1966 Chevy Nova SS - Flaming River Rack And Pinion Steering System

1966 Chevy Nova SS Flaming River Steering System

Does it seem like we run a lot of suspension stories? It sure does, doesn't it? But there must be a reason for it, right? I was finishing the last few sentences of this article when editorial duties took me to our New Jersey offices. Living in the Los Angeles area, I thought I was prepared for the onslaught of traffic, the New York and New Jersey turnpikes, and toll roads. Not quite. I was amazed at the circle-track style of driving in this part of the country, with people zipping left, zipping right, and applying major force to the brake pedal for a better pole position. This was quite the norm, and I thought to myself, "Damn, I'm glad I'm driving a rental and not my Camaro!"

But what if I was driving my prized possession, or what if you were driving your prized possession and found yourself in this kind of traffic climate? While many of us may not drive on these particular roads, we still drive our favorite cars, right? And driving the roads of Anytown, USA, can present its own challenges. Thirty-plus years ago, this was not even an issue, as most cars on the road had the same lousy braking and suspension capabilities. As time marches on, even the lowest-grade production cars are equipped with better-handling suspension and braking than our favorite '50s-70s rides. Let's even the playing field, shall we? The mostly stock '66 Nova SS that is the parts recipient in this story is meant to be a driver, so let's make it that way.

On a '62-67 Nova, the steering column bracket on the dashboard has an alignment pin for the steering column.

On a '62-67 Nova, the steering column bracket on the dashboard has an alignment pin for th

When Flaming River informed us it had a new bolt-in rack-and-pinion system for the early Novas, we decided we'd see for ourselves just how this setup worked. For the most part, installing the new steering system went according to plan, but we did encounter some bumps along the way. Our test Nova already had a set of 2-inch drop spindles installed (Flaming River recommended using the stock-height spindles), and when it came time to attach the tie rods to the drop spindles, the angle at which they bolted on could have created some bumpsteer issues.

Our second bump in the road was the exhaust clearance issue. This Nova was still using the original center dump ram's horn-style exhaust manifolds. After installing the rack-and-pinion, it was obvious the new steering shaft would not clear the old exhaust system. The solution? We called Flaming River, who informed us that a set of later-model rear dump-truck headers would work. They also informed us they were in the process of developing headers for this particular application. Now that we have discussed the snags, let's take a look at what comes with this kit.

We decided to punch and drill the new Flaming River column for a perfect factory-style fit.

We decided to punch and drill the new Flaming River column for a perfect factory-style fit

The system replaces the early long-shaft steering box with a new tilt column, according to Flaming River, and the kit includes a cradle, quick-ratio manual rack-and-pinion, mounting clamp for the rack with a bushing, grade 8 fasteners for the cradle installation, a tilt column with a mount, wiring connectors, and chrome-moly universal joints for an improved angle with the intermediate shaft. The true fixture-welded mounting cradle fits between the framerails and bolts in place using the original chassis location. Some modifying is required, and the system installs with hand tools.

The price is the most attractive part of the Flaming River setup. At $1,190, this will improve your '62--67 Nova's handling at a reasonable cost. Now about that exhaust header clearance issue-at the writing of this story, a set of exhaust headers was on its way from Flaming River. When they arrive, we'll give you the blow-by-blow of how well they fit and how you can adapt the same system to your Nova should you decide to go the same route.

A stainless steel sleeve provided in the kit fits over the column's base.
The sleeve is then adjusted to fit the column. It mounts to the firewall using the stock firewall plate.
The sleeve is then adjusted to fit the column. It mounts to the firewall using the stock f
From this photo, you can see how the column attaches to the firewall using the stock plate and the stainless steel sleeve.
From this photo, you can see how the column attaches to the firewall using the stock plate

Use your stock bracket when installing the new column, and make sure to align the bracket pin with the hole you just drilled.
Use your stock bracket when installing the new column, and make sure to align the bracket
Be sure to keep the original hardware, which you'll reuse when you install the new polished column.
Be sure to keep the original hardware, which you'll reuse when you install the new polishe
When attaching the column base to the firewall, mark and drill the holes for the stainless steel clamp. After the install is complete, all the bracketry is hidden out of sight under the carpet.
When attaching the column base to the firewall, mark and drill the holes for the stainless

At the top of the column, install the tilt arm, signal arm, flashing hazard switch, and canceling cam.
At the top of the column, install the tilt arm, signal arm, flashing hazard switch, and ca
After all the steering column internals are taken care of, the steering wheel adapter hub is next.
After all the steering column internals are taken care of, the steering wheel adapter hub

Do not overtorque it when tightening. This prevents the hub from coming in contact with the steering column.
Do not overtorque it when tightening. This prevents the hub from coming in contact with th
Finally, the crown jewel of any steering column, the steering wheel. The horn button is wired and the steering wheel is attached to the hub.
Finally, the crown jewel of any steering column, the steering wheel. The horn button is wi
In this Nova, we chose to use the Nova Fiber wheel, also available from Flaming River.

Last but not least, the wiring to get the whole show on the road. Flaming River provides a diagram to splice the stock wiring into the new connecter. After that, all you have to do is plug connector A into connecter B, and the job is finished. An added bonus is that your stock Nova is now complete with a set of emergency flashing lights it did not have from the factory. Cool, eh?
Last but not least, the wiring to get the whole show on the road. Flaming River provides a
Before installing the Flaming River rack-and-pinion, we recommend a bench mock-up/install, which familiarizes you with the hardware and its components. A few key pieces are better installed prior to climbing under that car.
Before installing the Flaming River rack-and-pinion, we recommend a bench mock-up/install,
One of the pieces that's done on the bench is joining the rack-and-pinion to the support bracket.
One of the pieces that's done on the bench is joining the rack-and-pinion to the support b

Here's another bracket that's best installed on the bench.
Preassembling this kit goes a long way toward saving time underneath the vehicle.

Prior to its installation in the car, use one of the U-joints to find the center of the rack-and-pinion from lock to lock.
Prior to its installation in the car, use one of the U-joints to find the center of the ra
The rack-and-pinion support brackets bolt to the Nova's stock steering box located on the inside of the framerail (the driver side, obviously).
The rack-and-pinion support brackets bolt to the Nova's stock steering box located on the

Grade 8 bolts provided by Flaming River install directly into the holes used to hold the steering box.
Grade 8 bolts provided by Flaming River install directly into the holes used to hold the s
On the passenger side, the support bracket bolts to the framerail where the pitman arm was.
On the passenger side, the support bracket bolts to the framerail where the pitman arm was

However, it's necessary to drill two bolt holes into the framerail.
Not provided in the kit are a set of '68-69 Camaro tie rod ends (recommended by Flaming River).
Not provided in the kit are a set of '68-69 Camaro tie rod ends (recommended by Flaming Ri
At this point in the install, we noticed the mounting point for the 2-inch drop spindle was about 1/2 inch lower than a stock spindle.
At this point in the install, we noticed the mounting point for the 2-inch drop spindle wa

While measuring the steering shaft, we noticed the Nova's stock (ram horn) exhaust manifold couldn't be used with this rack-and-pinion setup.
While measuring the steering shaft, we noticed the Nova's stock (ram horn) exhaust manifol
A set of rear-dump truck headers will work, but Flaming River is coming out with its own headers for this application.
A set of rear-dump truck headers will work, but Flaming River is coming out with its own h
Cutting the steering shaft...

...and drilling a recess hole for the set screws in the U-joints should only take a few minutes, so measure twice and cut once.
...and drilling a recess hole for the set screws in the U-joints should only take a few mi
Here we are fitting the freshly cut steering shaft. What you can't see in the photo is the exhaust port, which is right behind our installer's hand. It's a tight fit for sure.
Here we are fitting the freshly cut steering shaft. What you can't see in the photo is the
Red loctite gave us peace of mind...

...that the set screws in the steering shaft would never back out.
(From the front looking back): For you Novaholics with lowered vehicles, the rack-and-pinion support cradle is approximately 2 inches lower than the stock front-sump oil pan. You may want to measure how your vehicle sets to avoid possible clearance issues.
(From the front looking back): For you Novaholics with lowered vehicles, the rack-and-pini