Power Brake Upgrade Question
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,541
Likes: 448
From: Central Pennsylvania
Power Brake Upgrade Question
I'm converting a non-power brake car to power brakes ('70 coupe, 4-spd). Does the power booster unit utilize the two holes that the non-power M/C mounting bolts are in, or do I need to drill 4 new holes instead of 2? I'm hoping when I knock out the non-power M/C mounting bolts that the two holes match up with 2 of the studs on the power booster. Anybody? :confused: :confused: :confused:
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: Power Brake Upgrade Question (ettev)
I think the holes are there. I installed power brakes on my car this past winter. I had to go with hydro boost because of clearance between the tall valve covers on my bigblock. The hardest part was the nut top left. I spent and entire evening just reinstalling it. It was worth it to get rid of the non-power hard pedal. This is a picture of the hydro-boost. Very powerful and compact. Cost $20 at the wreckers. From a 85 chev van diesel.
Norval
Norval
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 866
Likes: 1
From: Peabody,MA,USA
Re: Power Brake Upgrade Question (ettev)
I don't want to be offensive but I can't understand the motivation for power brakes. I can't really notice any difference between my manual brakes in my Vette and my power in my Suburban and my wifes Volvo. Is my leg much stronger than yours . It may be because my car is a 4 speed that I am too busy shifting to notice the difference in braking effort. I personally wouldn't want power brakes because it is just more clutter under the hood. If I had power brakes I would remove them. I do see many posts here wanting power brakes and many people go through allot of effort to get power brakes
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,541
Likes: 448
From: Central Pennsylvania
Re: Power Brake Upgrade Question (73Ken73)
I have to believe power brakes are better, otherwise wouldn't they still be optional on current model cars? I'm just going back over my car and installing the options that someone was too cheap to go for when it was ordered new. Stereo radio, rear window defroster, better rear ratio (subjective as far as "better"), and power brakes. Only thing I can't bring myself to tackle is the installation of factory air conditioning. Now THAT would be an installation requirring a lot of effort. If (and I doubt I ever will) sell this particular car, I've got to also believe that some of these options increase the value. :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,562
Likes: 1
From: (Temporarily) Colorado Springs Colorado
Re: Power Brake Upgrade Question (73Ken73)
I have to agree with 73ken on this one. I also don't have power brakes, and really don't see a need for them. As far as options go and increasing the value of the Vette ... it seems big block and factory high horsepower and air seems to be the most value add to the price of the Vette. After driving my Vette all day and getting into either one of my daily drives, I have to be careful not to throw myself through the windshield when stepping on the brakes for the first few times. :crazy: :eek: :D :lol:
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: Power Brake Upgrade Question (ettev)
I drove without power brakes in my vet for 12 years and hated the pedal effort. I would let others drive my car but was always embarrassed with the brakes. Not anymore. The pedal effort is now the same as my new dodge truck. Effortless.
Norval
Norval
Drifting
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 1,468
Likes: 1
From: Kirkland WA
Re: Power Brake Upgrade Question (norvalwilhelm)
I'll play on the the other side of this, too. When I got my car it didn't have power steering OR power brakes. I've since added both (I should say, I had them added) :cool:
Makes all the difference in the world. Car stops with much less effort, easier on the legs, etc. Since I split time with this and my C5, PS and PB makes the cruising experience that much better. I would be interesting to have two identically optioned cars (minus PB) have a 60-0 stopping test and see which stops better. My guess would be the PB car, but I have no facts to back that up. :D
Makes all the difference in the world. Car stops with much less effort, easier on the legs, etc. Since I split time with this and my C5, PS and PB makes the cruising experience that much better. I would be interesting to have two identically optioned cars (minus PB) have a 60-0 stopping test and see which stops better. My guess would be the PB car, but I have no facts to back that up. :D
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 145
Re: Power Brake Upgrade Question (Corellian Corvette)
As I understand it, power brakes will NOT help your car stop any better. All that happens is that less pedal effort is required.
What power brakes do manage to do is ruin any feel in the pedals. You tap the brakes lightly to modulate the car's weight and you come to an unexpected screeching halt.
Then again, I do not understand power steering, either.
What power brakes do manage to do is ruin any feel in the pedals. You tap the brakes lightly to modulate the car's weight and you come to an unexpected screeching halt.
Then again, I do not understand power steering, either.
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 446
Likes: 62
From: Sugar Land Texas
Re: Power Brake Upgrade Question (ettev)
Actually there is an aftermarket A/C system that I plan to install replacing the sub-par system I have in my 75. Vintage Air makes a system that fits where the current plenum box is located inside the passenger's side dash. It will free up the space taken on the firewall in the engine compartment. I need the space. Also, I am told it out performs the OEM system, but looks OEM. Parts are around $1200.00.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,429
Likes: 14
From: CA
Re: Power Brake Upgrade Question (Kevin Mason)
I've driven a Vette with no power, & it's not bad. But my '71 has pwr steering & brakes - it makes the car feel lighter.
It would probably reduce wear on componets too
It would probably reduce wear on componets too
