converting to hydro boost

[rcravincase]

I have an '86 Z28 that is my project and dream car. I'm having some issues with the vacuum assist for the power brakes. The motor has a bit of a cam in it, just enough duration ([email protected]") to cause some issues. Considering its age as well, I wanted to replace the booster. I like the idea of the hydroboost setup as I will eventually put a bigger intake, cam, and headers on the car, with the possibility of turbo later on down the road. I saw that pretty much any gm truck setup will work. Are there any write ups or anyone who has done this before? I used search but couldn't find anything.

[srt1010]

I went to a hydro-boost about two years ago. Had the same issues, with vacuum. I'm running a comp custom ground solid roller somewhere around 262 @ .050. It's one of the best upgrades I've done next to the Tremec. It will just about put you through the windshield. I bought a complete kit, but my buddy built one for his chevelle and had half in it that I paid. He had more headaches but saved some coin. He used the hydro-boost from a chevy astro van. You can find them on e-bay pretty cheap and do a search for the brackets that mount to the firewall.

[warpedoak]

I'm assembling parts for this conversion as well. Car Craft did an article on the conversion and I'm loosely following it. They paid $85 for their booster, but I bought one at my local pull your own part for $20. There was alot of Astros that had this, so it should be fairly easy to find one. Here is a link to the Car Craft article.

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/ccrp_1105_chevy_astro_van_hydroboost_salvage/index.html

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

Im running hydroboost on my 67 Camaro.. and i love it...

[rcravincase]

thanks. ill take a peek around the next time im in the yard. i just replaced the hydroboost in my silverado and got to thinking about it. now what bracket is it i should look for, the peice that covers over the original hole for the vacuum booster? also, would i still be able to use my stock master cylinder?

[Wrecked Em]

My 85 Buick GN has the Hydroboost brakes. I love them and have not had any issues in the 10+ years I have owned the car.

[Lex]

I just installed it on a 78 Trans Am. Here are a couple pics.
4672546724

[rcravincase]

what master cylinder did you use? i sent a message to wilwood a while ago and never got a word back from them. there are a few astro's and late model vans with good hydroboost systems in them. is the p/s pump any different between the standard and the hydroboost?

[grenade inspector]

I just installed it on a 78 Trans Am. Here are a couple pics.
4672546724

you sure have a mess of lines running around there, I like that reservoir, it looks good.

[Lex]

Yeah. I put a line lock in to have fun with but it added all kinds of plumbing!

[pitts64]

After a lot of work on my 64 Pontiac with 10" of vacuum at idle, here is what worked for me.

Keep the stock power booster, don't use an after market reserve vacuum can (waste of money) and change the brake pedal ratio to the manual setting...

If your still not happy, change to manual.. A well thought out manual system is the best in my book.. However, I work construction and have fairly strong legs..

[cluxford]

I haves hydratech unit on my 68. Easily best investment on my car