I'm trying to put valve covers on my 51 Chevy but I ran out of space on my drivers side because my brake booster is in the way. My valve covers are too tall but they are the shorts. I don't know what to do, either buy a new smaller brake booster that would work for my car or move it up somehow. Is there anything else you guys would suggest? Thanks <a href="http://s722.photobucket.com/user/zschultzy/media/IMG_20130727_170405_672.jpg.html" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://s722.photobucket.com/user/zschultzy/media/IMG_20130727_170328_500.jpg.html" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://s722.photobucket.com/user/zschultzy/media/IMG_20130727_170346_240.jpg.html" target="_blank"></a>
Remove the plunger rod from the brake pedal under the dash. Remove the four nuts that hold the booster assembly, pull it out and off the threads, up away from the firewall and wire it up to the hood or hood hinge somewhere to hold it. You don't have to move the assembly much. The brake lines will flex to a point so there's not necessarily a need to remove them. Just lift it up and away enough to replace the valve covers then put it all back.
Hate to say it, but if it is hitting, you probably answered your own question and need a smaller dual diaphragm type or hydroboost.
the master cyl. looks to be mounted to low. i would redo it. move it up about 1 1/2 inches. why is it out so far also? should be next to firewall. may try searching and looking at how others are mounted. something is not right.
Seems that you have a few options.. 1. Do as the previous reply suggested. 2. Move Master Cylinder further up on the firewall and extend your Brake Petal Arm. 3. Purchase a smaller Power Brake Vacuum Booster. tejas34
if it's the one in your avater it looks good. how about more pictures? as far as the brakes didn't mean that you screwed up. they just need to be fixed right and your problems will go away. who ever done it just didn't think about the whole picture of engine installed and being able to work on it.
That is a pretty big booster. Measure it across the widest point, and get a dual-diaphragm one, two inches smaller. Most of the aftermarket setups, of this configuration, run the booster/master at a slight upward-to-the front angle. Walton Fabrication (HUGE fan, good stuff):
That's not a stock assembly. Moving it up would incorporate quite a bit of work assuming the swinging pedal assembly from the same donor car was used. I didn't realize from your first post that the valve covers were taller/thicker. You may want to hunt down a dual diaphragm booster like mentioned earlier.
Would something like this work? http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Day-Super...Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d41f208e6&vxp=mtr
I think the one in your car is 11". I wouldn't go with one less than 9". I'd look at a 79/80 Trans Am type assuming the rods are interchangeable/same. http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/_/N-8kn7z?itemIdentifier=44506_0_0_ http://www.summitracing.com/parts/aaz-54-71228?seid=srese1&gclid=CPP_wv3s0LgCFRRk7AodKE0A5Q
Would this work the way the brackets are set up? http://www.ebay.com/itm/9-Single-Di...Parts_Accessories&hash=item2328eae0a8&vxp=mtr
I dont trust the cheapo aftermarket brake boosters, I would use an S10 9" dual diapragm booster. Not only is the S10 unit smaller it mounts directly to the firewall which moves it back out of the way. Use the S10 brake pedal mount and pedal to finish it up. The one on there looks like a 60s chevy truck unit, and myself I dont like the way the bracket is spaced away from the firewall either. I would be taking it out. Other option is the 78-88 monte carlo dual diaphragm booster, different from the S10 in that it mounts at an angle. More work because you need to make an angled mount on the firewall but it angles the booster up away from the engine. This is a monte one on my 47 cadillac.
there is more to selecting a power booster than just outside diameter. take a look at mpbrakes.com , and other sites that will give you more info on what it takes to have a proper braking system. there is a thread running now that is about not needing a booster.
mopar fixed it on the hemi/BB A-body's by having an offset bracket http://www.classicindustries.com/mopar/parts/MD47276.html i've also seen BB fords with La Mans valve covers notched and rewelded for clearence good luck
How would I bolt this up to my brake pedal now? http://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-1956-1...Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d38e20e7a&vxp=mtr
I think this might work for sure... take a look... http://www.jegs.com/i/Right-Stuff/965/G8805/10002/-1?parentProductId=
This is excellent advice. I'd consider checking it out because I have witnessed friends having problems with inadequate braking after replacing the booster with a smaller one. I have personally replaced a Camaro 11" with a Trans Am 9" and found no drop in performance which is why I suggested it. I can't attest to any of the ones you've asked about and won't even speculate. Could save you some money and frustration with a little research. SERIOUSLY. You've been warned.