Manual gearbox solution???

[REBAL T]

Don't want the S-10 set-up because I want true manual steering.

Trying to avoid the expen$$ive Flaming River gearbox.

Any factory OEM gearboxes (other than S-10 or aftermarket) that are a true bolt-in?

[ecna]

Why isn't the S10 manual steering?

[John N]

Doesn't get any truer than an S10 manual box.

[blown okie]

'60's GM A-body manual boxes seem to be the one to use for 78-88 GM A/G-body cars in NHRA Stock/Super Stock, its a bolt in deal as far as i know.

[turbofish38]

Most if not all of the manual Saginaw boxes that GM used will bolt onto a G-body. The only exception is Vega and Corvair. This is most 1960 and newer so you smarta$$es dont need to correct me on the tri-5.

Yeah I'm confused on that S-10 statement too. If you want really slow and heavy steering put a 24" school bus steering wheel on your car.

If you want quick steering find the worm and sector from a 69 Z/28 or the optional box from a Cosworth Vega. That stuff was discontinued way back in the 70's. That was a 14:1 ratio IIRC. If not Flaming River is your only choice.

[ShouldofhadaV-8]

Originally Posted by turbofish38

Most if not all of the manual Saginaw boxes that GM used will bolt onto a G-body. The only exception is Vega and Corvair. This is most 1960 and newer so you smarta$$es dont need to correct me on the tri-5.

Yeah I'm confused on that S-10 statement too. If you want really slow and heavy steering put a 24" school bus steering wheel on your car.

If you want quick steering find the worm and sector from a 69 Z/28 or the optional box from a Cosworth Vega. That stuff was discontinued way back in the 70's. That was a 14:1 ratio IIRC. If not Flaming River is your only choice.

Turbofish, he's a buddy of mine. He thinks the S-10 requires a pulley/pump, so that would make it power steering? Is the S-10 a complete manual bolt-in? Also, any 1960's full size GM car (like Cutlass, old style Buick, Chevelle, etc) would be a perfect bolt-in?

He's looking for a factory application gearbox that bolts onto the frame the same as the power unit he took off, and also the suspension as well.

Thanks.

[turbofish38]

S-10 is a bolt in. Use the pitman arm that comes with the manual box. The S-10 and G-body share about 90% of their front suspension parts. I've always said the S-10 was a G-body frame with leaf springs instead of coils in the back.

[ShouldofhadaV-8]

Originally Posted by turbofish38

S-10 is a bolt in. Use the pitman arm that comes with the manual box. The S-10 and G-body share about 90% of their front suspension parts. I've always said the S-10 was a G-body frame with leaf springs instead of coils in the back.

Cool, so the on S-10 box, leave the pitman arm that came installed on the S-10 gearbox, and it's a no hassle bolt-in?

There's no pump or anything (power)associated with the S-10 set-up?

[Scott Atk]

Yes, that's correct.
Just be ready for a 6 3/4 turn lock to lock. I put a manual box in my car and have regretted it ever since.
Hartline sells a manual rack-n-pinion setup which is a much nicer setup in my opinion. Although it costs more (~$600) and is more involved in the installation.

[turbo nasty]

A bud did the s10 box is his gran prix u outta see him fighting that whel in the parking lot and turns. He hates it

[PaCemkr86]

i did the s-10 box.. hated it...

switched over to the TRZ rack, and its alot better, but i sure do miss the quick ratio GN box

[ShouldofhadaV-8]

So the S-10 gearbox very close ratio, making the steering a PITA.

Good to know. Thanks for the heads up.....

[Scott4DMny]

Stumbled across this thread as I am interested in the flaming river setup. Not right now, but maybe down the road. The reason being that now I am going hydroboost, it will take strain off the pump and I'd like the pump to handle the hydroboost by itself. The Flaming river ratio is 20:1. How does that compare to the stock GN?

[PaCemkr86]

its horrible.. if you like quick ratio steering, keep the GN box.. if i had to do it over again, i would have never messed with it..

Im sure it works great on a race car, but a street car its not very user friendly

[bmackinnon]

Originally Posted by ShouldofhadaV-8

So the S-10 gearbox very close ratio, making the steering a PITA.

Good to know. Thanks for the heads up.....

No... the S-10 MANUAL box is very slow ratio, making the steering a PITA, as you have to whip the wheel around like a delivery truck when you are trying to pull into a parking spot.... 6+ turns lock to lock.... S-10's came with both power and manual boxes. Perhaps that's where the confusion has set in. These guys are speaking of the manual S-10 box as a given.... If you want quick steering, stay with the power gn box... or as eric mentioned, get a Cosworth Vega gear sector for the S-10 manual box.... hey, I owned one of those cars!!!