Most cars either run manual brakes or power brakes, with the latter usually being assisted by a vacuum operated brake booster that stores vacuum to help apply pressure to the master cylinder when the brake pedal is depressed. Many of us hot rodders have found that as we increase horsepower and run bigger camshafts, we tend to experience a stiffer brake pedal- and not in a good way. Large duration camshafts draw too little vacuum to keep an average power brake booster “charged” with air. As a result, the pedal gets stiffer and braking gets harder.
Hydroboost systems, commonly used in many diesel trucks, operate off of fluid dynamics instead of vacuum. These braking systems are run off of the power steering pump which gives them a much better ability to assist w/ braking at the master cylinder. One of the best advantages of such a system is that hydroboost units deliver 50% more braking pressure than normal brake systems, delivering roughly 1200 psi of pressure to the brakes as compared to a meager 800 psi generated by non hydraulic systems. This results in better braking, less pedal effort and a better “feel” at the brake pedal.
A recent article in Super Chevy Magazine showcased how well hydroboost systems work, in this instance providing the clamping pressure required to slow down a 1969 Chevy Nova just retrofitted with 4-wheel CPP disc brakes. Here’s a brief excerpt of their article:
“The big question was how well our Nova would stop with all these new parts. Our first test on the original wheels was 197 feet. Just by swapping on the new tires that number dropped to 188 feet, but the drums were toast after only one hard stop. With the new hydroboost-assisted brakes and Nitto tires, we managed a best stopping distance of 128 feet! That's an improvement of 60 feet. More importantly, we made 10 max-effort stops over the course of only 7 minutes and didn't experience any brake fade. In fact, the last stop was better than the first. The peak deceleration g-force was .73 g with the old parts, .89 g with the new tires, and a whiplash-inducing 1.12 g with the new brakes and tires. The Nova also lost its tendency to randomly pull to the right or left during braking. The hydroboost has a different feel compared to a traditional booster, but after a few stops we were confidently slinging the Nova to a halt.”.
HydroBoost by HydraTech offers their superior braking system for 1964 - 1972 GM "A" Body Vehicles. A very popular choice for GM classic car owners looking for a solid, reliable braking system similar to modern vehicles.1964 - 1972 General Motors 'A' Body Hydraulic Brake Assist Unit - Model # 3014
o CNC Machined T6 billet aluminum direct fit firewall mounting plate design
o This model fits the later GM "short rod / shallow" master cylinder design
o All engines with PS pump on driver's side - compatible with rack and pinion conversions
o For use with disc/drum or disc/disc brakes (not for use with 4 wheel drum brakes)
o Features an adjustable brake pedal rod to allow for a range of brake pedal height adjustment
o Models with PS lineset include overlength hoses with re-usable / re-buildable hose ends
o 7 1/4 " installed length from firewall to MC mounting flange - no firewall modifications required
Many Gearhead Garage customers use these systems and we are happy to share our experience with you!
