Hydro Boost Project

[Cudajason]

As mentioned in the Winter Projects post, I am installing a hydro boost system on my Cuda over the winter. I have never been happy with the standard brake on my car, so hoping this will help.

Like everything with me this will take a while.

My plan is to use a junkyard hydro boost unit, add in an adjustable proportioning valve and line lock (just for the hell of it). I have priced out the prepackaged kits and just can not justify the cost.

While I am at it, I will replace all of the brake lines as they are original to the car.

I will add pics etc as I make process.

Anyone that has done this before please feel to add comments.

[Cudajason]

So far I have a a bunch of disassembly done and my first issue!

I was planning to use my existing master cylinder, which is a new style mopar unit that I have run for a decade. However the MC does not fit the hydro boost unit I have. My understanding is that the hydro boost units are all same. So looks like I am buying a New MC. Doing some research to find the right one.

The other thing I noticed is the difference in the reenforcement plates for standard brakes (black) and power brakes. The power brake plate (pink) positions the MC higher on the firewall.

I think I am going with that as my starting point, and will add the power brake linkage back under the dash (I have it all).

I think the most challenging part will be bending all the hard lines to mate up to the new proportioning valve, but I think I can get there.

[Brads70]

I started this years ago but never finished it. I too used a hyroboost unit off a Astro van , and they are not " plentiful" as most were automatics. Actually I got it for the 86 regal I had at the time, its been that long now... 12-15 years...
I did pull it all out again to adapt it to the Challenger but never went any further. I'll get back to it someday. M/C is 1.250" diameter
I think I got the M/C from Cass and had to slot it some to mount to the hydo boost unit.

[moparcar]

I'm assuming a reconditioned hydro boost unit from Rock Auto or similar would be just fine, correct? They don't seem to be to pricey when I've previously looked. I know it still takes all the adapters, gadgets, etc. for a complete set-up. Just talking about the actual unit.

Thanks, Wes

[MoparLeo]

http://www.hydratechbraking.com/Mopar_E_Body.html

[RCman]

Neat. What are you using for a pump and lines?
Are you going to run a cooler?

http://www.hydratechbraking.com/Mopar_E_Body.html

This may be the route I go after figuring out the pump side.

[Cudajason]

http://www.hydratechbraking.com/Mopar_E_Body.html

$700 USD...yeah no thanks. I build a custom on cheaper.

[Cudajason]

I'm assuming a reconditioned hydro boost unit from Rock Auto or similar would be just fine, correct? They don't seem to be to pricey when I've previously looked. I know it still takes all the adapters, gadgets, etc. for a complete set-up. Just talking about the actual unit.

Thanks, Wes

I don't see why that would not work.

The part that concerns me the most is the connection at the brake pedal. Seem like there is not a lot of info on that, but I have a few ideas.

[Cudajason]

Neat. What are you using for a pump and lines?
Are you going to run a cooler?

http://www.hydratechbraking.com/Mopar_E_Body.html

This may be the route I go after figuring out the pump side.

I have power steering now, may change the pump to one with two returns, may just use a T in the return line.

I will make the lines using AN hose and fittings.

[Cudajason]

I started this years ago but never finished it. I too used a hyroboost unit off a Astro van , and they are not " plentiful" as most were automatics. Actually I got it for the 86 regal I had at the time, its been that long now... 12-15 years...
I did pull it all out again to adapt it to the Challenger but never went any further. I'll get back to it someday. M/C is 1.250" diameter
I think I got the M/C from Cass and had to slot it some to mount to the hydo boost unit.

Thanks @Brads70 i thought about just filing the holes out, but nit sure it was a good idea. Maybe I will give it a shot, nothing to lose at this point.

I see you were planning on a thick block to space out the hydro boost unit. I assume that is to mate the HB pushrod?  Have you taken any measurement for that?

[Brads70]

I started this years ago but never finished it. I too used a hyroboost unit off a Astro van , and they are not " plentiful" as most were automatics. Actually I got it for the 86 regal I had at the time, its been that long now... 12-15 years...
I did pull it all out again to adapt it to the Challenger but never went any further. I'll get back to it someday. M/C is 1.250" diameter
I think I got the M/C from Cass and had to slot it some to mount to the hydo boost unit.

Thanks @Brads70 i thought about just filing the holes out, but nit sure it was a good idea. Maybe I will give it a shot, nothing to lose at this point.

I see you were planning on a thick block to space out the hydro boost unit. I assume that is to mate the HB pushrod?  Have you taken any measurement for that?

Ya I can't remember right at the moment, it was quite some time ago I started on it. I did obtain the parts from the pedal to what would be a stock booster. Its not the same as the manual brake set up. Its " somewhere in my garage " I'll take a picture if I can find it....

Looks like the first picture in this post....

https://forum.e-bodies.org/cuda-and-challenger-general-discussion-roseville-moparts/2/power-brake-linkage/12281/


Brewers has them if you need one?
http://www.brewersperformance.com/products.php?cat=279

[MoparLeo]

I posted the link on hydroboost kits because it has some of the dimensions, measurements listed. 
Click through the link. More info there.

[RCman]

I have power steering now, may change the pump to one with two returns, may just use a T in the return line.

I will make the lines using AN hose and fittings.

Yeah, I do as well but I am wondering is the stock pump has enough output (both flow and pressure) to handle the demands.
Then as you mentioned lack of return plus maybe the need for a cooler and it starts to look like a new pump and maybe remote reservoir might be easier.

[Dmod1974]

A stock pump will work fine.  I had one on my 408 stroker and it worked perfectly.  The hydroboost system puts very little demand on the power steering pump.  I doubt you'll need a cooler either unless you are doing some serious road racing, and even then the heat load necessitating that is mostly from the steering side.

[greentween]

I put up some video's on youtube about my install.
Mopar AL master to hydroboost:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COYGdaZdTHA

FYI: If you make your own kit, then you need to also make a tool to tighten the goofy sized mounting nut on the hydro unit itself. Advantage with a kit is the kit will have the hydro unit already bolted onto the adapter plate so you dont need the tool.

The kit I used mounts it where the power booster goes. So it uses the power brake linkage to the pedal. End result is hydo unit it will be higher up and also pushed forward vs when mounted in the manual master location. Keep this in mind when watching my videos.

If you mount it where the manual master bolts on, then it connects direct to the pedal. I believe this is how the Hydratech kit is by looking at their pictures of their firewall adapter bracket.