Power Brakes to Hydro-boost install

[68 Greenie]

Okay guys I've had it with no brakes since installing my 383 and big cam. Im going from power brakes to Hydro. Can you please give me some input of what I need to do this conversion. I need to know if my master cylinder and prop. valve that I have now will work or do I need to get a new one. I also need to know if my stock power steering pump will work or do I need to purchase a new one for the conversion. Where do I get the new lines, do I have to have them custom made or does someone sell them. Thanks .

[tdangle]

Have you looked into electric brake booster. I just ran across these did not know they existed

[CheyenneSuper72]

I have used a Hydratech kit in a 69 Camaro. Works great. Stock pump, master, and prop valve assembly. Kit came will the lines and fittings. It has been trouble free for 10k or so. I like it other than the pedal is just a little bit touchy. Honestly if I were to do it over I would just go big brakes and a full manual set up. Good luck with whatever you choose!!

[68 Greenie]

Electric brakes? I have never seen those offered. Do they have a kit to fit these trucks? I will look into that. Thanks.

[zachste]

Originally Posted by 68 Greenie

Electric brakes? I have never seen those offered. Do they have a kit to fit these trucks? I will look into that. Thanks.

I think what he may have meant was to run an electric vacuum pump, to help get enough vacuum for the booster to operate.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-760152/overview/

[jeffahart]

I would get the master that comes with the hydrobooster. I used a master and booster out of one ton chevy. The mounting plate only needed minor modifications. Yes, your power steering pump will work. You need to get lines that match the powerbooster o-ring and are long enough to make it to the pump and steering gear. You can cut the fittings off the old lines and double flare to fit existing pump and gear. You can re-bend the hard line portions of the hydraulic lines to snake where you need them. I drilled a hole right above where the fitting goes for the gear, it was easier. Also, the mounting plate on my mid 80s booster had that funky claw tooth nut. I power chiseled it off and broke it. Toss that stupid thing and forget about that stupid socket for it. If you go the mid 80s route just use a 1 5/8 spanner nut(you probably have one laying around in one of your parts boxes) use a gland nut wrench and you can torque the crap out of it no problem. Make sure you get the correct accumulator for your disc drum or disc disc. Prop valve, I bought one from inline tube PR102.

I installed my hydroboost as a trial balloon to see if I liked it. I like it. I will be switching the lines to AN so I can use longer lengths and route out of the way easier. Other than that its an easy modification.

One other thing. You will need to modify your pedal or the push rod from the pedal.

If you go hydratech they will have everything in the kit, and I think their booster has an adjustable rod. Just more money, but may be worth it. Depending on your money situation. All the parts are just a click away. I went cheap... just for the heck of it!

If you need any pics let me know. I'm guessing half the hydroboost research on the internet is jacked by the photo bucket hostage situation.

Good luck!

[Bigdav160]

I bought my hydroboost unit from a LQK pick a part. $40 from a late Astro Van.

I modified the bracket. Sill need to modify the push rod.

I spent another $100 in AN fittings and braided line. I planned to stay with my OE master and valve.

I'm still putting rocker panels on so hopefully soon I can finish the brakes.

edit: Power Master was an electric booster system GM used on (mostly) station wagons and GNs.

[BossHogg69]

If you're looking for someone to break it all down for you, just call Jim at Hydratech and buy a kit, or go to their website. It's all there. http://www.hydratechbraking.com/

CPP also sells the hydratech kits too, but the service & knowledge won't be close to what Jim can provide.

[bs46488]

I did hydroboost on my '72 (and on my Nova)

I patched a system together using a bunch of factory parts. So I have a factory booster, master and lines. The main reason I went this route was because of significant cost savings over the kits you can buy.

[67 chevelle]

The guys at hydratec are cool , will talk to you like a human , you can use your pump , and master , I installed one on a chevelle with a huge cam , no vacuum , it takes getting used to as you barely feather the pedal , and the vehicle stops now , Oh I blew out a couple old rubber hoses on the bake system in short order , after replacing with new ones , no problems

[68 Greenie]

Okay guys thanks for all the useful info. really helps. I think I will call jim at hydratech and pick his brain. Do they have the longer custom lines there?

[BossHogg69]

Click the link I posted, they have everything you'll need.

[tdangle]

Actually google electric brake booster. It's not an electric vacuum pump. Couple of companies making them. Looks like the show that built copper head truck used one. From what I see it looks like manual brakes master cylinder with a remote mounted electric booster unit.

[skytop]

I installed 'electric' brake vacuum booster in my last truck. It work well. However, the noise the electric motor made was very annoying. I mounted it on rubber grommets but the noise was still present, I motor noise was easily heard when I first turned on the ignition and was started the engine. With the noisy engine and radical muffler, only a little noise could be heard while driving. I found it annoying.

Here is exactly what it sounds like.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9h12G4EPxpA

[68c10airstream]

I got a used 2001 2500hd hydroboost assembly with pushrod, and the pump from the 6.0. Upon tearing into the pump to clean everything up i compared the ls pump from my stock 5.3 (non-hydroboost) pump to the 6.0 2500hd. Besides the tank having 2 return lines on the hydroboost pump, the fitting and spring/spool that screwed into the back of the pump was different, the outlet hole being bigger.

Once it was modded and mounted i just went to the auto store and scoured the new hoses on the rack and only had to exchange one line for a different line.

I got the 2500hd cooler new and mounted out along the side of the radiator out front.

I installed a new wilwood adjustable proportioning valve and silicone brake fluid along with a new master cylinder. Works fantastic and looks stock, like gm put it there.