I have a 71 chevelle with front disc brakes and drum rear, currently with power brakes. I would like to swap due to low vacuum issues and I enjoy the look of the cleaner engine bay. I would like to know what models of cars I could use. I went to the local parts store and they said that they couldnt find the part for a 71 chevelle with disc/drum and was manual.

The closest they could come up with was a 68 Nova master cylinder. Would this work? If not, what other models would?

Also what other items would I need to complete this swap.

Thanks

Check with Inline Tube for the master cylinder, or CPP or one of the other big brake kit suppliers you can find through Google, or an hot rod type magazine. This should be a fairly simple swap. I have run the non-power disc/drum setup and like it because it cleans up the under hood area, and gets rid of vacuum leaks, etc.
TXCR13

After searching and talking to people here, I was told to run a mid 70's chevelle manual MC with a 15/16" bore size. They said it worked for them, however, it did not flow enough fluid for me. The brakes were spongy and required pumping.

I am now running a 68 camaro manual brakes MC front disk, rear drum with a 1 1/8" bore size. The camaro MC works very well. You can use your same pushrod from the pedal, just move it to the upper hole. No other parts needed. I think it cost $14 with core exchange at Schucks. Any questions, PM me.

PS: I am running stock rear drums and aftermarket but still stock 11" front disks.

brett to convert from powerbrakes to manual, you just need the master cylinder from a 68 camaro? Don't have to change calipers or anything like that?

You can use your same pushrod from the pedal, just move it to the upper hole.

I think you need a "manual brake" pushrod, those brake supply places should have them... When I converted mine to manual, I needed the pushrod (~$18 from Master Power Brakes)... I think the "power brake" pushrod is part of the booster assembly...


I used C5 Corvette brakes, so my master info isn't applicable...

I think you need a "manual brake" pushrod, those brake supply places should have them... When I converted mine to manual, I needed the pushrod (~$18 from Master Power Brakes)... I think the "power brake" pushrod is part of the booster assembly...


I used C5 Corvette brakes, so my master info isn't applicable...

That is a good point. I forgot. I had manual brakes before so I used my old pushrod. Didnt think about the rod being different. Ok sorry Brian I lied! :sad:

brett to convert from powerbrakes to manual, you just need the master cylinder from a 68 camaro? Don't have to change calipers or anything like that?

Yup, but it has to be a manual disk brake camaro master cylinder. The physics are all the same. You just have to push harder with your foot. The master cylinder works without boost because it has a bigger piston to flow enough fluid, but again this requires some leg work. Its not bad though. I'm only 5' 10" 175 lbs and have no problem.

Yup, but it has to be a manual disk brake camaro master cylinder. The physics are all the same. You just have to push harder with your foot. The master cylinder works without boost because it has a bigger piston to flow enough fluid, but again this requires some leg work. Its not bad though. I'm only 5' 10" 175 lbs and have no problem.

thanks, I don't mind the extra leg power if needed. I hate the look of the big power brake setup and the vaccuum requirements for it. I saw something like a power brake system builds around 1500psi and manual around 1300psi. Not a big deal to me.

thanks, I don't mind the extra leg power if needed. I hate the look of the big power brake setup and the vaccuum requirements for it. I saw something like a power brake system builds around 1500psi and manual around 1300psi. Not a big deal to me.

But it's a big deal to me when I'm stuck in stop 'n' go metropolitan NYC traffic!
When driving with the horrible drivers here, you can end up with a tired right leg in no time.

But it's a big deal to me when I'm stuck in stop 'n' go metropolitan NYC traffic!
When driving with the horrible drivers here, you can end up with a tired right leg in no time.

No, all wrong, its not that bad at all. I have driven tons of traffic in Seattle. A clutch is much worse, this brake pedal is very easy to push still. I just wouldnt let a 16 year old girl at 110 lbs try to drive it. Like I said, I am only 175 lbs and 5' 10". Its easy as pie! :yes:

I bet it's a lot better than my drum setup on my fairlane. I want to get rid of my power steering too. lol
basically just want a big go kart and not all those sissy features. haha

just got my 68 camaro mc. I would say the booster weighes about 8 pounds. Easy weight loss and I'll report back how I like it. I still don't have the engine in the car and just waiting to get the brake setup done. This car had drums originally and low and behold I already had the rod attached. :beers:

just got my 68 camaro mc. I would say the booster weighes about 8 pounds. Easy weight loss and I'll report back how I like it. I still don't have the engine in the car and just waiting to get the brake setup done. This car had drums originally and low and behold I already had the rod attached. :beers:

Make sure you have the right prop valve in there for disk front and drum back.