[belairdave]

My 56 came from the factory without power steering... I bought it that way in 1990... In about 1995 I bought a kit from "Classic Chevrolet" in Florida... It was considered the hot setup of the day, the 605 power steering box retrofitted to work on the trifive Chevrolet... I had it professionaly installed and just loved it... I could turn and park using only one finger... Fast forward to about a year ago... Other people at carshows, cruises and here on this and other Chevrolet sites were talking up the 500 power steering box... I had a slow leak somewhere in my system so I deceided to replace the box, pump and lines... I ordered the 500 box, pump, lines and a ragjoint as my old system did not use one... I had it professionaly installed too... Now I have it back and I really haven't deceided if I like it or not:confused0024: It steers easier than it did without power steering but one finger turning is no longer an option... At least I don't seem to have any more leaks... Later, Dave

 

[Will]

I did the same Dave, as far as the 605 goes. It still works very well and I like the one finger steering. And so far no leaks. But I'm not fixing something that ain't broke! That old 605 may be old technology, but I still like it! I might be the only one left that does though!

 

[1-bad-57]

I changed out my 605 for a 500 because it leaked for the last time. I got tired of fixing the leak. I love the 500 box. Just got back from a 1,500 mile trip in the 57. If I had known how mush better the car would handle with the 500 box,Ii would of changed it over a long time ago. I think the 500 is a lot better then the 605 in many ways. JMI
Jeffrey

 

[USA1]

The 605 is junk in its intended application 78 body how can you cob it up and install it and compare it to a purpose built part.

 

[Rick_L]

I think USA1's comment is a bit harsh.

Without operating the steering on your car myself, it's hard to judge whether you have a problem that can be worked on, or if it's just the nature of the 500 box. When parking, the 500 box should have plenty of assist.

A proper installation of the 500 box should make the car feel like a late model as far as the amount of assist. So I guess one question is do you think a late model car/truck doesn't have the assist you want, or does it?

 

[GKK]

I had a 605 on two of my other 57's and it was a 1 finger turn and described. I would put it back on it again on the 57 I have now if I could run across a complete bolt on unit. Mine never leaked...where were the units leaking?

 

[USA1]

I hated the way my 67 Camaro & 72 Chetanne drove with the OEM boxs too. fixed them with 77 Z28 & 80 Sliverado boxes. Anyone who likes spinning a wheel with 1 finger would be real happy driving a late 60s Chrysler. Not me I have been known to bolt on slicks and have some fun.

 

[busyguy8]

if you guys are looking for that loose 1 finger steering/dangerous feeling, stick with the 605. If you want a more modern feel that gives plenty of "assist" without feeling light, twitchy, and dangerous, then the 500 or the Concept 1 (my preference) box is the way to go.

 

[belairdave]

if you guys are looking for that loose 1 finger steering/dangerous feeling, stick with the 605. If you want a more modern feel that gives plenty of "assist" without feeling light, twitchy, and dangerous, then the 500 or the Concept 1 (my preference) box is the way to go.

I never felt like my 605 was dangerous and the only time I felt it twitch was when I turned it lock to lock... My two Windstars steer easier than my 500 box... If I had test driven a trifive with a 500 box before I spent the money for one I would have tried to find/fix the leaks in my 605... Later, Dave