Vacuum brake conversion - who has done it?

J Banning · 04-03-2008, 10:59 PM

Who here has done the vacuum brake conversion themselves?

1) Where'd you get the parts?
2) How long did it take?
3) How much $$$?
4) Any tips/tricks to speed up the process?
5) Anything to watch out for?
6) What would you do differently?

Thanks,
-Banning.

turbot2112 · 04-04-2008, 06:16 AM

got the parts from someone on the board.it was an easy job. hardest part was getting under the dash and changing the brake pedal.if i had to do it again i would remove the drivers seat. probablly cost you like 200 bucks by the time your done. definatelly worth it.

mjdwyer23 · 04-04-2008, 06:57 AM

Red Regal T (John DiCarlo?) sells kits for like $150 w/ new master cylinder, includes pedal setup, booster, and lines.

1970gsx · 04-04-2008, 07:26 AM

Me, on a couple cars I had and switched back to the Powermaster. I didn't like going from full boost to panic braking and having a hard pedal for a second or two until the vacuum caught back up. I thought may booster might not be holding vacuum but that wasn't the case. I added check valves and that didn't help. Perhaps it's because I tapped into an existing vacuum line and not using the special vacuum block. I am once again contemplating switching back because my Autozone rebuild is giving me problems again.

Aaron B · 04-04-2008, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbot2112

got the parts from someone on the board.it was an easy job. hardest part was getting under the dash and changing the brake pedal.if i had to do it again i would remove the drivers seat. probablly cost you like 200 bucks by the time your done. definatelly worth it.

What he said....except I wouldn't pull the seat. I had a much easier time at this job that most, which I REALLY don't get. The only real tip I can remember is... when you go to put the new pedal in, instead of trying to fight with the spacers and washers, take a piece of masking tape to hold them in place. Rip it off when done.

I dunno if that makes seense or not, I'm still half asleep. Let me know if I need to clarify.

timevacuum · 04-04-2008, 08:08 AM

I'll bet you could get all the parts at a u-pullit for $20-25.

Bill

FLR · 04-04-2008, 08:26 AM

I cant say anything for a vacuum conversion, but if ya ask me about a HydroBoost install, I could be of some use...

Scott GN231 · 04-04-2008, 08:30 AM

You're a strong guy-- manual brakes!

J Banning · 04-04-2008, 08:34 AM

Thanks for the feedback guys. A vacuum brake conversion is the direction I'm leaning towards right now.

I'm not interested in Hydroboost.

Manual brakes are still a consideration though.

Scott GN231 · 04-04-2008, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Banning

A vacuum brake conversion is the direction I'm leaning towards right now.

Before going that route I'd find a club member with vac brakes and give the car a drive and do a practice stage or two.

FLR · 04-04-2008, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott GN231

Before going that route I'd find a club member with vac brakes and give the car a drive and do a practice stage or two.

I'll gladly toss Banning the keys to the Stocker Beast at the next MAGNA T&T we have...

P.S.: I didnt install the vac brakes in my GN. They were there when I bought it. I do believe its the Master Power kit, and seems to work well. I may need a vacuum pump if I ever put a cam in my car...

J Banning · 04-04-2008, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott GN231

Before going that route I'd find a club member with vac brakes and give the car a drive and do a practice stage or two.

The car will most likely see transbrake launches from now on, so I'm thinking they'll suffice for staging and stopping the car (along with some good pads).

87granny · 04-04-2008, 09:35 AM

Ill let you drive mine and see what you think of it it did take some getting used to cause my dd nissan maxima feels totally different than the vac. brakes on the GN

Aaron B · 04-04-2008, 11:00 AM

I thought B already had a transbrake. I bought mine as a "kit" from G Body Parts. It won't hold a whole lot of boost, but safety was my main concern at the time. I didnt trust the Powerbastard anymore.

B, you are welcome to take a spin in mine too.

gold69charger · 04-04-2008, 12:52 PM

Banning you can take a ride in mine when the engine is all back together....you know where you can find it!

04-03-2008, 10:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
J Banning www.magnabuick.com Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Wilmington, DE Posts: 6,538	Vacuum brake conversion - who has done it? Who here has done the vacuum brake conversion themselves? 1) Where'd you get the parts? 2) How long did it take? 3) How much $$$? 4) Any tips/tricks to speed up the process? 5) Anything to watch out for? 6) What would you do differently? Thanks, -Banning. __________________ Banning Cohen 1986 T-Type WH1 10.62@125.45 (1.43 best 60') Mid-Atlantic Grand National Association (MAGNA) Club Director & Delaware State Rep. Sign up for the 2010 MAGNA Points Series Someday this all might come together: Girdled 109 stroker, 76GTQ 4-bolt turbo, Bronsonian Stage IV heads, 83's and Razor's dual nozzle, Turbotweak Speed Density w/WBo2 control, Powerstroke IC, Michael's TH400 w/transbrake, 33 spline Mosers & full spool, 325/50/15 drag radials. Last edited by J Banning; 04-03-2008 at 11:01 PM.

04-04-2008, 06:16 AM	#2 (permalink)
turbot2112 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: n.j. Posts: 156	got the parts from someone on the board.it was an easy job. hardest part was getting under the dash and changing the brake pedal.if i had to do it again i would remove the drivers seat. probablly cost you like 200 bucks by the time your done. definatelly worth it. __________________ 87 turbot with a few bolt ons

04-04-2008, 06:57 AM	#3 (permalink)
mjdwyer23 Money Pit Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Wilmington, DE Posts: 2,177	Red Regal T (John DiCarlo?) sells kits for like $150 w/ new master cylinder, includes pedal setup, booster, and lines. __________________ Matt Dwyer SOLD -- 1987 WE4, PT52, PTE front mount, 50 Lbs., 70mm TB/Hemco upper, Razor's Alky, THDP, RJC EVERYTHING! ATR stainless 3" exhaust, Test pipe with electric cutout, GN spoiler, Turbo Tweak chip, Scanmaster, 11.58@120 1.8 60' SOLD -- 70 Chevelle -- 427, solid roller, forged.

04-04-2008, 07:26 AM	#4 (permalink)
1970gsx Neverlift Society Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Delran NJ. Posts: 1,978	Me, on a couple cars I had and switched back to the Powermaster. I didn't like going from full boost to panic braking and having a hard pedal for a second or two until the vacuum caught back up. I thought may booster might not be holding vacuum but that wasn't the case. I added check valves and that didn't help. Perhaps it's because I tapped into an existing vacuum line and not using the special vacuum block. I am once again contemplating switching back because my Autozone rebuild is giving me problems again. __________________ Gregg 1970 Gsx, Yellow, 455 # matching,cam,headers intake. 87 GN. Ported Champion irons, 210/215 roller cam, T63e, 50's, translator, Turbo Tweak chip, alky injection ....best e.t. 10.66, best mph 128.18 '06 Jeep SRT8 http://community.webshots.com/user/1970gsx

04-04-2008, 08:08 AM	#6 (permalink)
timevacuum Weekend Wrencher Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Delaware, USA Posts: 564	I'll bet you could get all the parts at a u-pullit for $20-25. Bill __________________ MAGNA Member 1985 T-Type w/CF5 Astroroof and Limited interior. Hot-Air motor w/: TA33C, 009's, Hotwired XP pump, AFPR, 205/205 cam, No porting (Yet) 2 3/4" stainless exhaust w/ Magnaflows, 3" DP, 7148 ECM conversion, LT-1 MAF w/ translator and custom 3 1/2" piping, E-fan, WB02, EGT, Turbotweak, Alkycontrol, Power-logger and Scanmaster. 2004R trans w/ Pat's 10" converter, Art-Carr shift kit and rebuild kit, Alto wide band, Roller bearing L/R support, TV boost valve, and super-servo w/ adjustable pin. ET: 13.2@101 MPH 1.8 60 foot Some PICs: http://www.turbobuicks.com/forums/vb...o=view&id=4135 Other rides: 1999 Chevy Lumina LTZ - 3800 SeriesII / THM4T65E 2009 Subaru Outback XT (Turbo) Limited - EJ255 / 5EAT-S

04-04-2008, 08:26 AM	#7 (permalink)
FLR Buick Hypochondriac Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bear, Delaware Posts: 2,900	I cant say anything for a vacuum conversion, but if ya ask me about a HydroBoost install, I could be of some use... __________________ Scott Jackson aka "ScoJack" MAGNA member & Meth supplier New setup: Limit TE-62, Dutt neck IC, ProTorque 32-3400 9.5" billet stall, PLX SM-AFR W/B, TT 5.6 chip... 11.480@114.99 w/1.58 60'* @ Cecil County 11.585@114.60 w/1.63 60' @ E-Town '94 Silvy K1500 Mudder Equipped Daily Driver, Neighbors hate IMCO at 1 in the morning...

04-04-2008, 08:30 AM	#8 (permalink)
Scott GN231 Dr. Nehi Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Philly area Posts: 933	You're a strong guy-- manual brakes! __________________ 1987 Buick Grand National 10.22@130.9mph (1.47 60') on E85 Mods: Bronsonian ported iron heads with stock valves, 70GTQ, Comp Cams 214/214 roller, Cotton's FMIC, 95# injectors, Aeromotive A1000, FAST XFI tuned by Dale Cherry, Cotton's 3.5" downpipe, 44mm Tial gate, ATR 2.5" exhaust, 9.5" Vigilante, Eaton posi, Moser 28 spline axles.

04-04-2008, 08:34 AM	#9 (permalink)
J Banning www.magnabuick.com Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Wilmington, DE Posts: 6,538	Thanks for the feedback guys. A vacuum brake conversion is the direction I'm leaning towards right now. I'm not interested in Hydroboost. Manual brakes are still a consideration though. __________________ Banning Cohen 1986 T-Type WH1 10.62@125.45 (1.43 best 60') Mid-Atlantic Grand National Association (MAGNA) Club Director & Delaware State Rep. Sign up for the 2010 MAGNA Points Series Someday this all might come together: Girdled 109 stroker, 76GTQ 4-bolt turbo, Bronsonian Stage IV heads, 83's and Razor's dual nozzle, Turbotweak Speed Density w/WBo2 control, Powerstroke IC, Michael's TH400 w/transbrake, 33 spline Mosers & full spool, 325/50/15 drag radials.

04-04-2008, 09:35 AM	#13 (permalink)
87granny Flyn Greek Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: mays landing nj Posts: 1,541	Ill let you drive mine and see what you think of it it did take some getting used to cause my dd nissan maxima feels totally different than the vac. brakes on the GN __________________ 1986 GN Mease 3' dp 009's TT chip ScanMaster underdrve pullys SMC alky Mikey's Trans not Monte Carlo Fast yet :

04-04-2008, 11:00 AM	#14 (permalink)
Aaron B Back in (UN)Black Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Hunterdon County, NJ Posts: 2,142	I thought B already had a transbrake. I bought mine as a "kit" from G Body Parts. It won't hold a whole lot of boost, but safety was my main concern at the time. I didnt trust the Powerbastard anymore. B, you are welcome to take a spin in mine too. __________________ aka: RAMAIR1 on "other" boards '89 TTA #1415...has a few goodies '86 Grand National ...Under new management. BEST OF LUCK WITH IT DAN!! '01 Sunset Orange Metallic Trans Am WS6 SOLD! '99 Riv Old Man Boosted Buford. The DD and staying stock.

04-04-2008, 12:52 PM	#15 (permalink)
gold69charger JUST TRYING TO HAVE FUN! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington Twp, N.J. Posts: 489	Banning you can take a ride in mine when the engine is all back together....you know where you can find it! __________________ 87 GN T-Top 46k original miles all stock - SOLD 89 TTA T-Top,leather 47k original miles all stock - SOLD 86 GN Astroroof 82k original miles - SOLD 87 Silver Astroroof T 61k miles

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