Joined: Sun Feb 26 2006, 08:46PM
Location: Kingston,Ontario
Posts: 5622
Sjak,it is based on the hydra-boost system found on ful-sized GM vans and also GM Astro/Safari minivans.It uses the power steering pump and fluid for power assist.On a day to day basis,I have seen these vans fail.No power steering NOR brake assist.A very dangerous combination.The pump is doing double duty.If it's an older one,hope that it is up to the task. I really would not recommend it. The factory power booster will work with 9 to 12 inches of vacuum minimum.That's if you are going with a really big cam. You can get an electric vacumm pump for a better price.Or go manual brakes. Leaburn
Joined: Wed Oct 12 2005, 12:14PM
Location: Antarctica
Posts: 702
Ok, thats he kind of information I'm looking for! I know its a feature on a lot of GM commercial vehicles, but I have no information on reliability.
I only know 2 guys who installed it over here, but on very different cars than mine. A friend has a very powerful 442 and has hydraboost, I must admit it provides really impressive braking. And my buddy at the warehouse installed it for other considerations in his transam.
Manual braking is no option, I found out the hard way (hose failure), was good for a very interesting drinving experience !stars !crazy
As for electric pumps, what type would you recommend?
Joined: Sun Feb 26 2006, 08:46PM
Location: Kingston,Ontario
Posts: 5622
That's right-keep yer GM schtuff all GM!LOL! Think about it,with the hydraboost it is still using power from the engine to operate it.Taking air from the engine is not parasitic--it's free! You can order an electric vacuum pump from any major source;Summit,Jeg's,etc.I don't know about where you live,but over here we can get them ordered in from our local speed shop. Basically it's a pump that operates your existing brake booster.I had seen them but never had to buy one.I am not sure which brand is better.
Joined: Tue Oct 11 2005, 04:38PM
Location: Grandville,MI
Posts: 957
Your first clue should have been GM! If its found on a GM vehicle it has NO business on a Mopar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just My 2 cents!!!
Joined: Tue Sep 26 2006, 12:30AM
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 38
I have been driving a BMW with hydraulic boost for years. No problems. One thing different about the BMW is that it has a pressure accumulator/reservoir that allows you to apply the brakes several times before losing assist in the event you lose engine power or the pump goes out.
I would think that if you made certain that your power steering system was in excellent shape, and put a filter inline to keep the fluid going to the booster clean, you should have a very reliable system.
Joined: Wed Oct 12 2005, 12:14PM
Location: Antarctica
Posts: 702
I just had the pump rebuilt, and all hoses are brand new. The filter is a good idea anyway I guess. I'm still hesitating between hydraulic assist and electric assist. It could still take a while before I make a decision, as due to the cold, I wont work much on the car till march os so.
