: Power brake conversion
RustyRodder Jan 31st, 09, 5:17 PM The 66 chevelle I have has had a disc brake conversion already, but Id like the braking to be a little easier(dads gettin old:(). Does anybody sell a kit with everything to convert from manual to power brakes? Every kit I have found is a power disc brake conversion, and we have the brakes already!
ebe326 Feb 1st, 09, 9:29 AM I think all you need is the booster, master cylinder, proportioning valve and lines. How radical is your engine? Will it produce enough vacuum? Also, if you have a big block I think you are limited on booster size. I just happen to be going the other way right now. I bought a power brake kit and I am converting to manual. I never even used it so it is still brand new. I can't return it cause I've had it for a while. I'd be willing to sell you just what you needed if you're interested. I got it from Classic Performance Products. My car is a 66 so it should be what you are looking for. It came with a couple of hard lines to tie into the factory setup but they may or may not work for you depending on what's been done to your car. I'll look for my invoice to find out exactly what I have. Also, I've read that having the right master cylinder and correct brake pedal pushrod mount location really help out manual brakes. Just something to think about.
David
RustyRodder Feb 1st, 09, 2:01 PM I think all you need is the booster, master cylinder, proportioning valve and lines. How radical is your engine? Will it produce enough vacuum? Also, if you have a big block I think you are limited on booster size. I just happen to be going the other way right now. I bought a power brake kit and I am converting to manual. I never even used it so it is still brand new. I can't return it cause I've had it for a while. I'd be willing to sell you just what you needed if you're interested. I got it from Classic Performance Products. My car is a 66 so it should be what you are looking for. It came with a couple of hard lines to tie into the factory setup but they may or may not work for you depending on what's been done to your car. I'll look for my invoice to find out exactly what I have. Also, I've read that having the right master cylinder and correct brake pedal pushrod mount location really help out manual brakes. Just something to think about.
David
right now its not too radiacal, but I am looking at a bigger cam for it. but even then it should produce enough vaccuum.
I know manual brakes can be comparable to power, but being a little easier on the pedal would be nice.
Id definately be interested if you wanted to sell it!
GR868 Feb 1st, 09, 2:35 PM Hi all,
I used an 11" Booster on my BB set-up with tall valve covers. I will attach a pic.
I did have to use small block engine stands to get it to fit. There is about 3/4" clearance.
http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll150/ragdollbailey714/68%20Restoration%20Pics/102_2697.jpg
Kevin
http://s287.photobucket.com/albums/ll150/ragdollbailey714/
RustyRodder Feb 1st, 09, 3:33 PM how big of a difference was there iwth the BB stands and small block?
GR868 Feb 1st, 09, 4:59 PM I dont think there is a differnece in height of the frame stands just the motor mounts that bolt to the block. If you use 307 frame stands you have to use the same for the mounts to the engine. If you use the 350-454 frame stands you have to use the same for the motor mounts.
The motor mounts for the 307 are short and wide 2-5/8w x 1-3/4 h
The 350-454 motor mounts are 2-3/8w x 2-3/16h
This can be verified by others on this site or you can search frame stands or ?
I had both on site when I installed my engine just in case.
Thanks
ebe326 Feb 1st, 09, 7:38 PM I found my invoice and I'm not sure if it will work for you or not. I didn't even realize it says its a 4 wheel disc brake master cylinder. Of course I'm assuming you have rear drums. Is this correct or do you have rear discs? Also, on their website it says it doesn't recommend using an 11" booster on 64-66 cars. I don't know if the engine mount trick would work or not. My booster is an 8" dual diaphragm. Also I think I found exactly what you need on their website. Go to http://www.classicperform.com/chevelle.htm#Power%20Brake%20Booster%20Kits . If what I have works for you then I'd sell it for half the price of a new one.
1BadBu Feb 1st, 09, 7:50 PM Please...try to stay on topic. Most, if not all, of the Brake co.'s like SSBC, CPP etc will sell the indivdual parts found in their kits. I'd start by calling around.
You can find a link to David Pozzi at Touring-Classics, Team Camaro or just Google. He has a very well written piece on the whole "brake conversion" thing including info on various master cylinder combinations he tried. There are a couple of factors that determine which m/c is best for your setup but the parts are all common and readily available. I'm doing the C5 conversion and have learned a lot about m/c bore size and pressure in the last few days. Read his article and you'll have a much better idea of what the vendor techs are talking about when you call.
ebe326 Feb 1st, 09, 8:53 PM Please...try to stay on topic. :confused:
RustyRodder Feb 2nd, 09, 1:56 AM allright, so are these two things all i need?
http://www.classicperform.com/Store/1964_1972_Chevelle_Elcamino/6466BBD.htm
that in 8" or 9"?
and also-
http://www.classicperform.com/Store/1967_1979_Chevy_Camaro/6474SRBBK.htm
which size booster pin would I want?
ebe326 Feb 2nd, 09, 10:20 AM I would call CPP and find out about that booster pin. I am not sure if you need it or not. That might be if you were just buying a booster and not the kit. You might have to have your own clevis though. As far as booster size, it is my understanding that the bigger the diaphragm the more power assist you will have. Which is why they make a dual diaphragm. More surface area in a smaller package. I would still ask CPP so they can recommend what would be appropriate for your application. Make sure you tell them what rear brakes you have also.
One other thing. You could also ask about lines to hook into your existing system. Most likely you will have to come up with your own though. It's not that hard. Just figure out what size ends and length you need and go to the local parts store.
ebe326 Feb 2nd, 09, 8:43 PM Well I just got off the phone with CPP and it turns out I do have a disc/drum setup. The website description was just misleading me. I have part number 6466CBK-D8 D-2. It is a complete brake kit with dual diaphragm 8" booster. As I said though, I'd sell you just what parts you needed.
RustyRodder Feb 2nd, 09, 10:43 PM Ill shoot them and Email and see what else Id need.
drop me a PM about it though
how hard is it to run vaccuum lines?
stroobydoo Feb 5th, 09, 12:48 AM I got a kit from National Parts Depot made by Stainless Steel Brake Co. and installed it on my '70. Everything fit and works well. I only had to decide where to mount the adjustable proportioning valve. And I had to get the intake manifold vacuum fitting.
OLDED Feb 5th, 09, 12:43 PM A Chevy Monza Booster is a good compromise for size and assist. They bolt on the same as the others and are easily available at the parts stores. Use it with a Disc/drum master for a ,pick a year, 69/70 and use an adjustable prop valve for the rears. I've put them on a 66 Chevelle and a 55 Belair with great results.
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