Brake system

[turboman38]

Ok, It seems like alot of guys are or have switched to a "normal" vacuum brake setup on the turbo cars. If this system works so well why didn't GM use it in the first place?

Also I've heard you can't hold any boost when racing with the vacuum system. Is this true? If it's not true then how much boost will the system hold when racing?

My Power Monster (second one) seems to be running too often (Means I have a leak) and I can push the petal to the floor with out too much of a problem. If I pump the petal at a light three or four times the brake light comes on. I'm assuming my system is going to the dogs in the near future and after installing a power monster only 2 years ago I'm seriously considering going to the vacuum setup.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each system?

 

[Mr URL]

Disadvantage to vacuum is loss of holding boost at the line.
Advantage is cheap.

Disadvantage to power master is expensive and PITA at times.
Advantage is being able to hold boost at the line.

If ya plan on racing it I'd go with a Power Master. Cruiser vacuum will work OK.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Roger]

I had so much trouble with vacuum, I went back to the PM.

I had 3 different vacuum boost units develop vacuum leaks, which varied with every application of the brakes. It was impossible to set IAC.

I had on 2 different occasions, have some brain dead behind the wheel of a slow mover pull out about 100 - 150 feet in front of me when I had pulled out into traffic. These incidents were hilighted by the fact no vacuum was available to operate the vacuum booster - I changed out the check valve 3 times & was working on a vacuum boost pump installation.

Discount Auto Parts came out with a lifetime rebuilt PM for $199, that's less than the vacuum boost pump was going to cost. The PM worked well for years & the rebuilt has a warranty.