Baer Brakes hard pedal?

[cakneller]

I've recently installed the baer track front and sport rears.
I have power brakes with the factory style booster and baers proportioning valve to the rear. I'm not sure how much vacuum the engine makes, but it is a 383 with a comp cams XE274. When I first start the car the pedal is low but there, then after I rev. it a little the pedal feels good. As I start to drive though I'd say it feels hard and it is really hard to get it to lock up.



I know hydroboost would be great, but $$$$$. Is it worth trying manual brakes? I'm not sure what that's like, or should I try a smaller master cylinder? Is there any difference of vacuum from the back of the carb vs. the intake?

thanks,
chris

[LTorres]

Sounds like if you drove with your foot on the gas and the brakes your problem would be solved!! Totally kidding:icon_razz

Vacuum gauges are pretty easy to come by....have it checked. You should see between 15-20 inches vacuum. If not... this may be your issue. Since you are getting better pedal feel when revving the engine I would bet that vacuum is low from the get go. What is the lift and duration of the cam you installed?

[cakneller]

the duration is 230 / 236 at 0.50
or 274/286 from comp cams
lift .490 w1.5rockers, 110 degree sep.

[Travis B]

the duration is 230 / 236 at 0.50
or 274/286 from comp cams
lift .490 w1.5rockers, 110 degree sep.

I'm sure that is border line on vaccum.....I would get a gauge and check it at idle and low speeds

[LTorres]

the duration is 230 / 236 at 0.50
or 274/286 from comp cams
lift .490 w1.5rockers, 110 degree sep.

I bet a gauge will show that you are producing around 8-12 inches vacuum(a bit low IMO), most likely the cause of the issue you are having. Give Paul over at Hydratech a call, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised that the price is not all that bad.

[cakneller]

thanks.
Do you think manual brakes are worth a try?
Also, how much vacuum is nedded optimally?

[LTorres]

thanks.
Do you think manual brakes are worth a try?
Also, how much vacuum is nedded optimally?

Do you think manual brakes are worth a try?

With the right bore MC....YES. What bore MC are you running?

Also, how much vacuum is nedded optimally?
17-20 inches of Mercury

[cakneller]

I think it's 15/16" from Baer.
Came with the kit.

[MrQuick]

you can try a vac reservoir can but that cam should be fine. might need some tuning??

[72NovaSS]

an electric vaccum pump could fix the problem right?

[Travis B]

you will also need piston size to select the right MC......

I plan on running a manual set-up in my car!

[cakneller]

I think the electric vacuum pump might not keep up with autcrossing.
Travis have you driven a similair car with manual brakes?
I'm wondering what they feel like compared to power brakes.
I don't mind brakes that take a little effort, but I'd like my wife to be able to occasionally drive the car.

[datsbad]

I HAVE FOUND THIS SAME HARD PEDAL TO BE TRUE WITH ALL MY BAER BRAKE KITS, Call Paul at Hyratech . he can help

[MrQuick]

lok out, Dats is yelling again! LOL don't forget a PS cooler.

[datsbad]

sorry man ! I sometimes forget

[OneslowZ28]

I had the same problem with my 383. i hooked up a vac can and was able to get a second push out of the pedal. it was scary trying to stop after a 1/4 mile run doing 100+mph. That would be the cheap way out.