GM High Tech Performance does a Power Master to Vacuum conversion, pics included.

[GNVYUS 1]

http://www.gmhightechperformance.com/tech/0405htp_brakes/

This is a pretty good article ( with pictures for those like me who are on the bubble of what to do about the PM. Not sure how old this is but they redrilled the factory pedal instead of using the NA pedal.

It offers some real brake data at the end to show how the vacuum actually kicked the crap out of the powermasters stopping distances.
Gaining 103 feet from 100-0 is ridiculous, thats 34 yards for you football fans

I guess its off to Napa for a new 87 NA Regal vacuum setup and Summit for the Electric Vacuum Pump.

 

[ZR1TR]

One Stop Shopping

Red Regal T sells an entire kit to do the conversion including the pedal and the vacuum block. Don't have it on my T yet but have heard that it is a top notch kit. Just thought I would give you a heads up in case you didn't know.

 

[TurboDave]

Originally posted by DR.BOOSTER
http://www.gmhightechperformance.com/tech/0405htp_brakes/

This is a pretty good article ( with pictures for those like me who are on the bubble of what to do about the PM. Not sure how old this is but they redrilled the factory pedal instead of using the NA pedal.

It offers some real brake data at the end to show how the vacuum actually kicked the crap out of the powermasters stopping distances.
Gaining 103 feet from 100-0 is ridiculous, thats 34 yards for you football fans

I guess its off to Napa for a new 87 NA Regal vacuum setup and Summit for the Electric Vacuum Pump.

If my numbers are correct they invested well over $1,000.00 in that setup, not including labor

 

[DCVING 6]

Re: Re: GM High Tech Performance does a Power Master to Vacuum conversion, pics included.

Originally posted by TurboDave
If my numbers are correct they invested well over $1,000.00 in that setup, not including labor

It can be pretty expensive when using all new GM stuff. I paid $115 from Red Regal T for my kit and LOVE it.

 

[mechanical73]

brakes

hey guys,

for those of you who have bought the kit from Red regal - what exactly comes w/ it ? is it just the vacuum cannister and master cylinder ?

any contact info for this guy

thanks

 

[2QUIK6]

Re: brakes

Originally posted by mechanical73
hey guys,

for those of you who have bought the kit from Red regal - what exactly comes w/ it ? is it just the vacuum cannister and master cylinder ?

any contact info for this guy

thanks

And is the kit new or rebuilt items?
And what about warranty? The vacuum booster and MC can be bought at the local auto parts store new and with a lifetime warranty is why I ask and will be alot easier to replace/service if something goes wrong later. The pedal is all that you would need to track down.

 

[mechanical73]

vacuum brakes

1. Not sure but I would imagine that any G-body vacuum brake system should work right ?

There's plenty of inexpensive parts from the salvage yards for Olds Cutlass, Monte's, NA Regals that should work.

2. My only concern is that the lack of vacuum would be a problem.
I've read all the posts on this and it seems that its a 50/50 split on the topic.

From what I've read, it seems that no matter what, if a vacuum brake system is used (even on a stock motor), an electric pump is required to ensure constant vacuum.

The TTA's used vacuum brakes w/ the turbo motor so it should work for Regals - there's not that much of a weight difference. Does anyone know whether the TTA's used an electric pump or just straight up vacuum brakes ?

let me know guys ?

3. I've also noticed there are two systems that the turbo regals came with: PM and one called a Hydroboost - does anyone have a general explanation on what each is and how they're different ?

Thanks

 

[2QUIK6]

mechanical73,
The TTA does not have an electric pump, I believe if you have a good vac booster, you do not need one, just make sure you use a good check valve and the booster will hold vacuum. Your motor is under boost for a relatively short time compared to how long it is pulling vacuum....and you are not going to hit hitting the brakes at the same time you are under boost except to power brake at the line, which again is a short time.

Don't cut cost by getting a used vac booster, most in the yard will have old diaphrams in them that may leak.

 

[mechanical73]

brakes

thanks man.

did you convert over yourself as well ? what did you go w?

 

[2QUIK6]

Re: brakes

Originally posted by mechanical73
thanks man.

did you convert over yourself as well ? what did you go w?

I have not, but plan to when my PM or accumulator fial next time, which should be anytime now given past experience. Oh, yes, most G-body brake setups will work. I fact, the conversion that most sell are the Monte Carlo brake setup.

 

[DCVING 6]

Red Regal T's kit came with everything needed except I think a proportioning valve which was $4. The kit is used/reconditioned and gauranteed good. Everything that he shipped me was clean, not like he yanked it out of the bone yard and threw it in a box.

 

[crownvic96]

Originally posted by DCVING 6
Red Regal T's kit came with everything needed except I think a proportioning valve which was $4. The kit is used/reconditioned and gauranteed good. Everything that he shipped me was clean, not like he yanked it out of the bone yard and threw it in a box.

i had been wondering that actually. thanks for sharing that. i'll definitely be ordering of of these conversion kits soon then.

 

[bruce]

Re: vacuum brakes

Originally posted by mechanical73
1. Not sure but I would imagine that any G-body vacuum brake system should work right ?

2. My only concern is that the lack of vacuum would be a problem.
I've read all the posts on this and it seems that its a 50/50 split on the topic.

From what I've read, it seems that no matter what, if a vacuum brake system is used (even on a stock motor), an electric pump is required to ensure constant vacuum.

PM and one called a Hydroboost

Yes.
I've run vacuum for years, and it's never had a problem, it's not like folks are running 236/236 cams.
Not in my experience.

PM uses an electric motor and pump for power assist.
Hydroboost, uses hydralic pressure from the power steering, for assist.

 

[GNVYUS 1]

It looks like they bought a new MC and Booster from GM and for $500??
Napa had a new 87NA MC and booster for $180.
I am considering the vacuum pump also but not at that price, SS brakes had it for $250 I think.

Bruce, what MC bore do you recommend for a 4 piston brake caliper?
I think the 87NA's have a 1.125 bore and I would think that a bigger bore would help out with the volume needed to move all 8 pistons.

What did you do on your big brake kit?

 

[mechanical73]

brakes

thanks for the reply bruce,

do you run any vacuum cannisters or electric pump's or anything else other than the stock vacuum set-up ?

thanks

Nelson

 

[Warp Six]

I'm a cheap bastard... it cost me a grand total of about $20 for salvage yard parts out of a Cutlass, including the pedal, and it works great. I did have a pinhole in the cap gasket; a new one was $6 at AutoZone. I plan on getting a TTA vacuum block, but right now I just tee'd into the PCV line, so my investment is still under $30 including the hose and plastic tee. I've had no issues with not having enough vacuum.

I'd recommend taking a Mityvac or something to make sure the booster is good. I forgot mine, but got lucky anyway. Brought everything home, checked the booster with the Mityvac, cleaned it up, flushed the m/c with clean fluid, sprayed the booster semi-flat black, and stabbed it in the car. Piece of cake!

 

[mechanical73]

brakes

now thats what i like to hear !

what are you looking for exactly with the mity vac - I would assume you're looking for a steady vacuum reading - any specific number ?

thanks

 

[Turbo6inKY]

Re: brakes

Originally posted by mechanical73
now thats what i like to hear !

what are you looking for exactly with the mity vac - I would assume you're looking for a steady vacuum reading - any specific number ?

thanks

You're just looking to see if the booster holds vacuum. If it leaks, the mityvac will show it. The number as far as inches of vacuum you can get will depend on how strong your hands are.

 

[mechanical73]

vacuum brakes

can the stock pedal work or does it have to be changed to one from the donor car for the vacuum set-up ?

Reason i'm asking is that I actually found a vacuum/m.c. set-up my dad had stored away from his 83 cutlass.

what is the big difference ? is it a different angle ? I can't imagine too much of a pedal effort difference

later

Nelson

 

[bruce]

Re: vacuum brakes

Originally posted by mechanical73
can the stock pedal work or does it have to be changed to one from the donor car for the vacuum set-up ?

what is the big difference ? is it a different angle ? I can't imagine too much of a pedal effort difference

There is a difference in the mounting for the M/C pushrod. The geometry and ratio will be wrong if you use the wrong one.

It's very different.

****
do you run any vacuum cannisters or electric pump's or anything else other than the stock vacuum set-up ?
****

Nope.

****
You're just looking to see if the booster holds vacuum.
****

Are you sure they'll hold a vacuum?. If I'm not mistaken, there's a slight amount of leakage.