I've got a few questions about brakes. In my studebaker its has a 78 nova subframe(I know its not traditional but hey I built this car 15 years ago) and power brakes. Well the engine thats going back in it will kill the va*** for the power brakes. Heres a little bit about the combo,355 c.i. small block with a 306 duration comp soliid lift cam. I was wondering if a va*** canister like the ones that comp and crane cams sell would work to give me enough brakes? And if not what all would I need to swap over to manual brakes. I need to get this done before the H.A.M.B. drags in a few weeks so any help will be greatly appreciated.
Back in the day when power steering and brakes first made their appearence, Studebaker used a hydrovac system on the Hawks because there wasn't enough room for a vacuum cannister with the V8 in the car. This was powered by the power steering system for the ***ist. GM has used a similar system with their diesel trucks. Probably something that can be plumbed in if you have power steering.
I would go with a power steering ***ited system. they seem to work better. if you drive ont he street the vac*** canister is less effective the more frequently it stops. it takes too long to build vacuum back in the canister.
I used an electric vac pump from a 2005 Ford super duty. I made a canister from 4"PVC, capped both ends, threaded the in and out fittings for the power brakes. The vac pump has an auto shut off when the correct pressure is reached. I mounted it on the outside of the frame rail and out od site. It works real well. If you want some pictures PM me.
Those vacuum cans will give you about one good shot to do your stopping. It is a reserve, and the vacuum only builds during low rpms. When you are winding the engine out, the vacuum leaves, and you are left with a reserve. If you could afford it, there are electric pumps that you can plumb to the vacuum reserve of your master cylinder, leaving you with full functionality. I know that wouldn't be too traditional, though. The electric pumps, I believe, are in the 200 dollar range. Whatever you decide to go with, good luck!
The earlier Ford diesels had a vee belt driven va***n pump. It'd be easy to adapt to any engine. I think the part # is E3TZ- 2A451-A.
Well, that sounds cool. I was just thinking of the ones that you see in the big name catalogs. If one could make a setup from different parts, though, that would be nice. I stand corrected.
The Jalopy Journal
