Help Me Make A Couple Decisions

[blown240]

I am going to be pulling the motor from my 61 Panel to replace it with a newer/less worn out motor.

I am thinking that it will be easier to update the brakes while the motor is out. I am leaving it 4 wheel drum for now, but am upgrading to power brakes and a dual master cylinder. I have most of the parts to do a hydroboost, but would need to buy a new hydro unit.

My budget is VERY limited.

1. Vacuum booster or Hydroboost? Is hydro that much better with 4 wheel drums? I have the pump and a steering box, but this complicates the install I'm sure. I can get a vacuum booster for about half the price of the hydroboost.

2. Is it just as easy to run the new dual circuit brake lines with the motor in? If so, I may just get the motor in and worry about the brakes afterwards.

[siggyfreud]

Not sure a hydroboost would benefit you much with drums, unless you're running a more vacuum setup and don't want to use a vacuum reservoir.

[blown240]

I don't mind running vacuum brakes. The motor I'm installing is a basic early 80s crate motor, so it should make plenty vacuum.

I can get a dual diaphragm booster for $50 new. A hydroboost is about $140. That extra $100 is a lot of money right now.

[Clyde65]

sounds like you already made your decision!

[blown240]

If hydroboost is a lot better then I will spend the money. If its just marginally better, or not as good as a dual 8" booster, than I will go vacuum.

This is going to be my daily driver, and while money it tight, I want to do it right.

[earl84]

I am going to do hydroboost, but mine is a disc/drum. In my research on dong this, I read somewhere that hydroboost shouldn't be used for drum/drum, because it caused drums to crack and break. I AM NOT a hydroboost expert, or anywhere close to it, but wanted to pass this on, so hopefully you can look into it, and avert a potential disaster if this is in fact accurate. I hate giving an incomplete answer or reference, but I just can't recall where I read this. There are several places that are experts, maybe call one of them. Hydratech comes to mind.(Not an endorsement or advertisement.)

[Bears63]

The big questions are, 1) How heavy is your panel and 2) Are you planning a big cam? The reason I ask is that hydroboost is great on 1 tons and up, look at my sig and you will see how I know. Second, big cam engines don't produce the vacuum for the brakes and the hydroboost will help there. However, if you are running less than a 1 ton with a stock engine, then go with the dual diaphragm booster. My $.02 anyway.

[blown240]

Thanks for the reply Mike!

My panel is just a C10. But the hydroboost I have is from a C30. The motor is a generic 78-85 Goodrich crate motor. The only thing I did to it was take off all the smog junk, and put some full length headers on it.

Sounds like vac boost will be just fine and maybe a bit safer.

[PGSigns]

Vacuum booster is just fine. I ran my 66 with the Captnfab bracket and the booster from a donor truck and the buick master cylinder. If you look through his for sale thread for the brackets there are lots of options for donor parts. The 4 wheel drum brakes did just fine.
Jimmy

[blown240]

Thanks again for the replies!

I have one of the Captain Fab brackets. It was literally the first thing I bought for this truck. I can get a new booster for $50.

'70 Buick Estate wagon is the master I want correct?

[Captainfab]

Yes that is the master you want if you are going to use a booster with the short intermediate pushrod

Originally Posted by blown240

Thanks again for the replies!

I have one of the Captain Fab brackets. It was literally the first thing I bought for this truck. I can get a new booster for $50.

'70 Buick Estate wagon is the master I want correct?

[blown240]

Thanks Captain!