Power booster or not?

[Fuelie Nova]

Ok,
The 66 Nova will be out of paint and ready to assemble in the next 5-6 weeks so I am starting to get serious about ordering my brakes. I am going to go with Wilwood using 10.75" rotors in front and 12.19" in rear. I am limited to these sizes because I want to run 15" cragar ss wheels for the nastolgic look.
The question is... has anyone ran the wilwood setup without a power booster? I am trying to figure out if I want power brakes or not.
Been looking at the Hydraboost setup but the complete package may be a little out of my price range.

Thanks for any opinions
Tom

[silver69camaro]

I love manual brakes, but my combo is significantly different from yours.

You may also have a significant bias mismatch with those rotor sizes as well.

[Fuelie Nova]

I agree... I am in the process of seeing if the 12.19 front setup for a MII will clear the 15" cragars. I have my doubts.
Tom

[zuess4u]

I have ran a few cars on manual brake systems, its more a matter of what you like.

I dont mind using a little more muscle to stop my cars.

Keep in mind as well, your running discs all around, which will increase your breaking performance alone. You may not mind going manual for a while, just to see how it feels.

Look at it this way, if you dont like it then spend the money on a booster, if spend the money on a booster first, more then likely you wont go back to manual, nor will you recover the money spent.

I forget who told me the "story" about a guy with a 67 Camaro that used to compete with manual drum brakes, and win often........then again...."story"....

Ive used and am installing a dual master cylinder set up with in cab bias adjustment. This will be the first time if used it for an street car, but the concept should be the same.

Good luck

[zuess4u]

I have ran a few cars on manual brake systems, its more a matter of what you like.

I dont mind using a little more muscle to stop my cars.

Keep in mind as well, your running discs all around, which will increase your breaking performance alone. You may not mind going manual for a while, just to see how it feels.

Look at it this way, if you dont like it then spend the money on a booster, if spend the money on a booster first, more then likely you wont go back to manual, nor will you recover the money spent.

I forget who told me the "story" about a guy with a 67 Camaro that used to compete with manual drum brakes, and win often........then again...."story"....

Ive used and am installing a dual master cylinder set up with in cab bias adjustment. This will be the first time if used it for an street car, but the concept should be the same.

Good luck

Maybe I should slow down and check my grammer.....

[hotrodf1]

Another thing to think about: There are ways to DIY on the Hydroboost system. Just takes a little bit o fabrication on the mounting bracket and connection to the pedal. And a little imagination (or a few bucks) to hook it up to the PS system. I'm going to use hoses from a 81 Olds toronado diesel (I think they'll work, not finished yet).

There's a few threads around about it. I got my booster for $75 from a 93 chevy pickup, and it was a reman., done in the USA!

good luck whatever you decide!

[6'9"Witha69]

I had the same 10.75 F 12" R setup on my '69 for a while. Same manual MC as with my larger 12.19x12.19 setup. Worked well. Had to put a lot of rear pressure in and got a LOT better braking with the larger Fr rotors.

[Fuelie Nova]

Ya... my problem is that I do not want to get away from the 15" caragar ss wheels. Trying to keep the nastolgic look, according to my sources, I could fit the 11" rotor in the front and 12.19 in the back. To the best of my knowledge 12.19 is the smallest they make for the ford 9".
Just not sure of how it would be running smaller rotors in the front
Tg

[Tom Welch]

90's model Lincoln Town car rear rotors are 10" or 10.5". I'm using them on my 67 Firebird.

[Fuelie Nova]

Does anyone know if Hydratech is still in business? I see they were moving but were expecting to be back up running by now. I got the new number and tried calling and left a message with no response. Also no response to email and cannot register at the website forum.

Tg