hydraulic brake boost?
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
hydraulic brake boost?
I came here looking for some information/experience that some of you may have to offer.
While looking for the way to keep the master cylinder in the stock location on a retro-rod ('55 210 post coupe) and still clear the valve covers from a tall deck rat (572 crate), I ran into some pictures of a big block with big valve covers in a C4 or C5 with hyrda-boost. I can't find the site anymore, and I need to order some stuff pretty much right away. Anyone here know who the supplier(s) might be?
Another question: since we will be running 4 wheel discs, the braking setup should not be unlike a C4 in both size and type. Any comments on how the whole thing (hydraboosted, that is) works?
Pat
While looking for the way to keep the master cylinder in the stock location on a retro-rod ('55 210 post coupe) and still clear the valve covers from a tall deck rat (572 crate), I ran into some pictures of a big block with big valve covers in a C4 or C5 with hyrda-boost. I can't find the site anymore, and I need to order some stuff pretty much right away. Anyone here know who the supplier(s) might be?
Another question: since we will be running 4 wheel discs, the braking setup should not be unlike a C4 in both size and type. Any comments on how the whole thing (hydraboosted, that is) works?
Pat
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 4
From: Grand Rapids Mi
One of my Vette? magazines had a article on a change-over conversion for this a few years ago? Can't remember name of company or date of magazine but remember very positive review. Ran boost off ps pump like diesel and had really firm pedal which is in line with my experience with these systems. Grand national, Turbo Regals had a complicated form of this system. Sorry couldn't help more. l 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,036
Likes: 13
From: Edmonton AB
HydraTech Braking Systems
IIRC - the principal contact is Paul. Very willing to answer questions.
If you ever lose the link, just google on 'hydroboost'
.
IIRC - the principal contact is Paul. Very willing to answer questions.
If you ever lose the link, just google on 'hydroboost'
.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,036
Likes: 13
From: Edmonton AB
As C-4 says, boost is generated by the power steering pump. There
is a reservoir on the booster and in the event of an outage, there are
two or three presses on the pedal remaining before braking reverts to
full manual mode.
The Hydroboost system first came to my attention when it was installed
on 1 ton GM trucks in the l-70's/e-80's. I was impressed by the power
and the feel it generated.
Hydratech offers a system for the C4 but due to possibilities of pump
noise entering the cabin, they assign it an 'R' or race designation. The
design of the C4 pump appears to be the culprit and the issue does not
apply to older cars with the earlier p/s pump. Several C3 members
appear to be using the Hydroboost - it is a particular benefit for cars
with cams that don't generate enough vacuum to produce satisfactory
braking with conventional boosters.
.
is a reservoir on the booster and in the event of an outage, there are
two or three presses on the pedal remaining before braking reverts to
full manual mode.
The Hydroboost system first came to my attention when it was installed
on 1 ton GM trucks in the l-70's/e-80's. I was impressed by the power
and the feel it generated.
Hydratech offers a system for the C4 but due to possibilities of pump
noise entering the cabin, they assign it an 'R' or race designation. The
design of the C4 pump appears to be the culprit and the issue does not
apply to older cars with the earlier p/s pump. Several C3 members
appear to be using the Hydroboost - it is a particular benefit for cars
with cams that don't generate enough vacuum to produce satisfactory
braking with conventional boosters.
.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Wow. Thanks for the excellent response.
I have driven hyrda-boost systems on 5.7 and 6.2 diesels, so I had a fair bit of confidence. Wasn't sure if the hardware was still available new and/or had been updated. However, getting such a solid response from gassers with 4 wheels discs is more than a little reassuring.
Slalom: Yes, it WAS Hydra-Tech that I saw. Couldn't remember the name and didn't book-mark the site (what an IDIOT!). Checked out their website, and I will be all over Paul on Monday morning.
Thanks again.
I have driven hyrda-boost systems on 5.7 and 6.2 diesels, so I had a fair bit of confidence. Wasn't sure if the hardware was still available new and/or had been updated. However, getting such a solid response from gassers with 4 wheels discs is more than a little reassuring.
Slalom: Yes, it WAS Hydra-Tech that I saw. Couldn't remember the name and didn't book-mark the site (what an IDIOT!). Checked out their website, and I will be all over Paul on Monday morning.
Thanks again.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,036
Likes: 13
From: Edmonton AB
Incidently, if you have sufficent vacuum for a conventional
booster, I believe Master Power Brakes has specialty items
that might be worth checking out.
I remember seeing a small diameter, dual diaphram unit that
IIRC was targeted at BBC's with tall valve covers. Might
work also with tall deck. The dual-D cannisters pushed the
master cylinder out farther forward from the firewall but I
don't think space in that plane is a problem on a Tri-Five.
Found more information in MPB's catalog. On pages 5:
both 8" and 9" diaphram units are available.
HTH
.
booster, I believe Master Power Brakes has specialty items
that might be worth checking out.
I remember seeing a small diameter, dual diaphram unit that
IIRC was targeted at BBC's with tall valve covers. Might
work also with tall deck. The dual-D cannisters pushed the
master cylinder out farther forward from the firewall but I
don't think space in that plane is a problem on a Tri-Five.
Found more information in MPB's catalog. On pages 5:
"SPECIAL BRACKET LIFTS BOOSTER UP TO CLEAR TALL VALVE
COVERS ON BIG BLOCKS AND LS1 COIL PACKS
Elsewhere on that page or the ones that follow, it mentions thatCOVERS ON BIG BLOCKS AND LS1 COIL PACKS
both 8" and 9" diaphram units are available.
HTH
.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
HTH:
Should have power to the hoist on Monday, and will position the body over the chasis/engine for the first time early in the week. Then we will know how much room there is. If it is really tight, I will bother you for some numbers.
We do have a PS pump (AM chasis/Must rack....yeah, I know a FORD part on a Chivvy!! I won't mention the 9") and we probably won't have enough vacuum (something to do with 2000 CFM throttle body), otherwise the vac brake option you linked up would have been fine.
BTW: Do you solo with ASA? Don't know if I have seen you at the WCMA event in Saskatoon (only had a few Corvettes ever). I would have been the guy with daughters running weird Honda-powered karts (no class...literally and sometimes figuratively).
Ron:
Thanks for the pic. That should comfortably clear the v/c. Is that a GM unit or Hyra-Tech?
Should have power to the hoist on Monday, and will position the body over the chasis/engine for the first time early in the week. Then we will know how much room there is. If it is really tight, I will bother you for some numbers.
We do have a PS pump (AM chasis/Must rack....yeah, I know a FORD part on a Chivvy!! I won't mention the 9") and we probably won't have enough vacuum (something to do with 2000 CFM throttle body), otherwise the vac brake option you linked up would have been fine.
BTW: Do you solo with ASA? Don't know if I have seen you at the WCMA event in Saskatoon (only had a few Corvettes ever). I would have been the guy with daughters running weird Honda-powered karts (no class...literally and sometimes figuratively).
Ron:
Thanks for the pic. That should comfortably clear the v/c. Is that a GM unit or Hyra-Tech?