i was wondering if someone makes manual disc brake kits with no booster? i think the cam i have may not allow me to use power brakes. i have small block with a cam that has 230 duration and 480 lift. dont want to invest money on power kit if not going to work. dont know what kind of vacuum the engine will make. any suggestions? thanks

I put disc brakes off a nova on mine, nova had power brakes when I switched I hooked them up manual on the chevelle and it stops fine ,don't know if this is what your looking for but it worked for me.

what year nova? did you just do away with booster? thanks

i use a master off a 70 camaro with out power,still get them new fairly cheap

i was wondering if someone makes manual disc brake kits with no booster? i think the cam i have may not allow me to use power brakes. i have small block with a cam that has 230 duration and 480 lift. dont want to invest money on power kit if not going to work. dont know what kind of vacuum the engine will make. any suggestions? thanks

Basically, only the mastercylinder should differ...
Build your own system. Reproduction or used spindles/brackets, rebuild calipers, new rotors, and get a master cylinder for Manual brakes. Just make sure its for the same application (like 1971 Chevelle manual discs, etc)...

I run manual discs on my Chevelle, but they are big Corvette C5 rotors...

Tony,
What size (bore) master cylinder are you using? I have the same front (C5) with LS1 rear and I am curious on how you like the stopping ability.
Randy

With that cam, power brakes should work just fine as long as the motor (and valve adjustment) is in a good state of tune.
Put a vacuum gauge on it at idle and see what you've got.

the problem i have with checking vacuum on engine is it is not in car, still on stand. i am in process of rebuilding front end and adding new brakes. so if i buy just a whole wheel kit, rotors, spindles, calipers, etc. can i just buy manual master cylinder say for a 71 chevelle? one more thing if i run manual setup do i still need prop valve? thanks

the problem i have with checking vacuum on engine is it is not in car, still on stand. i am in process of rebuilding front end and adding new brakes. so if i buy just a whole wheel kit, rotors, spindles, calipers, etc. can i just buy manual master cylinder say for a 71 chevelle? one more thing if i run manual setup do i still need prop valve? thanks

You can buy a manual master cylinder for the same application as the calipers are for (well, you can buy any master, but)... If you buy a kit that uses the same parts as a '71 Chevelle, then you can just get a manual master cylinder for that application... The basic calipers/brackets/hoses/prop valve are the same for power or manual. The only differences are the master and the lines (because the master location changes with or without the booster)...

Yes, you will still need a pro valve... Depending on what you plan for the car (rear discs in your future, etc), you might want to consider an adjustible proportioning valve...


Tony,
What size (bore) master cylinder are you using? I have the same front (C5) with LS1 rear and I am curious on how you like the stopping ability.
Randy
Randy, I am using a '67-'76 Corvette master cylinder. I believe its 1" bore... the pedal is a little stiff, but stops well (could just be the perceived difference when swapping for power to manual). Not sure how much pedal feel would improve with a different bore master (smaller?). I can stiff lock up the wheels (even with big, sticky tires) which i heard could be a problem with the wrong size master cylinder...

I don't drive the car daily, and I have big legs, so I wasn't too worried about having a stiffer pedal. My main reason for manual was to "clean up" the engine compartment after my new brake swap...

I tried using a malibu 77 master, and it did not flow enough fluid. I think the bore size was 15/16". Then I tried a 68 camaro with manual brakes that had a 1 1/8" bore and now it flow plenty of fluid and is nice and firm. I prefer the manual brakes.

Thanks for the info Tony, that happened to be the master cylinder I was planning on using. My car originally had manual brakes so I want to keep them. Plus, I have had 3 manual brake cars, 1 drum 72 chevelle & 2 disc 71 F-bodies, never had any complaints about the manual, other than I would try to put myself through the windshield when I got back into a power brake car. :clonk:

thanks guys. so i can buy wheel kit and master for just about any year chevelle that had discs 67-70's for my 66. thanks

I used a 77 malibu master cyl for manual discs on my car and it works great.I used the stock drum brake prop.valve and I have 4 wheel discs.the rear discs are speedways.