welcome to FBBO from NorCal Sierras
I use to know Antioch pretty well
I suggest you check out the Resto-mod & pro-touring forum here
also maybe the Racers Hangout too
some of that is covered in both sections,
even some in the General discussion section
also use the search option on the top right of each page
another vote for QA1
there are several different styles of steering boxes out there
many are bolt-in stuff
some are quicker steering, in both manual or power
changing the org. pitman arm to a quicker steer version helps too
(any of them could get close or interfere with larger exhaust/headers
or oil pan too, just do your research)
Unisteer makes a bunch of replacement rack & pinions
they also make some bolt in racks for B-bodies too
goes in the exact same place as the org. stuff does
with very lil' modifications to the car
the column needs to be cut & drilled (be forewarned)
I went that route, it is an Omni style rack (reverse rotation),
rear steer like stock (meaning the lower balljoint/tierods connections
are behind the centerline of the spindles)
I don't really recommend it, albeit it does work well
great feel, good handling, if you don't need big headers or a big oil-pan
but; it seriously limits the header selection & oil pan selections
many of the aftermarket rack & pinions 'are front steer'
tie-rods in front of the centerline of the spindles, like Pinto/Mustang II
you'd have to get a k-member designed for it or make some mounts yourself
& swap the steering/lower ball joints/side to side to front of the spindle
you can do simple upgrades
bigger diameter torsion bars
better firmer poly bushings
bigger strut-rod
bigger front sway bar & add good rear sway bars
(front s-b not the best for drag racing, you could disconnect it at the track)
good gas shocks (or adjustable)
lighter wider wheels & better wide tires/performance sticky tires
just that stuff alone is a night & day difference
far less understeer/push from the stock stuff
you could box the LCA's or go to a tubular design
you could go to either a tubular or adj. UCA's too
reduce overall weight etc.
lots of ways to make it handle better
that's a short description
lots of threads here discussing the very subject
you will get as many differing views, as suggestions
some are good & some aren't, depends on who you ask
to each their own
good luck
