Due to how radical my cam is im fearful of my power brakes not working. I was told about the hydroboost brakes and was wondering if anyone has used them or knows anything about them. Any info will be great, thanks a lot.

 

Hydro-boost was used extensively on GM's larger pick up trucks and some large cars in the late 70s and 80s.

The system uses the power steering pump to power a special booster instead of engine vacuum.

It is a good reliable system with excellent stopping characteristics, IMO the additional hoses can look kind of cumbersome, but would probably look ok in a larger engine compartment like a 71.

If I were you I think I might consider a vac pump instead, it is just simpler.

 

I took have been considering a hydraulic brake booster. What brands are out there? I am worried that an electric vacuum pump running all the time (manifold vacuum stays below 20" almost all the time) will not last long.

 

The vacuum system was what i was considering first. I do agree about it being easier but i just don't know how reliable it is. Plus how would i hide that ugly vacuum pump so that it couldn't be seen haha.

 

I haven't actually measured the vacuum on the motor yet because i haven't put it in the car im just assuming that im not going to have enough.

 

You need to maintain like 16-18" for vacuum assist brakes to work. I run 10-12" at idle and 15-17" cruising, so it is out for me without a vacuum booster pump which comes on when you vacuum is less than 16", so it would run almost all the time in my setup. I am running a 242 duration roller cam @ .050 and .64 lift in my 383 if that helps you compare.

 

Yeah then there is no way that mine will have enough vacuum haha. My cam has 304 duration and .612 lift. Thanks the info.

 

The 304 duration is going to be advertised duration. What really counts is your duration @ .050 because some cams ramp up faster than others. My advertised duration is 280 but duration at .050 is 242/248. Depending on what your duration is at .050 there may still be hope, but probably not.

 

Have you looked at http://www.abspowerbrake.com/ they have a electro booster that will do the same job if not better and looks a lot better.

 

Thanks for the info I will definitely look into that.