Why hydroboost? Why convert over?

[brrymnvette]

I see all these people wanting to run hydroboost or converting to it, but I don't know why? Can someone explain why it's better than running the vacuum setup? Is it just b/c it cleans up the firewall or is there actually a reason to do it?

[wmhjr]

1) Eliminates need to run a vacuum pump on high performance engines.
2) Allows for power brakes in applications that prevent normal location of vacuum booster.
3) Allows for more consistent power assist.
4) Provides emergency power brakes if engine has failed.

[AintQik]

Yeah, if you run a big cam this will allow you to run power brakes. Sometimes, there isn't enough vaccum with a big cam to get power boosters to work right.

[formula]

It also produces a lot higher line pressure which leads to even more WHOA-power, doesn't it?

[JChilders]

It's one of the best brake upgrades I have made. They feel much more solid all the time.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

was it a bish to put in?

what kits did you guys use?

ive been considering this also.

[Taman]

When I get my rear disc brakes, I will convert to manual. I have a cam that puts out very little vacuum so I run an electric SSB vacuum pump. I is VERY noisy. I have driven the Heidt's Camaro with manual brakes. Wasn't bad. If I was driving my TA everyday, I would go with the electric pump. I am still looking to find an OEM pump that is quieter. Some Cadillac's had them.

[JChilders]

I got my kit from prodigy customs. It was a while ago, but I remember it being really easy to put together. I did have some bleeding issues, but nothing serious.

[TonyL]

We ran a factory GM hydroboost setup off a GMC van on my dad's 57 pickup. All the parts are factory. It stops like it dropped a boat anchor compared to the old vacuum booster it had.

[Yelcamino]

was it a bish to put in?

what kits did you guys use?

ive been considering this also.

Call Paul at Hydratech. I've bought 4 of them from him over the last 5 years or so and every one of them was excellent quality and the customer service was top notch! You won't be disappointed.

They're no harder to install than a typical booster. The fluid lines are the only added complexity, but if you've ever made AN hoses before it's not a big deal.

[JRouche]

Not on a car, but its on my 12,000lb motor home. Talk about grab!! Just the lightest pedal push and it grabs the disks to a stop. So after feeling how fast they grab, and with some very high pressures I wonder if they would be difficult to modulate the braking on a car. No doubt the unit would be smaller.

But the question I would have is do they have the feel to modulate the braking during driving. I wouldnt want a braking system that is too touchy and it feels like its on or off. With a vacuum boosted MC you still get some modulation at the pedal due to the vacuum lag. A hydraulic/hydraulic system is gonna be less forgiving I think, not sure.. JR

[killer67]

No vacuum better power assist

[terryr]

But the question I would have is do they have the feel to modulate the braking during driving. JR

The hydraulic pressure is variable. The bypass valve is normally totally open. As you press the brake pedal, the valve begins to close. So a little brake = a little boost, full brakes = full boost.

[pitts64]

I have a HydroBoost on my Chevy 3500 work truck and prefer a power booster... But then again it's a truck.. It might be different on a car...

My 64 Poncho has 10" at idle and the brakes get a little hard every now and then. I may swap in a manual master. I wouldn't want a Hydro Boost like my truck has... Just my opinion...

BTW) NAPA sells the hydro boost for a 83 Olds 88 Diesel at a fraction of the cost of one of these conversion kits..
http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Det...+59999+2999999

[69bigblock]

I never had power anything so when I went with a power R&P so I then went with a HB. I would of needed a pump with a booster. My friend owns a junkyard so the HB was free..

[silver69camaro]

Personally, I never liked the feel of hydroboosted brakes. The pedal feel seems artificial...kinda like what an OEM steering box does to a steering system. I prefer vacuum, or better yet, manual.

[Rick Dorion]

I had hydroboost on my 69 and had some difficulty modulating in a surprise situation. If the car had been my sole transportation it might have been more natural. I think hydroboost needs ultra sticky tires minimally to maximize performance.

[pitts64]

That's the way my truck is.....

[ken67]

This may be a dumb question but can you use the hydroboost with drum rears?

[Roadbuster]

This may be a dumb question but can you use the hydroboost with drum rears?

Yes you can.