i called performance online and the guy was like "duh,..which way did he go george" im trying to learn more about brakes and trying to find out if power brakes are required to run four disc brakes.. is that the boosters purpose? or is the vacuum im reading about seperate. can i run a manual brake setup with four discs? anyone care to enlighten me!? thanks i have a 54' bel air converted to 4 wheel disc, im going to buy an 90degree underdash kit but not sure what to buy!! any recomendations??
I'm thinking some 60's vettes had manual 4 wheel discs. could be wrong though. that would be a good place to find a master cylinder. my buddy put one of those under dash brake deals in his 54 and now he does not like it. how do you fill the master cylinder???
I ran 4 wheel discs in a 67 mustang,manual brakes.No problems,stopped nice.Used a wilwood adjustable proportioning valve.
The need for power ***ist, would not be necessary, if the bore of the master cylinder was small enough, and the leverage of the pedal ***embly was sufficient. I ran a disk front and a vette drum rear ('63-'64?) & chev dual master non-power w/no problems. Simply took the diaphram off, and set up linkage and lines. Added a GM proportioning valve and bled the system. A larger bore means that you will have to STAND on the pedal, so I'd compare notes on sizes available, set up a pedal system that favored the leverage, and simply adjust your shoes up tight, and lets the pads do the major work. This type of system will not have quite as much travel, but will provide good braking w/o power ***ist.
I am using a 1" bore vette master and have 70s monte discs (ECI kit), its under the floor on a home made bracket. stops fine, with an adjustable prop valve to the rear.
I'm running 3200 lb 50 ford F1. It has F150 disks in the back and the drum brakes that came with the 9" the rear end. 76 ford 1/2 truck master cylinder and it has all the breaks you could want. It's worth it to try conventionals first. Then if you don't like it you can spend a LOT OF MONEY and make it better.
you don't have to have power with 4wdb but is sure is a lot nicer. I ran my 60 ford wagon(big and heavy) with no power for years but you really had to stand on the brakes to get it to stop. disk brakes take more pressure to work, changing over to power made it feel like a new car.
It's really the difference between braking with your toe (like a modern car) or with your foot. I compare it to the effort you put behind a heavy clutch with your left foot, now both your legs will get a work out. Do not guess on matching the master to 4 wheel disc. Get a pro's recommendation on sizing. Disc brakes can use 2 to 3 times the volume of fluid that drums use. Bore diameter affects effort. Volume required affects stroke. If you run out of pedal, you won't be happy.
welp, i really need to get out there and see some setups, based on what im reading here and online, i might go after the modern touch and of course surity that theres enough stopping power. but what i cant seem to find then is what else is going to be needed and how it works in a power setup, i dont want a ton of vacuum lines and other perephials cluttering up under the dash n such.. im gonna call a couple brake shops in the morning and see what they can tell me too i guess. ultimatly im trying not to spend a lot of course but if its the difference of hating driving becuase too much effort and/or safety, ill spend the extra.
well, the "pros" are very helpful and i understand the braking system now...however they never really wanted to say which setup they would use... anyways, i can only find these two kits available online!? theres got to be more out there yes? does anyone know of other companies or dealers that have better deals? atleast so i have options.... http://www.performanceonline.com/store/customer/cart.php http://ecihotrodbrakes.com/hanging_pedal_***emblies.html anyone tried either of these?
I have manual 4 wheel discs on the '50 Burb Corvette master, 1970 - ish Dodge Dakota front calipers '85 Vette rear all matched up well, car stops real fine, good pedal action
The reason the "pros" wouldn't recommend a particular setup is they don't want to be sued if you build a setup according to their recommendations and you go out and kill someone. There is something about an lawyer uneducated in the subject but talaneted in getting a jurer to shed a tear over your "maliscious" attempt to operate a death trap upon the highway that keeps business owners opinions close to the vest. Can't blame them,especially when it's doubtful you'll be spending any money with them. Frank
Hey Joe here is a good brake shop it is down south in orange,ca check this place out and give them a call here is the link. www.abspowerbrake.com phone#714-771-6549
I made my own from 10 gauge steel. Use parts from one car if possible and a proportion valve from the same for the best results.
JM2¢? It will stop, you can get the pedal pressure reasonable. I wouldn't for 2 reasons: 1. the extra foot effort makes driving in traffic more like work 2. if the car is auto trans you will rear end someone at a red light at 1 mph when your foot slips that tiny bit...
Is this why you are named panic??? I have used non power 4wdisk on lots of cars with no problems.. It is all about matching the pieces.. Jason.
It's all about preference. I run disk brakes in my 53 F100 with a manual M/C with no problems at all. Depending on where you put the M/C, on the firewall... no real issues because the M/C is above the calipers. Under the floorboard, you may want to run a residual pressure valve to keep the break fluid from siphoning back into the M/C when you release the pedal, it'll make things feel spongy. Run a 2psi valve immediately after the M/C to any lines going to discs. They run from $18 - $25 a piece and are worth the money.
oh yeah, you'll need a proportioning valve too, here's a typical setup: http://ecihotrodbrakes.com/images/pic03_brakefacts.gif
I'm running without power brakes, and it brings me back to the fifty's cars I drove in my youth. Stops fine, just a lot of work. After a day of driving around town you really need a "break" from the "brakes!"
After a day of driving around town you really need a "break" from the "brakes!" That was my point - it may be safe, but it's not as much fun.
hell, evean my 46 international has power brakes...stock.. hahaha, weird huh? stumped me, ill get pics up, wierdist frickin system iv ever seen..
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