
Johnny Blaze's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Charlestown, IN
Posts: 3,449
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Car: 1971 Camaro
Engine: 427
Transmission: TKO600
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Steering ratio differences

I have 2 boxes.

1 is a reman I bought, that was not the "quick ratio". Was listed for fe2 cars, parts store listed "quick ratio" for fe3 or 1le cars. It has no letters stamped on the end cap. It has a large z cast on the top.

I have another box that came of a ws6 car, appeared to be original. It also does not have any letters on the end plate, and has the large z on the top.

Wouldn't the ws6 car have came with the quick ratio?
Why don't these have letters stamped on thr end plate?
What number can I use to Id these?
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Frozer!!!
Camaros for Sale
35
01-19-2024 04:55 PM
Jorlain
Interior
12
08-24-2022 05:11 PM
Amillionoh7
Suspension and Chassis
24
05-24-2020 08:01 AM
Out-Cast
Interior
4
03-22-2019 09:39 PM
Bubbajones_ya
TBI
2
08-28-2015 02:17 AM



Quick Reply: Steering ratio differences



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:59 PM.