Swapping in a different Brake Booster?

[Dirty Birdy]

Hi Guys,

New to the forum and lovin it. I own a 1966 Ford Thunderbird Landau with a Z Code motor that is currently being rebuilt. I want to run the Cobra Lemans valve covers and oval air cleaner on it. My problem is that the valve cover will not fit with that huge brake booster. I would like to swap that out with something smaller, a dual stage type. I would also like to change the master cylinder to a dual resivoir, the single one makes me nervous. LOL Just wondering if anyone has done this? Would something out of say a newer 70s Torino or Truck? I dont mind loosing a bit of assist, I think its a bit over the top as it is. LOL

Attached is a pic, its not your average bird.

[boaterbob]

You can put a smaller booster on. I bought 65 conv. two years ago half restored and it has a smaller booster and stops fine at all speeds. Problem i don't know what booster it is sine it was already there. BTW thats a cool Bird what wheels are they that clear the front calipers?

[Dirty Birdy]

Thanks, they are Boyd Codington Smothie IIs. They where custom made using some very careful measurements. They are 18x8 in front and 20x10 rear.

[Dirty Birdy]

What size is the stock brake booster? 9"?

[novanutcase]

If you want to get adventurous look into a Hydroboost instead of the stock booster for your car.

They work off of the power steering pump rather than the engine vacuum.

John

[Dirty Birdy]

Originally Posted by novanutcase

If you want to get adventurous look into a Hydroboost instead of the stock booster for your car.

They work off of the power steering pump rather than the engine vacuum.

John

Yea I have thought about going that route, I have head others doing it. Do you have any suggestions as to what hydro boost? Out of a GM or something??

Im not sure how crazy I want to go over a set of valve covers. I had my heart set on them but it may create more headache than what its worth.

I have been told by an aftermarket brake company that the 66 thunderbird has a 9" dual diaphram??? I thought it was only a single?? Anybody know for sure?

[novanutcase]

You can get a good used hydroboost system from any wrecking yard and on ebay for around $100. You'll have to fabricate a mounting plate for it and determine what rod length you'll need but other than that it's pretty much cake.

The great thing about it is that you'll have more clamping power than the traditional boosters that we use and you won't have to worry about having enough vacuum to run it since the HB runs off of the PS pump. Also, the unit is much smaller than the stock booster so you'll have more room in the engine compartment and it should clear your Valve covers no problem.

I have a write up that someone did installing a HB in his '68 camaro on my home computer. When I get home I'll post a link to it so you can look at it and see if it will work for you!

John

[Dirty Birdy]

Originally Posted by novanutcase

You can get a good used hydroboost system from any wrecking yard and on ebay for around $100. You'll have to fabricate a mounting plate for it and determine what rod length you'll need but other than that it's pretty much cake.

The great thing about it is that you'll have more clamping power than the traditional boosters that we use and you won't have to worry about having enough vacuum to run it since the HB runs off of the PS pump. Also, the unit is much smaller than the stock booster so you'll have more room in the engine compartment and it should clear your Valve covers no problem.

I have a write up that someone did installing a HB in his '68 camaro on my home computer. When I get home I'll post a link to it so you can look at it and see if it will work for you!

John

Thank you for taking the time. I was on Ebay and realized that the newer mustangs ran hydroboost systems. 99-04 Gts. What do you think the chances are that the mounting holes are the same through the fire wall? I thought all Fords had the same bolt spacing for boosters? There are a few on ebay and they even include the lines.

[novanutcase]

Originally Posted by Dirty Birdy

Thank you for taking the time. I was on Ebay and realized that the newer mustangs ran hydroboost systems. 99-04 Gts. What do you think the chances are that the mounting holes are the same through the fire wall? I thought all Fords had the same bolt spacing for boosters? There are a few on ebay and they even include the lines.

Exactly! As you know there are literally hundreds of thousands of these cars on the road(I know! I own an '03 GT!) so wrecking yards have tons of them.

I don't think the mount is the same but, again, fabricating an adapter plate shouldn't be too hard.

Here's the write up I was telling you about:

index

Go about halfway down the page.

John

[Dirty Birdy]

Yea I figure the mounting plate should be pretty easy. Flat square plate with four studs welded for the firewall and some holes for the hydroboost. A couple lines, T Fitting for the high pressure side of pump and I guess low side too?

Hey a little side question to all out there, do you guys run actual power steering fluid in your cars or trans fluid like a merc 5? (thats what I have been using)

[novanutcase]

I use PS fluid....

John