Budget friendly hydroboost?

[zamora7]

I'm at the point where I need to decide which direction to take on the brakes on my project car. Car is a 81 firebird, kore3 front c5 set up and stock rear drums, eventually will do a disc conversion. Motor is an ls1, carbed conversion with the Vic jr and Holley 750, everything else is stock. I'm pretty sure a booster set up will work just fine as it sits right now, but what I'm worried about is when I cam it, going with at trex, big lift, duration, and a tight lsa. I would love to have a hydro boost set up but everything is so expensive and I can use that money elsewhere. So like title says, is there a budget friendly hydro boost set up it there that would work with what I have?

[benno505]

I doubt it unless someone sells a 2nd hand one, but if your building a performance car don't you want good brakes?
There is always the option of the vacuum tank to help with the booster which is a lot cheaper but still not as good as the hydroboost

[zamora7]

I've seen the vacuum pumps, but once you get into the booster and master cylinder set up plus the pump, it equals out to be as much as a hydroboost set up. I've looked at the heidts booster/mc, and the dse, is there a performance gain from either of these compared to a stock replacement of the same units?

[benno505]

I cant help you there, I would imagine all boosters would be comparable in performance as they still go off the vacuum from your engine and a big cam will reduce that, I am facing the same problem, running wilwoods all 4 with a booster but my brakes are acting as mechanical brakes at the moment because I am only getting about 2-4 vacuum haha. I also cant afford a hydroboost yet, close to $1000 once you get everything I have seen

[hessdawg]

I got the hydroboost off a 2008 siverado 2500 for like $100 on eBay
I had the thread and buy an extended loop for the push rod for like $25
Bought the adapter for like $65
Hoses probably around $100
Master is 1.25 70's covette they might cost around $100
I'm under $400 all in

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/IMG_05891-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/e01cea81dc8941d4d7b43aa300e8711f-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/21f8834fb67db5ed38bc9adc2e00ac96-1.jpg

[andrewb70]

I run manual brakes. My MC was 60 bucks.

Andrew

[zamora7]

I run manual brakes. My MC was 60 bucks.

Andrew

Well this is going to be a street car, it's actually manual brakes right now and I hate the way it stopped, or didn't.

[srh3trinity]

seems like I have seen people use an astro van set up.

[zamora7]

I've read that before but what would it take to adapt to a second gen firewall?

[BEEBE]

Your most economical solution is to stick to the manual setup and Purchase a Master cylinder with a different bore size to give you more pressure. I would run it by the Kore guys Or Matt from MCB and see what size they recommend. Just a option.

[andrewb70]

Your most economical solution is to stick to the manual setup and Purchase a Master cylinder with a different bore size to give you more pressure. I would run it by the Kore guys Or Matt from MCB and see what size they recommend. Just a option.

You can get a 1977 Malibu 15/16" bore MC at almost any parts store for about 30 bucks. With a pedal ratio of 6:1 and the modern brakes in the front, it will stop just fine.

Andrew

[zamora7]

You can get a 1977 Malibu 15/16" bore MC at almost any parts store for about 30 bucks. With a pedal ratio of 6:1 and the modern brakes in the front, it will stop just fine.

Andrew

Hmm, might give that a try for that price, hell maybe even the stock manual mc might work just fine.

[MCB Matt]

We do now have the Hydratech Units starting in the $600 range....They are no longer over $1000...

Let me know if I can help
Matt

[sam 74]

I just picked up a Hydro boost and corvette MC for 150, all new, the guy bailed on his project and was trying to get rid of stuff as he put it.

[zamora7]

Damn that's a deal. I've been looking but I've had no luck.

[zamora7]

We do now have the Hydratech Units starting in the $600 range....They are no longer over $1000...

Let me know if I can help
Matt
Any discounts for returning customers:cheers:

[Typhoon1015]

I usually get HB units with masters for 15 bucks at the local JY. I have never had a used one fail on me yet. Astro van units are the easiest to pick up. If your not dead set on the Hydroboost, a properly designed manual setup will work just as good, with better pedal feel for hard braking. The hydroboost works so well is hard to not lock up the tires.

[79-TA]

I'm not a fan of hydraulic assist for brakes, but if you want to go that route, CPP also offers kits.

http://www.classicperform.com/Store2/Hydraulic-Brake-Assist-Systems.htm

[MCB Matt]

Of course!!

Also, buyer be educated....Weigh out the China Hydraboost (CPP) vs Htdratech, genuine NEW BOSCH units!

Thanks
Matt

[hessdawg]

seems like I have seen people use an astro van set up.

All you need is the new billet bracket $65
There is a guy selling them on nasty z28

[zamora7]

Do you have a link?

Are they similar to these?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1970-1981-GM-F-Body-mounting-plate-/251228837414

[zamora7]

Found a 92 astro van being parted out, is that the right year to use?

[bretcopsey]

Do you have a link?

I bought one of Nick's brackets


http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/showthread.php?t=78349


Yes, that Astro unit should work.

[zamora7]

I signed up but have no acces yet

[hessdawg]

Do you have a link?

Are they similar to these?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1970-1981-GM-F-Body-mounting-plate-/251228837414

Yes same one but that comes withe the tool you need to the the plate off the hydroboost
Usually $15-20 extra

[MCB Matt]

For comparison sake....We offer the NEW Hydratech kit with full new Bosch unit, hardware and Full hose kit as well, direct bolt-in with the Billet, Clear coated bracket for $695 free shipped...

Not trying to make a bunch of sales here, just for comparison and for some that are not as handy as others, this is a life and death saftey part as is anything in your brake system!

MCB

[MCB Matt]

Once you watch Paul from Hydratech build a unit, ready to ship, there is a LOT that goes into making it a proper unit, Drilling, grinding, ect...

I'm just saying the product is something top notch and nothing is overlooked. This is why his kits sell so well, especially the lower cost option!
MCB

[zamora7]

Damn $695 is still a nice chunk of a paycheck lol

[MonzaRacer]

I had a guy want to use one from an older C10 truck,similar to my 78 C10 factory diesel.
We swapped it in and used his master cylinder and used a power steering pump from a diesel GM B-car. Hoses too.

[zamora7]

I had a guy want to use one from an older C10 truck,similar to my 78 C10 factory diesel.
We swapped it in and used his master cylinder and used a power steering pump from a diesel GM B-car. Hoses too.

What was it used on?

[MonzaRacer]

We used,it on a 76 77 grand prix. Ill have too look it up or ask Billy what we,did on brake push,rod. But it wasn't hard. Think we cut,sleeved and welded the rod.

[zamora7]

Can I get away with using hydroboost with my stock front brakes? Then get the c5 set up on when I can get some wheels to got over them.

[MCB Matt]

Can I get away with using hydroboost with my stock front brakes? Then get the c5 set up on when I can get some wheels to got over them.

Yes, the hydroboost system will work with any brake system, the bigger calipers that require more fluid flow do benefit more however.

MCB

[alphaenvirmgt]

How about hydroboost off 1984-85 turbo Regal. Doesn't have to be off a Grand National. A T-Type is identical mechanically! Try Advance or AutoZone. Downside to this unit...no reservoir.

Conrad

[zamora7]

Do what's the differences between the units themselves physically and why do people choose one over another. I would love the hydratech set up but there's still so much more I need that a decent booster and mc set up sounds more appealing at times.

[MCB Matt]

Do what's the differences between the units themselves physically and why do people choose one over another. I would love the hydratech set up but there's still so much more I need that a decent booster and mc set up sounds more appealing at times.

If you have good steady vacuum (18-up PSI) at idle you should be fine with a vacuum booster.

We mostly sell Hydroboost systems to guys running big cams, guys that want INSANE stopping power (they put out a LOT more pressure than Vacuum boosters) and LS swaps as the clearance becomes an issue in some cars, running a 7" Vacuum booster is ALMOST useless....We don't sell them unless the customer insists.

In our upcoming 66 Chevelle build, we will run a Hydroboost system, it will be an LS motor AND i have driven several cars with it, its simply an easier pedal that will lock the tires when you need it to....It also looks much cleaner than a booster as its much smaller.

There is a reason GM and others used these units on 2500-3500 Trucks and other larger cars...Not just Diesels.
Matt

[camrat68]

Matt,
You said the Hydratech Hydroboost would work with any brake master cylinder but are there any special requirements for the power steering pump?

Jim

[70LS1NOVA]

Astro van hydra boost. I've had one on my car for years. Here's one on ebay for $75. Trust me, buy it, put it in, you will love it. The hardest part is making the hoses or finding a shop that will make them for you. (and, that is not real hard) I may have spent $200 total on my setup. Just do it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/98-99-00-01-02-CHEVY-VAN-3500-HYDRA-VAC-HYDRA-BOOST-BRAKE-BOOSTER-/161113511837?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item25831d179d&vxp=mtr

[Gratefuldiver]

For comparison sake....We offer the NEW Hydratech kit with full new Bosch unit, hardware and Full hose kit as well, direct bolt-in with the Billet, Clear coated bracket for $695 free shipped...

Not trying to make a bunch of sales here, just for comparison and for some that are not as handy as others, this is a life and death saftey part as is anything in your brake system!

MCB

*Hijack Alert*

I just went to Hydratechs site and the unit is $500 and the hoses start at $230 = $730. Are you selling it below there cost and if so is the $695 the bare basics (4' hose and no bling)? Thanks

Application 72 GTO

[79loserbluebu]

Like said above the Astro unit looks to be the way to go. Be careful, because at a certain year the mounting plate was different. You can swap any GM hydroboost minus the GN one over with an adapter plate though

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-S10-Hydroboost-Mounting-Plate-Bracket-Adapter-/290794266979?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43b4b06163&vxp=mtr

For the nut on the back of the master you will need a special socket, however it kind of sucks to use unless the one I have is worn down.

[Liljuneelko]

Esçc

[slowcpe]

Curious, I have a buddy that is about to go manual brakes on his '04 cobra. Will his hydroboost work on my '67 c10?

[gray86hach]

Just installed a astro van unit on dad's car. Way more stopping power but I can't get the pump to stay quiet when turning or stepping on the pedal.

All I changed was adding the hydro boost unit and putting a return in the reservoir.

Anyone have any ideas

Tim

[TexasT]

Just installed a astro van unit on dad's car. Way more stopping power but I can't get the pump to stay quiet when turning or stepping on the pedal.

All I changed was adding the hydro boost unit and putting a return in the reservoir.

Anyone have any ideas

Tim

What does the fluid in the reservoir look like with the engine running? Are there a lot of bubbles in the fluid? Might need to be "burped" more to get the air out. I jacked the front wheel off the ground and went lock to lock several times while monitoring the fluid level in the reservoir. before i started i turkey basted as much old fluid out and when in with fresh. I am guessing you started with all fresh.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://postimage.org/)
I wouldn't hang a big iron mc out off the end of a hb unit but GM did. I went with a Cadillac unit. Working good so far.

Mine is from rockauto for an 84 Turbo Regal. I'm in it for around $200 with the hb unit, hoses and MC. It is way better than the powermaster it replaced.

[bbcmonte]

I can get a whole hydoboost unit from a newer Cadillac Would it work on a 70'Monte Carlo?

[gray86hach]

I have not touched it but before I do I will bleed it again.

Tim

[g-machine]

We make billet hydro-boost brackets:

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/112898-The-FAST-Warehouse-Hydroboost-Brackets-1st-amp-2nd-Gen-F-Body-1st-Gen-A-Body

[Charles]

Hey Justin, looking to go Hydroboost on my 67 Camaro, any Astro vam year I should look for in my local JY? Any threads that can help me along on putting it all together? Thanks

[Taylor1969]

I have a brand new (a1 Cardone rebuilt) unit if you are interested

[chuckd71]

I recall reading that people were taking lines from some kind of diesel cars, but what car is that? Maybe I'm simply overlooking or forgetting
NM - mid 80s Olds

[JayinMI]

Strange question...I'm considering hydroboost on my S-10 (local Yard has about 50 astro vans) but I'm also entertaining electric power steering. Would I just loop the power steering connections?

Jay

[OldTimer]

My '69 Camaro is a sort of work in progress... drivable, but it still has the drum brakes all around (don't laugh I bought it knowing it needed stuff) so I'm starting with front discs. This simply a cruise night driver, no racing, no autocross. But it has a built 454 with a CompCam XS274S Cam, and I'm on the fence with regard to a conventional vacuum booster vs hydroboost. I've driven HB Lightnings... the change is like adding a big brake kit. So I'm running 15" rally wheels right now... someday I might go bigger, but I need better stopping power. I'm also on a budget so I'm looking for the most bang for the buck. I did breakout the vacuum gauge, hooked it up to the 3/8" port on the back of the manifold, at idle she's showing about 13-15 inches, no more. Above somebody said if you're making 17-20 on the vacuum you should be fine with a vacuum boost. Is that strictly at idle or what rpm range? Logically you wouldn't be hitting the brakes while accelerating past 3000rpm, you'd be off the gas and winding down. BTW, my local NAPA does make hydraulic lines, I did ask the guy who does it and he suggested getting AN fittings and then its relatively simple. Mini Summary:

15" wheels
11.2" Rotors (front)
Rear Drums (until I can afford to convert)

Thanks in advance for any advice and help.

Mike

[Tpichevy]

What years Astro vans does one need for a manual to hydro boost swap on a 70 camaro? Also would I need a plate for the swap also?

[krom]

What makes the astrovan setup preferable to one from a full size truck?

[krom]

dupe