I just picked up a steering gear box out of an '86 Camaro IROC/Z28. I got the power steering high pressure and return lines with it as well. I would like to know if the power steering lines currently in my '80 Elco V6 will hook right up to this gear box, or do I need to use some kind of adapter fitting on the gear box in order to use the PS hoses currently in my Elco. The high pressure hose that came on the Camaro gear box has damaged threads so I know I will be unable to use it. Thanks for any and all help!

A whole 20 views later and no responses :-( Perhaps I should change the subject title to something that would catch everyones eyes.

Anyway, I'm looking to do this swap at the end of the week when the rest of my new steering components arrive. I would still like to know if I can use my stock PS lines or if I'll have to use some kind of adapter or...? Anyone with experience or knowledge in doing this swap, if you could provide me with some info, it would be appreciated. :thumbsup:

I have not done this yet, however from what I understand it's kind of hit or miss. Some of the boxes can be used with your current hoses and some need the adapter, which should be available at a GOOD auto parts store.

Thanks for the response elcaminofactory!

I can answer my own question now, and hopefully it will at least add to the body of knowledge here on elcaminocentral. I completed the swap this weekend, and I was able to use my old PS lines without any problems. I used the return line from the Camaro I got the steering box out of because it had the long hard line that runs underneath the radiator core support and acts to cool the PS fluid.

At the same time that I swapped the gear box in, I installed all new steering linkage. There is absolutely no slop in the system any longer, and the steering is nice and firm. I plan on taking the Elco in tomorrow to have the alignment done.

Hi K5Crusher,
Hope it works good for you. I did the same thing a few years back with my 1987, I was able to use the stock 1987 EC hoses and bolted them to the Z-28 box. Only thing you will want to do is get the power steering valve for the Z-28, this installs in the back side of the power steering pump and the Z-28 one has a smaller hole in it to allow a higher pressure through the lines. I have read that the stock G body power steering pump does not put out enough pressure to operate the steering box properly.
Hope this helps,
Dave

I'm very happy with the performance of the quick ratio gear box and all of the new steering linkage. The car steers much more quickly and actually goes in the direction I want it to. I got rid of quite a few bad vibes, clunks, and noises at the same time.

The PS pump definitely needs to be modified or changed out for the Z28 / IROC / WS6 version. Right now the steering feels like something between a sports car and a car with no PS. It's okay while driving or taking a corner at speed, but when it comes time to maneuvering for parking and such, it's a bit much. I plan on modding the pump in the next couple weeks.

I just finished the same mod on my 79 E camino and I'm noticing similar results in parking lots. Could it be that the IROC and Elcamino steering box have something different that makes the turning radius wider on the El Camino in tight sitiations?

Correct, the turning radius of the WS6/IROC steering box is less than the stock El Camino box. There are different stops in the steering box due to the wider tires used on the IROC. The other variable is the valve for the power steering pump, the IROC one has a smaller hole in it to give the fluid into the lines a higher pressure. I replaced my valve with the IROC one a few years back. It is a simple thing to do, remove the power steering pump and remove the high pressure line from the back. Unbolt where the line attaches to the pump, this is the valve, and is easy to change with the IROC one, just bolt it right in and re-attach the El Camino lines and it will give the stock steering pump the same pressure as the IROC steering pump!
Unfortunately I don't have the GM part # for this valve, maybe GM parts direct.com can find it if you are interested.
Dave

Correct, the turning radius of the WS6/IROC steering box is less than the stock El Camino box. There are different stops in the steering box due to the wider tires used on the IROC. The other variable is the valve for the power steering pump, the IROC one has a smaller hole in it to give the fluid into the lines a higher pressure. I replaced my valve with the IROC one a few years back. It is a simple thing to do, remove the power steering pump and remove the high pressure line from the back. Unbolt where the line attaches to the pump, this is the valve, and is easy to change with the IROC one, just bolt it right in and re-attach the El Camino lines and it will give the stock steering pump the same pressure as the IROC steering pump!
Unfortunately I don't have the GM part # for this valve, maybe GM parts direct.com can find it if you are interested.
Dave
Thanks for the info Dave.Is there a way that I can still use my IROC steering box ,or do I have to get one from another G body to get back original turning radius? It would sure be a hard pill to swallow after paying alot for this rebuilt box.

I read somewhere on the Monte Carlo SS site that the steering stops can be adjusted, but it is not a simple procedure as the entire box must be disassembled and modified. I think this is a job for a steering box specialist. A cheaper alternative would be to get a Monte Carlo SS box, will be closer to the El Camino turn radius and I have seen some for sale on the Monte Carlo SS site for around $50.00.
Hope this helps,
Dave