Brake booster: Hydro boost or vacuum?
03-25-2005, 12:19 AM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Brake booster: Hydro boost or vacuum?
Just got in from an evening cruise, and I have decided that the first mod to my new 69 will be power brakes. I feel very uneasy in the San Diego traffic with the manuals. I know that the calipers are good, as they are new SS, and the master cylender is new as well.
My question is, is the hydratec hydrobooster (~$550) really a better choice than an original vacuum booster (~$160)? The price difference says, "NO!" I am currently running the stock 350/300 hp engine, but I think even my 425hp 350 will produce enough vacuum for the standard booster.
Comments/suggestions?
My question is, is the hydratec hydrobooster (~$550) really a better choice than an original vacuum booster (~$160)? The price difference says, "NO!" I am currently running the stock 350/300 hp engine, but I think even my 425hp 350 will produce enough vacuum for the standard booster.
Comments/suggestions?
03-25-2005, 01:04 AM
#3
Pro
Member Since: Sep 2002
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Personally, I would go with the HydraBoost. That way you can use any cam you want, and not worry about low vacuum. It does cost more, and is more involved on the install.
You might find a good hydrabooster in a salvage yard for a fraction of the cost. Look for one in a late model 1 ton GM truck. If you go that route, be sure to get the power steering pump as well because they produce more pressure to handle the steering as well as the booster.
Maybe you could get the vacuum booster for now, and if you decide later get the Hydraboost.
www.bigdogvettes.com
You might find a good hydrabooster in a salvage yard for a fraction of the cost. Look for one in a late model 1 ton GM truck. If you go that route, be sure to get the power steering pump as well because they produce more pressure to handle the steering as well as the booster.
Maybe you could get the vacuum booster for now, and if you decide later get the Hydraboost.
www.bigdogvettes.com
03-25-2005, 01:22 AM
#4
Drifting
Member Since: Mar 2001
Location: Valencia (near LA) CA
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If I'm not mistaken, converting from manual to vacuume is not as simple as bolting on the booster. I think there is quite a bit of work to get it to fit.
The hydroboost kit is a direct bolt on. That doesn't mean it's an easy install, but it's not that hard. When I installed mine the engine was out of the car so it was pretty easy. It only took about 3 hours to bolt it in, carefully move the brake lines, run the hoses and take the driver seat out and climb in upside down like a monkey to attach the clevis pin!
I've had the Hydroboost kit now for over a year and I REALLY like it! It is very easy to modulate the brakes and the feel is very linear. It makes all but the best brakes in the world seem spongey.
As a bonus, the smaller size makes it easy if ou want to stuff huge valve covers in there.
~Jay
The hydroboost kit is a direct bolt on. That doesn't mean it's an easy install, but it's not that hard. When I installed mine the engine was out of the car so it was pretty easy. It only took about 3 hours to bolt it in, carefully move the brake lines, run the hoses and take the driver seat out and climb in upside down like a monkey to attach the clevis pin!
I've had the Hydroboost kit now for over a year and I REALLY like it! It is very easy to modulate the brakes and the feel is very linear. It makes all but the best brakes in the world seem spongey.
As a bonus, the smaller size makes it easy if ou want to stuff huge valve covers in there.
~Jay
03-25-2005, 03:05 AM
#5
Originally Posted by Jay M
If I'm not mistaken, converting from manual to vacuume is not as simple as bolting on the booster. I think there is quite a bit of work to get it to fit.
The hydroboost kit is a direct bolt on. That doesn't mean it's an easy install, but it's not that hard. When I installed mine the engine was out of the car so it was pretty easy. It only took about 3 hours to bolt it in, carefully move the brake lines, run the hoses and take the driver seat out and climb in upside down like a monkey to attach the clevis pin!
I've had the Hydroboost kit now for over a year and I REALLY like it! It is very easy to modulate the brakes and the feel is very linear. It makes all but the best brakes in the world seem spongey.
As a bonus, the smaller size makes it easy if ou want to stuff huge valve covers in there.
~Jay
The hydroboost kit is a direct bolt on. That doesn't mean it's an easy install, but it's not that hard. When I installed mine the engine was out of the car so it was pretty easy. It only took about 3 hours to bolt it in, carefully move the brake lines, run the hoses and take the driver seat out and climb in upside down like a monkey to attach the clevis pin!
I've had the Hydroboost kit now for over a year and I REALLY like it! It is very easy to modulate the brakes and the feel is very linear. It makes all but the best brakes in the world seem spongey.
As a bonus, the smaller size makes it easy if ou want to stuff huge valve covers in there.
~Jay
and did I say
03-25-2005, 07:06 AM
#6
Race Director
I was going to go the vacuum route a few yeras ago and had all the pieces ready to install. It is not that easy as said above. The Hydroboost was a breeze to install and the brakes are way better than any vacuum system I have driven. The Hydroboost is the way to go.
03-25-2005, 07:42 AM
#7
Race Director
Member Since: Nov 2000
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I'm a big fan of hydroboost. It is far stronger then any vacuum system. I went the wrecker route and including lines have less then $125 in a good unit from a 94 one ton truck.
03-25-2005, 09:10 AM
#8
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
So if I do go with a hydro, do I need to upgrade the PS pump? What type of pump should I go with?
Also, does anyone know if the gents at Hydratech offer discounts for forum/military members?
Also, does anyone know if the gents at Hydratech offer discounts for forum/military members?
03-25-2005, 11:24 AM
#9
Race Director
I am using the stock pump on mine with no problems at all. There was a group purchase a while ago but I think it expired. Contact Paul and see what he can do for you. Good guy to deal with.
03-25-2005, 03:25 PM
#11
Pro
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The Hydraboost breaking system is by far one of the best mods you can do to a vette. Even with everything new, the factory booster system doesnt come close in stopping power as compared to the Hydraboost.
