Anyone done a Hydroboost upgrade for their brake booster?
seventy2plus2 said
Dec 5, 2022
I spotted a 1977 Chevy Motorhome in the local junkyard last week, and it had a Hydroboost behind the master cylinder. I've known of Hydroboosts for a while, but had no idea when the manufacturers (I think it's actually a Bendix product) started using them in OEM applications.
From what I can tell, 1977 is towards the beginning of their use. I grabbed it, and the hydraulic lines, of which some I had to cut. In this application, the reservoir had nipples for 2 return lines.
So, has anyone done an upgrade from a vacuum booster to Hydroboost? Any advice, etc?
When I put the 454 in my convertible back in 2006 the brakes were terrible, too much cam caused low vacuum. I tried a vacuum pump, but abandoned it right away as it shook the whole car. I resorted to a vacuum cannister, which improved things but not to where they should be.
I changed cam's a couple years ago (when I planned on installing my vacuum powered cruise control) and again while better, braking still isn't what it should be.
As I got this Hydroboost for $28, I figured it might be a good starting point for an upgrade.
While I had to cut some of the lines (mainly the pressure line from the power steering pump to the Hydroboost), I have a cousin here in town that works at a hose place that can make me up whatever I need.
-- Edited by seventy2plus2 on Monday 5th of December 2022 06:18:58 PM
pontiax said
Dec 5, 2022
Absolutely love mine, hydro boost is from an early 90s Astro van. It apparently applies 2200 psi clamping power instead of 1200 psi on the rotors.
Did you buy a kit complete with lines? Or did you piece it together?
I've also learned the 1995 & prior hydroboost units have the 1-5/8" hole to accept the master cylinder. I measured an old master cylinder removed from one of my cars, and it matches that measurement.
I bought this 1 with the wilwood master,took 4 months to get it.
pontiax said
Dec 6, 2022
seventy2plus2 wrote:
Did you buy a kit complete with lines? Or did you piece it together? I've also learned the 1995 & prior hydroboost units have the 1-5/8" hole to accept the master cylinder. I measured an old master cylinder removed from one of my cars, and it matches that measurement.
I grabbed a nearly new booster from a wrecking yard and got the kit from Hydratech braking systems.
I spotted a 1977 Chevy Motorhome in the local junkyard last week, and it had a Hydroboost behind the master cylinder. I've known of Hydroboosts for a while, but had no idea when the manufacturers (I think it's actually a Bendix product) started using them in OEM applications.
From what I can tell, 1977 is towards the beginning of their use. I grabbed it, and the hydraulic lines, of which some I had to cut. In this application, the reservoir had nipples for 2 return lines.
So, has anyone done an upgrade from a vacuum booster to Hydroboost? Any advice, etc?
My 2+2 came with standard brakes
The finished product will need better braking.
This looks like a real neat idea.
Sweeting Performance - Hydro-boost Brake System for 1967-1970 Impala Caprice Biscayne Full Size Chevy (powerbrakeservice.net)
Why would you need this Clint?
When I put the 454 in my convertible back in 2006 the brakes were terrible, too much cam caused low vacuum. I tried a vacuum pump, but abandoned it right away as it shook the whole car. I resorted to a vacuum cannister, which improved things but not to where they should be.
I changed cam's a couple years ago (when I planned on installing my vacuum powered cruise control) and again while better, braking still isn't what it should be.
As I got this Hydroboost for $28, I figured it might be a good starting point for an upgrade.
While I had to cut some of the lines (mainly the pressure line from the power steering pump to the Hydroboost), I have a cousin here in town that works at a hose place that can make me up whatever I need.
-- Edited by seventy2plus2 on Monday 5th of December 2022 06:18:58 PM
Absolutely love mine, hydro boost is from an early 90s Astro van. It apparently applies 2200 psi clamping power instead of 1200 psi on the rotors.
I've also learned the 1995 & prior hydroboost units have the 1-5/8" hole to accept the master cylinder. I measured an old master cylinder removed from one of my cars, and it matches that measurement.
I bought this 1 with the wilwood master,took 4 months to get it.
I grabbed a nearly new booster from a wrecking yard and got the kit from Hydratech braking systems.