brakes: power vs. standard

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Dec 16, 2002 | 08:42 PM

70 LS1

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: May 2001

Posts: 2,812

Likes: 4

From: Gig Harbor Wa

brakes: power vs. standard

I currently have standard brakes that will soon incorporate an O-ring conversion for the calipers. My question is would it be worth it to convert to power brakes "while I am at it"? What all is involved in the conversion? Does it give you better brakes or just reduce pedal effort?

Thanks

Dec 16, 2002 | 10:59 PM

Big Fish

Safety Car

Joined: Jul 2002

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From: St. Charles IL

Cruise-In 5-6-7-8-9-11-12 Veteran

A CI-6 Car Show Winner

Re: brakes: power vs. standard (70 LS1)

Just my 2 cents: Under normal driving conditions power brakes are probably better because of reduced pedal effort and force required. Under extended periods of hard braking and wide open throttle operation you could "use up" the vacuum stored in the brake booster and not have very good brakes at all, or at least have brakes that are harder to stop with because of increased pedal effort. Therefore, with your standard (non-power) brakes your braking power should be more predictable under racing conditions. But of course under these conditions you would probably want racing rotors to reduce brake fade from heat. :steering:

Dec 17, 2002 | 08:47 AM

Fevre

Race Director

Joined: Mar 2001

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From: Living in the Hartland

Re: brakes: power vs. standard (70 LS1)

I have manual brakes like you and would only convert over to the hydro-system since it is about the same $, maybe cheaper if you go junkyardin', as converting to vac assisted power brakes. My brakes work fine so I am not to concerned about it for the time being.

Dec 17, 2002 | 08:49 AM

Alwyn678

Team Owner

Joined: Jun 2001

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From: Thomson Georgia

Re: brakes: power vs. standard (70 LS1)

I have driven and owned both and I prefer the power brakes without a doubt

Dec 17, 2002 | 01:40 PM

Flareside

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Joined: Dec 1999

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From: Roxbury NJ

Re: brakes: power vs. standard (70 LS1)

Quote:

I own both, and while the power is nice, it's not really necessary. I get used to either in a few seconds. Either car can lock up the tires at any speed that I've ever tried it. If I did convert to power brakes, I would go with the Hydroboost unit (Actually, I have the unit, but not the motivation to install it :lol:). Putting a vacuum booster in a manual car is a pain, because the pedal rod height, brake lines, and firewall mounts are all different.

-Joe

[EDIT] FYI, while I don't really have a preference, my wife absolutely loves the power brakes. I guess leg strength plays heavily into this decision.

[Modified by Flareside, 1:41 PM 12/17/2002]

Dec 17, 2002 | 01:49 PM

70 LS1

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: May 2001

Posts: 2,812

Likes: 4

From: Gig Harbor Wa

Re: brakes: power vs. standard (Flareside)

Thanks guys. Looks like I will keep the manual brakes and just upgrade the calipers and rotors.

Dec 17, 2002 | 02:40 PM

norvalwilhelm

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Joined: Nov 2000

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From: Waterloo ontario Canada

Re: brakes: power vs. standard (70 LS1)

I drove my vet for about 11 years without power then switched to hydraboost, used parts for about $100 total and find the braking far superior. I would never go back to non-power. I had performance friction bads but found them chewing up my rotors. Now I use wagner organic pads and replace them every year in routine maintanance.