manual vs. power front disc brakes - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

likaroc13 · 01-12-2011, 07:13 PM

so, i'm getting closer to a front end rebuild on my '66...i will be converting to front disc brakes during the process...i'm just wondering if i should convert to a power booster/master cylinder for disc or just change to a manual master cylinder for disc...how much of a difference will i notice? it will still have rear drum brakes...and i actually have a '72 parts truck with booster, but i'm not sure if the booster is good....also just for reference, the truck is a 1/2 ton short/fleet with 327/auto...when finished, my plan is to drive it 2-3 times per week

thanks for any info/help/suggestions

k1rodeoboater · 01-12-2011, 07:20 PM

you've got the parts...might as well.

oldblue1968chevy · 01-12-2011, 09:31 PM

power is easier, non power looks cleaner on the firewall..

LostMy65 · 01-12-2011, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k1rodeoboater

you've got the parts...might as well.

I think he said he wasn't sure the booster was any good.
I think he's asking if he'd be fine with discs up front, but no power.

nachodog2 · 01-12-2011, 10:22 PM

I used a ' 72 corvette manual disc brake master with proportioning valve out of my donor '73 c10 and it stops surprisingly well. Have not had any problems.
Posted via Mobile Device

likaroc13 · 01-12-2011, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LostMy65

I think he said he wasn't sure the booster was any good.
I think he's asking if he'd be fine with discs up front, but no power.

that's correct...i know i've seen some nice trucks on here which look to have manual disc, but i'm looking for feedback on how well they perform without a booster

Quote:

Originally Posted by nachodog2

I used a ' 72 corvette manual disc brake master with proportioning valve out of my donor '73 c10 and it stops surprisingly well. Have not had any problems.
Posted via Mobile Device

thanks for the info

k1rodeoboater · 01-12-2011, 11:22 PM

oooooh....well yeah in that case you'll be fine w/o the booster.

Though depending on how your WOAH:GO!! ratio you may want the power brakes.

Rich 5150 69 · 01-12-2011, 11:28 PM

If you go full manual, raise your brake pedal rod on the arm if possible, it will give you more pedal force.

markeb01 · 01-13-2011, 12:10 AM

After I swapped in the 75 front suspension with disc brakes I ran a manual master cylinder for a year or so. I have missing spinal discs, and over time it got to where I could barely stop the truck it hurt so bad to apply the amount of pressure required with the manual discs up front. I decided it was time for a booster. Once that was in place I've never a problem since. So from the experience of someone with chronic back pain it makes a huge difference having the booster, and I have a somewhat small booster - the 9" single diaphram type from Master Power Brakes. A bigger booster would probably reduce pedal effort even further:

http://www.mpbrakes.com/uploads/prod...1753_large.jpg

'63GENIII · 01-13-2011, 01:04 AM

My kid brother and I converted his '64 GTO from drum front to 4 piston Vette caliper disc and those brakes would put you through the window. Of course that could have been because the lawn chairs we were sitting in weren't bolted down yet! Seriously though manual disc did not seem to require more force than manual drums but it stopped WAY better. I remember when he put the booster in and it seemed real touchy to me for a long time. Still stops great and that was done 25 years ago.

duallyjams · 01-13-2011, 08:42 AM

I think Mark hit it right. If you are good and healthy then you will have no problem with manual disc brakes.Power brakes simply make it easier.

67chevemall · 04-26-2011, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nachodog2

I used a ' 72 corvette manual disc brake master with proportioning valve out of my donor '73 c10 and it stops surprisingly well. Have not had any problems.
Posted via Mobile Device

Hey was wondering if the 72 corvette master was a bolt on or did you have to relocate the bolts???

great idea btw

*lakeroadster* · 04-26-2011, 07:44 PM

The other thing to keep in mind is the amount of vacuum your engine will make. If you are running a rowdy cam it may not have enough vacuum to actuate the booster.

Just remember the booster doesn't make the brakes function any differently inregards to stopping distance, it only reduces the amount of pedal pressure you have to apply.

The guy that runs this shop is the guru when it comes to braking... and he answers emails too! Click on this link: CH Topping & Co., Performance Brakes

He helped me with the set-up I have on my Ford 1927 Roadster Pickup. It has a manual disc/drum set-up and also uses a 'vette disc / disc master cylinder, like Nachodog referenced above.

67chevemall · 04-27-2011, 10:57 AM

Good Stuff....I'm going with the manual one from CPP for $139 with the valve.

duallyjams · 04-29-2011, 08:32 AM

Well post some pics of before and after and maybe a little wright up about it.

CVA59 · 04-29-2011, 10:28 AM

[quote=lakeroadster;4648030]The other thing to keep in mind is the amount of vacuum your engine will make. If you are running a rowdy cam it may not have enough vacuum to actuate the booster.quote]

Yes, Lake is correct. I am running a big mutha thumpr cam in my truck and as a result i HAVE TO run manual brakes. It is my understanding that you need at least 14-15 lbs of vacum to run P/B's as designed. With my cam, my engine is putting out about 2-3 lbs. I don't see any problems running manual over power.

67chevemall · 04-29-2011, 12:32 PM

This is great to know! I am a less parts less systems kind of guy...

**jocko** · 04-29-2011, 01:09 PM

CVA 59 - 2-3 lbs!! You MUST post an audio clip of that cam... sounds like a mighty loper. Gotta love that sound!

CVA59 · 04-29-2011, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jocko

CVA 59 - 2-3 lbs!! You MUST post an audio clip of that cam... sounds like a mighty loper. Gotta love that sound!

LOL, I will get a vid up for sure. I hope to have it running in 3-4 weeks.

Rich 5150 69 · 04-29-2011, 11:08 PM

[quote=CVA59;4652880]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakeroadster

The other thing to keep in mind is the amount of vacuum your engine will make. If you are running a rowdy cam it may not have enough vacuum to actuate the booster.quote]

Yes, Lake is correct. I am running a big mutha thumpr cam in my truck and as a result i HAVE TO run manual brakes. It is my understanding that you need at least 14-15 lbs of vacum to run P/B's as designed. With my cam, my engine is putting out about 2-3 lbs. I don't see any problems running manual over power.

You can always add a vacuum reserve canister...

LostMy65 · 06-30-2012, 03:48 PM

I'm still fighting power discs on my 66.
I'm going to go get a vett master and see if I can get solid brakes that way.

SierraMtns · 11-27-2014, 03:04 AM

Anyone know what the bore size is on the vett master?

NEWFISHER · 11-27-2014, 03:20 AM

67 and up power assist used a 1 1/8 bore and the non power models were a 1" bore.

67chevemall · 02-11-2015, 02:04 PM

Well been driving with manual brakes for a while now and no problems at all. No need for all those power parts. IMO

67chevemall · 02-11-2015, 02:05 PM

Kids in the back seat may cause accidents, accidents in the back seat may cause kids, so no back seats no accidents.

EPIC! LOL

01-12-2011, 07:13 PM	#1
likaroc13 Rollin' Old Skool Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hattiesburg, MS Posts: 5,371	manual vs. power front disc brakes so, i'm getting closer to a front end rebuild on my '66...i will be converting to front disc brakes during the process...i'm just wondering if i should convert to a power booster/master cylinder for disc or just change to a manual master cylinder for disc...how much of a difference will i notice? it will still have rear drum brakes...and i actually have a '72 parts truck with booster, but i'm not sure if the booster is good....also just for reference, the truck is a 1/2 ton short/fleet with 327/auto...when finished, my plan is to drive it 2-3 times per week thanks for any info/help/suggestions

01-12-2011, 07:20 PM	#2
k1rodeoboater Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Fayetteville NC Posts: 752	Re: manual vs. power front disc brakes you've got the parts...might as well.

01-12-2011, 09:31 PM	#3
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: manual vs. power front disc brakes power is easier, non power looks cleaner on the firewall.. __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

01-12-2011, 10:22 PM	#5
nachodog2 Hell yeah!!! Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: canyon country Ca. Posts: 264	Re: manual vs. power front disc brakes I used a ' 72 corvette manual disc brake master with proportioning valve out of my donor '73 c10 and it stops surprisingly well. Have not had any problems. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Stock is good but custom is the sh*t!

01-12-2011, 11:22 PM	#7
k1rodeoboater Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Fayetteville NC Posts: 752	Re: manual vs. power front disc brakes oooooh....well yeah in that case you'll be fine w/o the booster. Though depending on how your WOAH:GO!! ratio you may want the power brakes.

01-12-2011, 11:28 PM	#8
Rich 5150 69 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Galt, Calif Posts: 2,437	Re: manual vs. power front disc brakes If you go full manual, raise your brake pedal rod on the arm if possible, it will give you more pedal force. __________________ `64 C10 vortec 350/350/373 posi `69 RS/SS 350/350/308 `37 Ford 406/350/324 traclock `68 Dart 370/904/323 suregrip

01-13-2011, 12:10 AM	#9
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: manual vs. power front disc brakes After I swapped in the 75 front suspension with disc brakes I ran a manual master cylinder for a year or so. I have missing spinal discs, and over time it got to where I could barely stop the truck it hurt so bad to apply the amount of pressure required with the manual discs up front. I decided it was time for a booster. Once that was in place I've never a problem since. So from the experience of someone with chronic back pain it makes a huge difference having the booster, and I have a somewhat small booster - the 9" single diaphram type from Master Power Brakes. A bigger booster would probably reduce pedal effort even further: http://www.mpbrakes.com/uploads/prod...1753_large.jpg

01-13-2011, 01:04 AM	#10
'63GENIII Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Carlos, Ca. Posts: 3,048	Re: manual vs. power front disc brakes My kid brother and I converted his '64 GTO from drum front to 4 piston Vette caliper disc and those brakes would put you through the window. Of course that could have been because the lawn chairs we were sitting in weren't bolted down yet! Seriously though manual disc did not seem to require more force than manual drums but it stopped WAY better. I remember when he put the booster in and it seemed real touchy to me for a long time. Still stops great and that was done 25 years ago. __________________ Chris '63 k15 long step Vortec 7.4 - L29 Blackbear tune, Five 0 Motorsports injectors, Chris Straub Cam, NV4500, divorced 205 52" front and 63" rear spring swap D44 / 14bff - disc axles Milemarker 9K and 10.5K hydraulic winches 63" & B52 Spring Install http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ng+swap+thread NV4500 Reverse Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=reverse+build L29 - 7.4 Vortec Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&highlight=L29

01-13-2011, 08:42 AM	#11
duallyjams Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Deale Md Posts: 4,663	Re: manual vs. power front disc brakes I think Mark hit it right. If you are good and healthy then you will have no problem with manual disc brakes.Power brakes simply make it easier. __________________ James 63 GMC V6 4speed carryall 65 chevy swb bbw V8 auto 68 K20 327/4 speed, buddy buckets 2002 GMC CC Dually Duramax 64 GMC lwb 3/4 V6 4speed SOLD 66 GMC swb bbw buddy buckets SOLD IG duallyjams The only thing that stays the same is constant change!

04-26-2011, 07:44 PM	#13
lakeroadster Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: High Plains of Colorado Posts: 2,485	Re: manual vs. power front disc brakes The other thing to keep in mind is the amount of vacuum your engine will make. If you are running a rowdy cam it may not have enough vacuum to actuate the booster. Just remember the booster doesn't make the brakes function any differently inregards to stopping distance, it only reduces the amount of pedal pressure you have to apply. The guy that runs this shop is the guru when it comes to braking... and he answers emails too! Click on this link: CH Topping & Co., Performance Brakes He helped me with the set-up I have on my Ford 1927 Roadster Pickup. It has a manual disc/drum set-up and also uses a 'vette disc / disc master cylinder, like Nachodog referenced above. Last edited by lakeroadster; 04-26-2011 at 07:45 PM.

04-27-2011, 10:57 AM	#14
67chevemall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NB Posts: 3,367	Re: manual vs. power front disc brakes Good Stuff....I'm going with the manual one from CPP for $139 with the valve. __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 307 3ott fleetside 1967 Chevy C/10 V8, 3spd, fleetside lwb.Sold 1967 Chev C/10 step, 383, M21. SOLD

04-29-2011, 08:32 AM	#15
duallyjams Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Deale Md Posts: 4,663	Re: manual vs. power front disc brakes Well post some pics of before and after and maybe a little wright up about it. __________________ James 63 GMC V6 4speed carryall 65 chevy swb bbw V8 auto 68 K20 327/4 speed, buddy buckets 2002 GMC CC Dually Duramax 64 GMC lwb 3/4 V6 4speed SOLD 66 GMC swb bbw buddy buckets SOLD IG duallyjams The only thing that stays the same is constant change!

04-29-2011, 10:28 AM	#16
CVA59 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Longview, Texas Posts: 775	Re: manual vs. power front disc brakes [quote=lakeroadster;4648030]The other thing to keep in mind is the amount of vacuum your engine will make. If you are running a rowdy cam it may not have enough vacuum to actuate the booster.quote] Yes, Lake is correct. I am running a big mutha thumpr cam in my truck and as a result i HAVE TO run manual brakes. It is my understanding that you need at least 14-15 lbs of vacum to run P/B's as designed. With my cam, my engine is putting out about 2-3 lbs. I don't see any problems running manual over power. __________________ Zack www.23t.weebly.com _________________________________ Last edited by CVA59; 04-29-2011 at 10:28 AM.

04-29-2011, 12:32 PM	#17
67chevemall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NB Posts: 3,367	Re: manual vs. power front disc brakes This is great to know! I am a less parts less systems kind of guy... __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 307 3ott fleetside 1967 Chevy C/10 V8, 3spd, fleetside lwb.Sold 1967 Chev C/10 step, 383, M21. SOLD

04-29-2011, 01:09 PM	#18
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,975	Re: manual vs. power front disc brakes CVA 59 - 2-3 lbs!! You MUST post an audio clip of that cam... sounds like a mighty loper. Gotta love that sound!



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06-30-2012, 03:48 PM	#21
LostMy65 But Found Her 25yrs Later! Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Oregon City, Oregon Posts: 10,530	Re: manual vs. power front disc brakes I'm still fighting power discs on my 66. I'm going to go get a vett master and see if I can get solid brakes that way. __________________ I lost my 65 - Found it 25 years later: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=426650 66 C20 Service Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=428035

11-27-2014, 03:04 AM	#22
SierraMtns Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Shingle Springs, CA Posts: 869	Re: manual vs. power front disc brakes Anyone know what the bore size is on the vett master?

11-27-2014, 03:20 AM	#23
NEWFISHER Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Oregon Posts: 3,303	Re: manual vs. power front disc brakes 67 and up power assist used a 1 1/8 bore and the non power models were a 1" bore. __________________ GOD BLESS AMERICA!

02-11-2015, 02:04 PM	#24
67chevemall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NB Posts: 3,367	Re: manual vs. power front disc brakes Well been driving with manual brakes for a while now and no problems at all. No need for all those power parts. IMO __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 307 3ott fleetside 1967 Chevy C/10 V8, 3spd, fleetside lwb.Sold 1967 Chev C/10 step, 383, M21. SOLD

02-11-2015, 02:05 PM	#25
67chevemall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NB Posts: 3,367	Re: manual vs. power front disc brakes Kids in the back seat may cause accidents, accidents in the back seat may cause kids, so no back seats no accidents. EPIC! LOL

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