Hydro-boost?
 

Hey guys, I have been seeing a lot of people switching to the Hydro-boost system when doing LSX swaps. I am a little confused. Why switch? What are the benefits? Is it necessary?

Also, I think some are getting them from junk yards...if so, what donor vehicles did these come from? Sorry for all the questions, I just now ran across this and want to make sure I'm not missing something for my swap. Thanks!!

Re: Hydro-boost?
 

It's not necessary, but then neither was the 5.3 swap. :lol: However, they put out more assist than a vacuum booster, therefore more stopping power. They are real common in the junk yards in Astro vans, that's what mine is off of.

Re: Hydro-boost?
 

Here's a thread that I made detailing my install. Total cost involved was ~$80 which makes it a good deal in my book.
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=523502

Re: Hydro-boost?
 

Awesome...thanks! Man that is one clean install. I hope mine turns out that clean! Yea the swap isn't necessary for me either, but it will be so sweet when done haha. What is funny, your thread on LS1tech is where I originally saw Hydro-boost mentioned when that guy said "hydro-boost looking good". I kept thinking What is he talking about"

Re: Hydro-boost?
 

Thanks! This is exactly what I was looking for!

Re: Hydro-boost?
 

3/4 & 1 ton Diesel pick-ups are another source. I use them alot on swaps when a big OEM single diaphram booster wont fit. Aftermarket Dual diaphram boosters are JUNK.

Re: Hydro-boost?
 

Haha! That's too funny! :lol:

No kidding!!!!! All the aftermarket brake kits seem to use them, and I don't know how everyone doesn't complain about them. I had one on my street rod for several years and it just NEVER worked like I thought it should. I got used to it, didn't follow people too close and things like that, but the final straw was when a woman swerved off an exit ramp and back on the freeway right in front of me and I thought I was going to pull the steering wheel off I was on the brakes so hard. I had to find a solution, and one switch to hydroboost later and it will lock the wheels up just like any normal car.Since then I've been sold on them. Just my $0.02

Re: Hydro-boost?
 

I'm also undertaking this mod soon. I got the hydroboost powersteering pump as a coincidence when i bought my accessories for my swap, and since i have manual disc its a worthwhile upgrade.

I still need to get my booster, but I think I need to use the latemodel booster, as the fittings are metric thread line on the new stuff.

Also gave me an excuse to put in a line lock since I was doing brake line work.

Re: Hydro-boost?
 

Hmmm looks like I'll be making a trip to the ol' pick and pull soon! He happens to have 3 astro vans in stock.

Re: Hydro-boost?
 

This may be a dumb question but what kind of brakes does my 85 have?

Re: Hydro-boost?
 

You have a vacuum power booster, I looked at your build thread and couldn't tell, but I'd be willing to bet that your 6.0 has a hydroboost power steering pump with the two returns. You also probably don't have a vacuum power brake nipple in the back of the intake.

Re: Hydro-boost?
 

My C10 doesn't need hydroboost. My lifted K5 with 35" tires does...

Re: Hydro-boost?
 

I believe you are right on the PS pump having the two returns. I have a guy helping me with the swap. He said he knew how to hook up the PS and brakes but he never mentioned converting to hydroboost so I assume he is using my stock vacuum power booster.