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View Full Version : Switching to Hydraboost and power steering!



CAMAROBOY69
11-09-2005, 09:59 AM
I put this in here because it is engine,brake and suspension related.
It is time. Im tired of messing with my crappy broken brake booster and my pathetic stiff manual steering. I have been talking with Paul from Hydraboost on and off for the last couple weeks. His incredible knowledge has completely convinced me to take this huge leap. I was just wondering from the members of this board if there were any little items or bugs that I might run into while I do this swap. I know the following information from Paul. I just purchased the Hydratech unit today so I will leave that off the list.
1. PS pump with 2 return nipples and press on pulley
2. PS gear box- stock will be fine and affordable
3. PS brackets- If anyone has a set lying arond I am interrested
4. He is supplying all the lines and fittings I need
Are there any other things I need to know or look for while buying the parts? I am also open for different options on the power steering brackets. Stock? Aluminum?

MrAngry
11-09-2005, 10:19 AM
Well, I put a hydroboost on my 68' Charger earlier this year when we did the conversion to BAER brakes and all the information that Paul provide us was DEAD on. His product is top notch and I could not be happier with the results.

B Schein
11-09-2005, 10:33 AM
I Have 4 PS pump some with brackets also have Power box that I rebuilt and another and one that is not rebuilt but I drove the car home that it came out of and it seamed fine. I have been looking to get rid of all this stuff I will sell everything for $100 plus shipping I am sure you could make at least one steering system out of all these parts let me know if you are interested. I wont be home until thanksgiving to get the parts that would be the only problem

Steve68
11-09-2005, 10:38 AM
I have a pump and brackets, Sorry Brian, and they look alot better than his pumps, Let me know if your interested, Steve

B Schein
11-09-2005, 10:44 AM
The pumps don’t look like much I know but the rebuild kit for the box was $80 from GM. I am basically giving the pumps away.

CAMAROBOY69
11-09-2005, 11:11 AM
Thanks for the replies so far guys. The power steering pump I can get brand new with 2 return nipples for only $60.00
B Schein,
However I do think I could be interrested in your PS gear box if the price is right. I dont need the pumps. I will probably buy a new March billet pulley.

B Schein
11-09-2005, 11:24 AM
You Can Have both the boxes for $80 you pay the shipping. I will probably just through the pumps away I am tired of having car parts everywhere I look.

CAMAROBOY69
11-09-2005, 11:25 AM
Brian, You have a PM!

Steve1968LS2
11-09-2005, 11:55 AM
Good for you!!

Power Steering is a gift from the gods and one of the few luxuries that I always run..

I might try out the hydroboost system down the line.. would make for a good braking test to see what the real benefits are.

CAMAROBOY69
11-17-2005, 03:14 PM
Opened the package and all I could say was "WOW this Hydraboost unit is friggin awesome!!" Very very nice looking product. :) If I bolt this up it will be the nicest looking piece in my engine compartment. :)
Thanks Paul. Now I just need the power steering box and pump.
My camera doesnt do this any justice. I would eat off of it thats how nice it is.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img297.imageshack.us/my.php?image=im0055960di.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img297.imageshack.us/my.php?image=im0055979yx.jpg)

JoshStratton
11-17-2005, 06:07 PM
Hey Adam.

Do you know what their website address is? I was looking for it the other day and cannot find it.

derekf
11-17-2005, 06:10 PM
Josh, are you asking what Hydratech's website is? It's http://www.hydroboost.com/

JoshStratton
11-17-2005, 08:08 PM
Thar be ye! Thanks I couldn't find it! Sorry to 'jack the thread momentarily.

67 455 Bird ragtop
11-18-2005, 02:33 AM
For what it's worth I'm running the Caddy Eldo hydro system. I picked up a used booster really cheap from a guy who said it leaked like a sive, $10, used it for a core for a new unit from my local parts store where I also got the pump with duel returns and master cylinder, the caddy used the same single piston caliper all the way around for under $225. Sent the pump to hydro and they changed the mount and pushrod for me. Was reasonable. I picked up the combo valve for the Eldo on ebay fo $10. Now all I need to do is get may car back inone piece ... LOL Oh BTW I use standard single piston calipers in the front ala 1970 camaro/Chevelle. I also use 1978 Seville calipers with parking brakes in the rear. Same large single caliper pison type. So hopefully since all parts were oroginally designed to work together there "shouldn't" be any issues. Except for maybe too much rear brakes. Time will tell if I need to put a control valve on the rears.

Good luck with your conversion.

As an extra note. The tanks on the power steering pumps these days are plastic. Use krylon fussion to paint them. It's designed for plastic and vinyl. Works GREAT!!!

Rick Dorion
11-18-2005, 05:00 AM
Adam, be careful when you go to stop the first few times :)

rizzos442
11-18-2005, 05:41 AM
I also picked up a hydroboost and made it work. I got a 2004 GMC 1 ton hydroboost and mounted it to the firewall. I had to have the brake actuator rod tapped for the thread that would allow me to attach it to my brake pedal.

THEN, I called Crown Performance in CA and they gave me all the fittings for my PS box and for my hydroboost. They are all 0-ring fittings to -6. They also made my lines (-6). Originally, I had the hydroboost with the lines upright. It would not work properly, so I had to mount it upside down. This is with the line fittings on the bottom and reversed my master cylinder. Everything worked great after that! I am runnin a C4 caliper with 13" rotor up front and a 12" rotor and LS1 caliper rear. I am currently working on my C5 conversion to allow me to stop even faster.

All in all, the system is superior to any other. I can brake at least 100 times better and the pedal is very solid.
I spent $100 on the hydroboost
$130 on the fittings and new lines from Crown Performance
$15 at the machine shop to have the rod tapped
Took me over 3 hours to completely fabricate the firewall and drill my mounting plate.
If you add it up, you can complete this installation for over half of what hydratech charges for its unit. AND it is all the same. Your call fellas.
I can answer any questions and show pics if necessary.

Semper Fi

TEDDYS CAMARO
11-18-2005, 10:05 AM
Very Nice. When You Need The Pulley, Try And Get A Part # And I'll Get You A Price. Oh Yeah, That Is The Shiniest Piece In Your Engine Compartment.

CAMAROBOY69
03-03-2006, 08:12 AM
I am hoping to start this process within the next couple weeks. I took a quick peak at the manual steering gear box. Am I in over my head with this?? Looks like I will have to at least remove the headers to do the power steering conversion. Or at least to remove the gear box. Is there more to it than that or is it straight forward after removing the headers??

harshman
03-03-2006, 09:25 AM
once you get your hands dirty it'll be a bit simpiler and also you'll need paul's number to ask him any questons. i'll bet ya he'll answer over the weekend. hydroboost is one of the best things i did. give it time for it to break-in.

CAMAROBOY69
03-03-2006, 09:35 AM
I just bought the power steering box, pump, lines and brackets from Tyler so they will hopefully be shipping out on monday. I already know the power steering pump wont work because it doesnt have 2 return nipples but I can just purchase a new pump from the local store for only around $50.00. I cant wait to do this in a few weeks!!!!
It will be like a new car. I will go from manual to power brakes. Also going from a broken booster to hydraboost. Cant wait!!!!!! :drive: :twothumbs

esc1
03-03-2006, 10:59 AM
You can use your existing pump. All you need to do is put a "T" in the return line. Paul could tell you if there is a recommended place to put it.

CAMAROBOY69
03-03-2006, 11:01 AM
He told me to get the pump with the 2nd return nipple so I can do it the best way. I currently have manual steering.

Rick Dorion
03-03-2006, 11:33 AM
I have one of the DSE pumps with one return nipple. I T'd it in and it works perfectly.

CarlC
03-03-2006, 09:44 PM
For most applications a T at the pump will work. The T cannot be close to the box or else the box return will back-feed the HB and lightly apply the brakes.

It is very easy, and inexpensive, to braze a second nipple onto the reservoir.

ss dave
03-04-2006, 07:08 AM
I had a 11" booster pushing my new Baer 12" brakes front and rear on my 69 Camaro and was disappointed that I couldn't lock up the brakes. In fact the braking was soft at best. Talked about MC bore sizes, different MC's ect. decided to go with a Hydratech Hydroboost. Concurrently, we switched from a Z/28 quick ratio Gm box to a DSE 600 and a new MC recommended by Paul at Hydratech. The braking improved dramatically as did the steering feel, however my new type C PS pump would squawk and squeal. The resevoir was just a can w/o baffles, filters etc. Paul suggested a PSC Motorsports set up that supplies high displacement type C pumps enclosed in a cannister of fluid with a specific Hydroboost resevoir. His advice is well respected and right on.

CAMAROBOY69
03-16-2006, 06:56 AM
My power steering gear box, pump, and brackets from Tyler arrived yesterday. I will start this manual steering to power steering conversion tonight. Along with the Hydratech Hydraboost conversion. I am sooo excited. Hope this goes well. I know its only a used power steering gear box but it should be a massive improvement over my current manual steering. I will take lots of pics like always. :twothumbs

CAMAROBOY69
03-17-2006, 04:42 AM
Started the install last night. :)
I had to cut the U bracket down about an inch and re-drill holes but so far thats all. I am not sure how the heck the steering column will attach to the power steering box since the manual seems to have something different where the column meets it. I am also going to get a new power steering pump with the 2nd return nipple so I can hook it up exacly how Paul told me to.
Here are a couple pics from last night. (warning: ugly pics)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img106.imageshack.us/my.php?image=19cn1.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img112.imageshack.us/my.php?image=27mz1.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img112.imageshack.us/my.php?image=33xn.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img112.imageshack.us/my.php?image=47ti.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img106.imageshack.us/my.php?image=58nb.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img106.imageshack.us/my.php?image=65lp.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img106.imageshack.us/my.php?image=71tx.jpg)

HILROD
03-17-2006, 05:23 AM
The rag joint coupler is different for ps to non ps. They are 60 bucks from Year One. I have a new rubber coupler I could send free if you paid shipping but I have none of the steel parts.FRANK

CAMAROBOY69
03-17-2006, 05:25 AM
I dont see how to attach it to the PS box? It looks like it is pressed into the manual box but the PS box has some teeth for something to slied onto.

CAMAROBOY69
03-17-2006, 05:29 AM
Here is a pic of what I am talking about. This shaft seems to be pressed inside of the manual box. I dont see how to get that shaft out. I assume I dont use that same shaft for the PS box right???
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img53.imageshack.us/my.php?image=manualbox6zj.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img93.imageshack.us/my.php?image=psshaft8ee.jpg)

gmachine68
03-17-2006, 05:44 AM
adam i believ the ps box is taller, thus not needing the shaft like the manual one has, the ps box should go right up close to the steering column then just hook rag joint up, i will get a pic
jake

CAMAROBOY69
03-17-2006, 05:46 AM
Thanks Jake. That was actually my next question was if someone could get me some close up pics of how their power steering box and power steering pumps bolted up. I guess I could look at my 79 truck but I am not sure if it would be the same.

CAMAROBOY69
03-17-2006, 05:54 AM
Here is a pic Jake sent. I think he is right looks like the PS pump is longer. If thats correct I am ready for that ragjoint from you HILROD.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img20.imageshack.us/my.php?image=psboxtocolumn0027ro.jpg)

Rick Dorion
03-17-2006, 06:14 AM
I had a 11" booster pushing my new Baer 12" brakes front and rear on my 69 Camaro and was disappointed that I couldn't lock up the brakes. In fact the braking was soft at best. Talked about MC bore sizes, different MC's ect. decided to go with a Hydratech Hydroboost. Concurrently, we switched from a Z/28 quick ratio Gm box to a DSE 600 and a new MC recommended by Paul at Hydratech. The braking improved dramatically as did the steering feel, however my new type C PS pump would squawk and squeal. The resevoir was just a can w/o baffles, filters etc. Paul suggested a PSC Motorsports set up that supplies high displacement type C pumps enclosed in a cannister of fluid with a specific Hydroboost resevoir. His advice is well respected and right on.
Was that the pump DSE provides? I haven't had a problem with theirs.

CAMAROBOY69
03-17-2006, 01:10 PM
Wait a minute. Am I mistaken or do I see the piece I need already on the car? I looked at the pics and at the bottom of the ragjoint is the metal piece with the spline that comes from the manual box. It looks to me like all I would have to do is put the power steering box in and just bolt that directly to it. Is that right? :doh:

CarlC
03-17-2006, 07:52 PM
Adam,

There are three components necessary to complete the coupling system: 1) The steering column (with flange attached), 2) Steering box (with input splines), and 3) The rag joint (coupling).

You do not have a rag joint in any of your pictures. You will need the rag joint to complete the assembly.

The rag joint has one side with a female spline that mates to the steering box male input spline. The rag joint has an axial split along the spline and a bolt that will clamp the rag joint to the steering box input spline. The other end that attaches to the steering column has two holes for through bolts, and two additional slots that mate to pins on the rag joint that provide both alignment assistance and acts as a safety backup. Often, the two bolts that are used have a heavy shoulder and are different diameters. In other words, they are special. The only rag joints that I have ever liked are the OEM types. The repair kits offered in the HELP! packages are junk.

There are instructions and assembly pictures in the GM Assembly Instruction Manual. This book is by far the best referance for correctly assembling any major system on your car when using stock components. Though you are using aftermarket components, basically the fitment is stock. There is a picture on my website in the hydraboost section that has a shot of my old, stock, rag joint.

CAMAROBOY69
03-20-2006, 04:45 AM
Update. I spent saturday morning getting the rag joint off of my manual gear box. I had to beat the heck out of it then I found out the diameter of the PS shaft is a little bigger. Conclusion: I am going to end up buying a new ragjoint anyway just because this ones diameter is too small. :injured:

CAMAROBOY69
03-20-2006, 07:10 AM
Nevermind I ended up getting the aftermarket coupler joint for half the price.

dendrizzi
03-28-2006, 08:15 PM
Adam,

What aftermarket company did you buy the joint from??
thanks

CAMAROBOY69
03-29-2006, 04:31 AM
Adam,

What aftermarket company did you buy the joint from??
thanks
Lately I try to buy everything from NPD (National Parts Depot) THey usually have the cheapest prices and they have 4 different locations. Lucky for me there is one right in Michigan so my parts usually arrive the next day. :) I have been buying the Mustang parts from them but now that I know they sell Camaro stuff too I have switched from Classic industries to NPD. http://www.npdlink.com/

CAMAROBOY69
03-29-2006, 05:20 AM
Jakes Power steering box came in last night and looks to be in great condition. I also bought a PS pump last night with the dual return nipples. When I get out of work I will be full throttle on getting all of this into the car. I still need a PS pulley and possibly some brackets. The good news is that if I get too desperate I can steal the brackets off of my 79 Chevy truck since this new PS pump is also 79 chevy. :)
Here is a pic of the pump and I will post an update tonight or tomorrow of the install.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img70.imageshack.us/my.php?image=im0061233xt.jpg)

CAMAROBOY69
03-31-2006, 08:41 AM
Time for another update. I got the box and rag joint all bolted up last night. Finally things are going in a positive direction. I also started hooking up the hydraboost lines to the box.
Didnt have any luck with finding a used PS bracket so I am going to just get brand brand new aluminum brackets and a new aluminum PS pulley. Hopefully I will have those late tonight. If I am lucky the brackets will work and so will the pulley. Then I could possibly get this all bolted up over the weekend and test everything out.

CAMAROBOY69
04-04-2006, 05:03 PM
Well finally some GREAT news!! Got everything all hooked up tonight and actually took the Camaro for a ride!!! Holy crap I have never driven a single car in my life that stops as good as my Camaro!! Not even my 1996 Formula with full disk brakes or a couple of the C5 Corvettes that I drove stop this good. Massive difference. Words cant explain the difference in my car now. The brakes almost thru Heather and I into the windshield! To top that off I have to try and get used to the killer power steering. Its seriously like a whole new car. I honestly see no reason to upgrade my brakes any time soon at all. It works so well with stock brakes. The angle of the pump doesnt seem to be a problem yet but I will see how it does on some hard cornering within the next few days. I just dont know what else to say besides thank you Paul from Hydratech. You have an incredible product that I am more than proud to run on my car. :headbang: :headbang:

Rick Dorion
04-05-2006, 03:38 AM
Congrats. It took a bit to retrain my left foot :)

Jagarang
04-05-2006, 05:09 AM
Wow sounds exciting! Congratulations and glad to finally hear that things worked out!! Are you still trying to go to the races, or was it the Gingerbread thing that go canceled the one you were trying to make it to?
Be carefully driving that thing with Heather in it! She's to cute to go through a windshield!!!!

CAMAROBOY69
04-05-2006, 05:15 AM
Kevin your right shes too cute and it really is going to take some getting used to. I have been driving this car with manual steering for 3 years so the first corner I took I almost curbed it. Im not used to the car at all. I can turn the wheel with my finger even when its sitting still. Very strange for me. BUt in a good way.
The Gingerman event is next friday the 14th. Yeah next week!!! Thats why I have been busting my butt to get this done. Thats also why you havent got your dose of teabagging in Halo 2. :machine: :lmao: