After learning an expensive lesson with Monster transmissions I am doing a bit more research before moving forward with another customers car. He has a 66 that I am putting a 502 in. He wants to keep the aluminum valve covers but wants power brakes. hydratech is one of the main ones that I have heard mentioned. I googled Hydratech hydroboost problems and found a few with leaks and fitment issues but those threads were from close to 10 years ago so Im assuming they are fixed by now. Are they as good as every body says? My gut feeling is yes but I just wanted to make sure. Thanks
Nick

 

Before I share my experience, please understand that I am not bashing Hydroboost, as they have many satisfied customers, and my experience may be an anomaly.

Having not done adequate research on brake system design prior to swapping my '72 Suburban from DISC/DRUM to DISC/DISC, I found that post swap, the pedal feel on the boosted system was excessive, and still not capable of locking up the brakes, no matter how hard I stood on them. I was under the mistaken impression that hydroboost would fix the issue. The real issue was that I was not getting enough pressure at the caliper. That can be fixed via a number of different avenues....I chose to reduce my master cylinder bore diameter from 1 1/8 down to 15/16....problem solved!

With regard to my Hydraboost experience, I ordered one of their systems to the tune of $800-ish dollars if memory serves me correctly. The systems are built on an "as ordered" basis....they don't start assembling your system until you place the order. The estimated delivery time was 3 to 4 weeks. After 3 weeks, I had done some additional research into brake systems and was fairly confident I could remedy my issue without the added complexity of the Hydraboost system. I called Hydraboost in order to inquire about a cancellation of my order given the fact that it had not shipped yet....knowing full well that I would likely have to take delivery at this point and then attempt to resell the system on a forum or auction site. I received the run around about who I needed to talk to, with numerous dead ends within the company. For another two weeks, I called, emailed, numerous individuals with no definitive response. They would neither tell me that there was no refund and that I had to accept the system, or that they would issue a refund...I was completely in limbo. At week 8, I had neither received my system, nor been issued a refund, so I contacted my credit card company and had them handle the issue. I sent them all order information and email correspondences with Hydraboost. The matter was resolved in 48 hours and I had my refund.

At no point in my interaction with Hydraboost did I get the impression that they were trying to "screw" me....I think they are a shop, run by enthusiasts that aren't very good at customer service. I was completely willing to accept the fact that I had ordered a product that was made on demand, and accept a "no return" policy if that was in-fact, the policy. Unfortunately, the communication was terrible, and after two months of no product, and no refund, I felt that I had no option but to send my credit card company after them.

In retrospect, I should have done my research in advance. There is certainly a market for the Hydraboost system, in my application however, there was a much simpler solution had I just done some research into brake system design.

,
Greg

 

I have used the hyroboost system from hydratech on 2 of my cars (66 Chevellle and 63 SWC Resto mod) and in both cases I'm ecstatic with the results. The key in my opinion is to ensure the correct pump sizing is used and the proper reservoir. Both cases resulted in measured linear performance and not overly touchy pedals that you hear so much about. I had a manual booster on the Chevelle originally and in an emergency stop it simply did not stop fast enough. Meanwhile I had Wilwood discs all around with 6 pistons calipers up front and 4 in the rear. Once I added the hydroboost with the correct GPM all stopping concerns were eliminated.





Reservoir<br/><br/>



Clearance for colis



Chevelle



Tom Lee Reservoir<br/>

 

My thinking on the hydraulic boost issue has nothing to do the Hydraboost - I just don't like the idea of the power steering pump going out and losing power steering and brakes. Any evidence I'm just over cautious.

I've done 3 cars now with manual brakes (Wilwood master) and they do not require a lot of effort and have great feel. And best of all, it's simple.

 

I'm 100% with you

 

For what this is worth.

I have installed several Hydra Tech system in Corvette resto-mods and they are DAY-NIGHT change.

The hydroboost outperforms the power brakes I had taken off an also the manual brake systems.

So it all depends on how well the system you currently have preforms for you.

I can say that on these Corvettes I installed them in they did NOT have a locking steering column due to being a 1963 and a 1967. So...when I shut off the ignition while driving...I could stop the car.

DUB

 

Dub, I realize this thread is from June 2018, but I have a question. I am dropping an LS3 into a 65 coupe, that originally had power steering. I want to upgrade to a hyroTech (or Hydro boost) system After talking to Jim at HydraTech he gave me two options. Part 3002 is a straight shaft, but will interfere with the coils, so I'd have to remote at least the back two coils on the drivers side. Option 2 is Part 3005 which is angled 6 degrees up, but Jim said you need a big block hood on '63 and '64's. He's not sure about '65 and later C2's. Have you dropped an LS3 in a small block car with HydraTech but not gone to a big block hood?

 

The thread is a couple years old. You might contact DUB by PM if you want a direct answer from him, or start a new thread.