New Brakes, Vacuum vs. Hydraulic

[Matt R]

I have a 1990 Chevrolet 1500. I'm in the process of doing big brakes, got the Corvette C6 Z06 kit. I was hoping to get some suggestions on what to do for the power booster, master cylinder combo.

I've looked at some aftermarket hydraulic units that seem pretty expensive, about $500. I've seen some factory replacement hydraulic units that are much cheaper. I have a vacuum booster but i'm likely going to do a big cam and lose alot of vacuum.

Y'all got any ideas or experience with any of these combos?

Thanks, Matt

[ERASER5]

I assume you hydro-boost vs vacuum boost as all car/ light truck brakes are hydraulic. Hydro-boost will make more pressure at the caliper/wheel cylinders that vacuum boost could ever do. That means much better braking under load. However, if the power steering belt slips, your brakes nearly fail. I am not much concerned with that, but is a potential problem. I mean your vacuum booster can fail too right?

The other good thing about hydro-boost is that a lot of heavy duty truck have them. That means salvage yards have them. The entire system can be pulled at the same time. Some modification is required, but fairly simple stuff.

For more (maybe lots more) money, there is an electric powered boost setup. An electric motor pumps up hydraulic pressure in a vessel that is released against the master cylinder during braking. Some Cadillac's have this system. No extra hoses, no belts to slip, no low vacuum problems, and even more braking pressure than hydro-boost.

I know what I want, but that not always what I can afford.

[Matt R]

Yeah hydo-boost, sorry that was lost somewhere in the cob webs between my ears!

Thanks for the response, any suggestions on a donor truck for a good hydro boost system?

[cableguy0]

Hydroboost is the way to go. The brakes will work better than a vacuum setup and the cam wont make a different. Any Gm truck that had a diesel will have hydroboost. A lot of 1 ton trucks had hydroboost. You can get a reman factory unit for like 150 bucks. Just search a mid 80's half ton with a diesel on rockauto.

[andrewmp6]

Have you looked at http://www.abspowerbrake.com/ehpm.html its electric and looks better then most aftermarket master cylinders out there.

[Matt R]

Nice, good suggestions, thanks!

Anyone else, maybe some pics of the system??