I just read about the Shelby steering issues in the latest CM issue. Great article, although I find I could use more details if you have a moment to share.
I have a Borgeson unit in my '65, and am wondering what you think of this system compared to the factory power steering and a typical rack and pinion setup (if you have driven one in a vintage mustang). Specifically, I'm wondering what you think of the amount of on-center play in the steering and the mounting and hose routings of the pump, plus any other positive or negative impressions. Thanks in advance!
I made it pretty clear in my story that the factory power steering in these cars is bad to the point of being undriveable. I was very happy with the Borgeson system and how simply and seamlessly it installed. I still have yet to drive the rack and pinion system, so cannot comment on that. The Borgeson system is also pretty cheap at well under $1000 street price.
In reply to Tim Suddard:
Well I'm pretty dense, so maybe that's the problem. Please understand that my question isn't a criticism of your article. I have just been trying to find someone else that has used this kit to get an idea if mine is normal or if there really is a problem with it. So my question is about the on-center play, which unless I missed it you didn't refer to specifically in the article. And the reason I asked is that when I bought mine, Borgeson told me that it should have zero on-center play. Mine has quite a bit of on-center play. Less than stock, but still more than I expected, so I was hoping you would comment on that particular aspect.
I went back and forth with them on this, and even sent the box back and got another one, and it did the same thing. When I sent them a video (at their request) of the play, they told me that it was too much, but I never was able to improve it. And just to be clear, the play was and is in the box, not somewhere else in the system (my video showed both the box input and output at the same time to illustrate the problem).
Something else I found interesting is that you mentioned that it used a later Ford box. They told me that it used a modified Isuzu manual box with a NASCAR style power unit. I'm pretty sure your car and mine would use the same box, but I wonder if they've changed something since I bought mine. The kit had only been out for about 6 months when I bought mine. I asked about the pump because mine is positioned so far off to the side that the hoses hit the shock tower. I designed a new bracket that locates it much closer to the engine, and am having new hoses made up that will allow better routing.
On the plus side, I really like the feel of the steering when driving. The amount of assist is much better, but tracking is bad. I have about 2 deg caster, and can't get any more than that without adding some parts. I plan on doing that before spring, and am hoping that does the trick.
OK, sorry for being a bit snarky earlier. Trying to get a million things done before the holidays. I do understand that there is some variability in freeplay, as they use used boxes that are rebuilt.
Cobra Automotive uses these kits in their race cars, but they blueprint the boxes and charge some $600 for that service. They recommended it to me, but I declined, as I wanted to see how the standard kit would perform.
If I wasn't happy, I would try that next. Give Cobra Automotive a call and they can discuss the details of this probably better than I can. Hope this gives you a more real answer.
In reply to Tim Suddard:
Thanks, Tim.
