Hydroboost install obstacles

[F-Body International]

I want to start off by saying thanks to Fast Warehouse for working with me on with where I'm at this point. I tried their plate and picked an Astro hydrobooster from a local junkyard so I'm currently under $150 so far but I still need to pick up lines and fittings to finish it. This is for my '79 Trans Am 400 4spd so hopefully this info helps anyone with a 2nd gen Camaro/Firebird.

I had an issue with the Fast Warehouse bracket not fitting my pedal assembly initially but after talking with them, they sent me a new adapter plate that works great. I also have the special hydroboost socket rented out from them as well. My only issue at this point was that I never got a direction sheet so I'm more or less figuring this thing out with help as I go. This thread should free up some issues others may have if going about a similar install. For anyone interested, Fast Warehouse sells the adapter plate but not a full on kit like Hydratech or Tallon at this point.

Here is where we're starting on this...


Again, I had an issue with the original plate (machining error) but that has been addressed and it bolts up now with no issue at all. I noticed it flips the booster around unlike how the Chevy Astro orientation normally is but this provides more valve cover clearance.



Question #1 - How do I attach the push rod? With no directions and looking at what I was supplied, I assume that I have to chop off the end and get the push rod threaded?




Answer - The existing hydraboost pushrod must be cut and then threaded for 3/8-24 to fit their heim joint pushrod. In my case, I also cut down the gold threaded turnbuckle adjuster because it was too long. After this was complete, the brake pedal is fully adjustable now. An alternate route in order to not cut and thread your own pushrod is to use one from Talon Hydraulics. Link to the Tallon threaded pushrods... http://www.tallonhydraulics.com/stor...ex&cPath=42_14

Finished adjustment locked down.





Question #2 - Do I use the top or bottom hole on my brake pedal? With the stock hydroboost push rod attached to the lower hole, it catches on the booster unit when the pedal is depressed. From what I've gathered the top hole should be for manual brakes. The top "manual" hole, however, has a much straighter angle to depress the push rod and won't bind when the hydroboost is installed but the travel is less than the lower "power assist" hole.

Answer - Since switching to the hydroboost setup with the Fast Warehouse bracket, you need to use the upper hole where the brake switch plate attaches.

Resting position (not depressed) with push rod attached to lower hole...


Here you can see how the push rod binds if it's attached to the lower hole on my pedal and is depressed...


This is where the attachment goes in order to provide good pushrod orientation. You can also see the lower hole/pin that would cause bind in the previous picture...


Here is another picture where it needs to push the brake light switch.