Someone on this site has got a modified steering box, he changed the gearing and the bearings, i don't exactly remember who it was( i think it was whitesedan, but i could be wrong) so that is proof, that the standard steering box can be modified to do the exact same job as installing a 'rally' spec rack and pinion set-up, and alot less hassle too!
I drove a freinds gallant years ago and it was set-up for rally it had a modifyied rack and pinion that was 1/2 turn for full lock it was fun to drive on the dirt and felt more precise, espeically on the road, i spose that why people look at putting rack and pinion in a 1200, maybe?
I have looked into a few years ago and i was told that KB laser steering set-up is the way to go and readily available. There have been quite a few threads on this subject in the last few years.