I plan on installing a hydroboost since I'm going to run my itb's in a short while.
I heard it can be tricky in view of pump flow and pressure. So what's the deal with it.

 

I never had any problem with mine, but I am running a type II pump with a remote reservoir using two returns and a Jeep steering box. I have heard of some having problems with using a single return and using a “T” for the second line, but not everyone. If you are using a kit, it should be fine. If putting your own parts together, you could get a hydro specific pump (truck - van) and it would be setup with the correct flow/pressure. I used random parts and mine works fine. Many have added a second return nipple to their pump and had no problems. GM designed the hydro specific reservoirs to manage any back-pressure or foaming. If needed the pressure regulator/spring can be changed.

 

I installed a Hydratech Hydroboost system in a 1963...and had no problems. I did not need to change the p/s pump/reservoir on the new LS7 engine....and other than getting the fluid in and the system bled...NO PROBLEMS at all.... and the improvement to the brake system was "day/night".

DUB

 

So it has to do with having a double return fitting to the pump housing.

 

Old wives' tale, I have a T fitting in my return, and it's not an issue....

been that way for years.....

 

100%
On the system I installed...all it took was ONE "T" fitting in teh return hose.... and to date...no problems.

DUB

 

T fitting is fine. There are little tricks on line to boost a std pumps output, but I do not see a difference on the ones I have modified. I have Hydroboost off a Astro van and run a 78 VetteM/C w power brakes and it stops like a champ. I am also running borgeson steering w modified Jeep box. Not sure how the vette power set up responds to the cylinder and hydraulics.

I believe the site is Red Neck Ram. It is a site that does hydro assist steering for offroad vehicles.

 

Gene, you can call it a wife's tale if you want. I am sure yours works great, just as my junkyard system does. But, I have seen some setups with problems. There can be a problem of back pressure to the hydroboost. If you are building your own system and using a "T" you want a straight line from the hydroboost back to the reservoir.
Like this picture

If the brake return is coming into the "T" fitting in the perpendicular leg there could be some backpressure, it could also be a problem if the "T" you picked out has restrictive ID. Buying a kit it is usually sorted out and with complete directions. You can put parts together (like I did ) and have no problems, or you might have something a little "Off". Little things like having a slight bit of slack in the pedal to keep from dragging the brakes, and having the rod going into the master cylinder long enough to have zero slack, make for a really good system. I also recommend braided flex lines as the line pressure can be double what a vacuum booster puts out.

 

OK, I will pry out the long story now....I bought my '72 in '95, and had on hand a left over serp drive setup from a boat project....

so put it on the '72 with L98 induction.....being as the serp drive had a different config on the pump setup and so forth, I used the '72 vette valving in the L98 pump complete, ALL of it....and so with the vac booster and the '72 valves in the L98 pump ('87 vette) I drove it for years, always hating the brakes and of course the steering....

I have upgraded tires and suspension from '95 yet.....and having owned a '87 vette was more used to the upgraded performance in handling....I sold MY '87 vette to buy this '72.....and because of a boat project, bought the complete engine out of a wrecked '87 vette just by happenstance.....go figger......

SO winter of 01-02 I went with the popular Grand Am rack on my own install, all I did was hook up the lines and it ran fine....felt great, and handled well....not an issue in the world.....

AND over some few years some guy and some followers brought up the HydroBoost conversion....I held back a bit...and finally ordered one off Ebay.....complete with lines and whatever, did my own homework on the install, and put in that T fitting in the return without a seconds' thought.....

HB works, car handles nice....NOW I not into any autocross competition, so maybe there are SOME shortcomings, but I drive fairly quick, enough to bug out my wife, anyway.....but she is a '62 y/o granny, and I just turned '70.....so WTF , it works and I"m happy...never an issue with rapid wheel or braking.....