Joined: Sun Jan 07 2007, 07:37PM
Location: London,Ontario
Posts: 166
Like many of you I had a hard time stopping my 4400 lb. car reliably and predictably. I did a disk brake conversion but still wasn't satisfied. My engine would only develop 16 inches vacuum so the power brake booster install was an installed waste of time. The engine stalled once and the damn brake pedal was on the floor in no time but my stopping wasn't. Enter the best mod I ever did - hydro boost. Looks kind of "industrial" but I'm not a purist when it comes to installing new technology. I figure " If it goes fast, it should stop fast" Now that I know how well it works, I'll flip the booster 180 degrees to put the lines down and hidden. Just the booster, not the master.
Note how low and unobtrusive the Saginaw pump sits in the lower left. You can just see the filler cap.
Joined: Fri May 08 2009, 10:41PM
Location: Finger Lakes, NY
Posts: 315
Isn't Hydro-Boost a GM product. Not opposed but just checking. I believe it is common on diesel pick-up if I am recalling correctly. Where did you pick it up?
Joined: Sat Nov 27 2010, 12:16AM
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 135
70NEWYORKER wrote ...
Hydro-Boost uses power steering system pressure to assist with brake application, instead of vacuum.
And that is why they are used on most diesel trucks since they produce no usable vacuum.
I think it looks great and a great idea.
I just bought a 1965 300 with a 383-2bbl and it has what I assume is a vacuum pump of sorts (or I am assuming it is), as seen in this picture up against the firewall. Would this thingy have increased his vacuum pressure for those that are not so brave?
Joined: Sat Aug 19 2006, 05:03PM
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 2919
Gary, that thing against the firewall on your 65 300 looks to be a vacuum reservoir. My guess is it's for the vacuum-operated trunk release.
Yatzee, the hydroboost install looks interesting. What application was it originally from? How hard was it to retrofit that system to your firewall and brake pedal?
It looks like you're using copper tubing for brake lines?! I'm pretty sure that wouldn't pass a safety.