Hey Guys what are the pros & cons on master cylinder /booster mounting, fire wall or under floor? Thanks
Mine is under the floor because thats where International Co. put it. Plus it fit with the 350/350 combo so need to change it.
Detroit took them from under the floor and put them on the firewall in the 50's. Think they might have had a reason? Been there ever since, again, think there might be a reason? Only takes a couple of seconds/minutes with brain engaged to figure it out. Frank
You can also use a Kuger Komponents 90 degree setup and get the best of both worlds............swing pedal with no firewall clutter. Don
I'm thinking the question is regarding his '33 Olds ... (just guessing here) he is either thinking "maybe I should move it from under the floor to the firewall" or simply "I wonder why the factory mounted it under the floor?". Guess that doesn't really answer the question though does it ... My (late '30s Olds) was originally under the floor. I moved mine to the firewall (and replaced it with newer stuff) ... easier to keep an eye on the levels, the master is above the wheel cylinders and calipers, and is out of harms way (as far as road debris etc hitting and damaging it and I have the room in the engine compartment for the master and the booster, I used mid '80s S10/Blazer master/booster/pedal assembly ... I run a full hood so I wasn't worried about looks. Little more info, I strengthened the firewall and ran braces from the dash and cowl/door hinge area to eliminate any flexing ... although it really doesn't take a lot of pedal pressure to stop this car with the power assisted brakes ... I'm a "belt AND suspenders" kinda guy.
Ease of assembly on the assembly line is alwaysthe reason for changes like this from under floor pedal and brake assembly to firewall. No more holes in floors with cage nuts, boots, etc. All money saving changes.
...Mostly the ability to check fluid levels easily. I solve the ugly problem with fire wall mounts by using either vintage or race looking master cylinders. One of my favorite exclamations when opening the hood on the Plymouth and some one seeing the three Wilwood masters was "Who, that's serious!". Besides, stuff belongs on a firewall in my opinion! Also, firewall mount gives you tons more room to run you exhaust, seals up the floor to keep heat and water out, not to mention no longer having to worry about wiping you master out on a speed bump when the car is down at a respectable height... I could go on if you like!
as an auto trimmer I can tell you a swinging pedal is nicer to deal with , besides when you have the pedal going through the carpet it shouldn,t be tight to the pedal and even though you have a pedal stop seal on the bottom side of the floor when you press the pedal down a small amount of air flow or fumes can come arround the pedal. another problem with an under the floor pedal is that when your car is slammed down low if your master is lower than the rest of your braking system the brake fluid may find it's way back to the master and leak out although this will only happen when the car is parked for extended periods of time such as when you park the roadster for the winter. Having said all that, on some cars it just wouldn't do to have the master on the firewall.
Thanks Everyone, I think the firewall route is the way thats best for me. Now to figure out how to reinforce the firewall to accommodate the mounting brackets,and master cylinder, any suggestions Guys ? Thanks
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