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    Results 1 to 12 of 12
    1. #1
      Join Date
      May 2011
      Posts
      19

      converting to hydro boost

      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.



    2. #2
      Join Date
      Feb 2010
      Location
      Centerburg, Ohio
      Posts
      51
      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.

    3. #3
      Join Date
      Jan 2010
      Location
      Amarillo, TX
      Posts
      13
      Country Flag: United States
      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...age/index.html

    4. #4
      Join Date
      Apr 2006
      Location
      Atlanta GA
      Posts
      7,477
      Im running hydroboost on my 67 Camaro.. and i love it...

    5. #5
      Join Date
      May 2011
      Posts
      19
      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?
      1986 Camaro Z28. TPI fueled 383. 430 hp, 466 lb ft. Still a work in progress but driven often

      A third gen that does more than go in a straight line

    6. #6
      Join Date
      Dec 2008
      Location
      Martin, TN
      Posts
      22
      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.
      Bryan Campbell

      70 Opel GT 462 Buick powered (Sold)
      75 Buick Gran Sport
      85 Buick Grand National
      86 Buick Grand National (Sold)
      87 Buick Grand National (Sold)
      05 Lotus Elise

    7. #7
      Join Date
      Oct 2010
      Location
      Beachwood, NJ
      Posts
      51

      Hydraboost

      I just installed it on a 78 Trans Am. Here are a couple pics.
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    8. #8
      Join Date
      May 2011
      Posts
      19
      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?
      1986 Camaro Z28. TPI fueled 383. 430 hp, 466 lb ft. Still a work in progress but driven often

      A third gen that does more than go in a straight line

    9. #9
      Join Date
      May 2011
      Location
      central Pa, USA
      Posts
      189
      Country Flag: United States
      Quote Originally Posted by Lex View Post
      I just installed it on a 78 Trans Am. Here are a couple pics.
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      you sure have a mess of lines running around there, I like that reservoir, it looks good.
      Tom

      trailers are for boats and broke stuff.

    10. #10
      Join Date
      Oct 2010
      Location
      Beachwood, NJ
      Posts
      51
      Yeah. I put a line lock in to have fun with but it added all kinds of plumbing!

    11. #11
      Join Date
      Oct 2006
      Location
      Pittsburgh Pa.
      Posts
      650
      Country Flag: United States
      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..

    12. #12
      Join Date
      Dec 2006
      Posts
      285
      I haves hydratech unit on my 68. Easily best investment on my car
      Chris Luxford

      68 Camaro 632 BBC

      61 Buick Lesabre - Daily Driver

      06 Prius - Wife's a tree hugger !




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