powermaster or hydroboost

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bpp70

New Member
Joined
Feb 25, 2011
Messages
26
My tr is leaking brake fluid out of he electric motor under the master cylinder.I have been checking on line and local parts stores and a-1 cardone can rebuild my stock unit for $500.00 I also found a hydroboost unit that you use with the power steering pump for $589.00 they say this unit is much better with less chance of failure. I also don't want to use the vacume set up.
Just wanted to see if anyone has used this system if so is it better or is it better to go with stock one getting rebuilt any input is appriciated.
 
Almost everyone will tell you that unless you're trying to maintain a 100% stock vehicle to ditch the Powermaster. Hydroboost is a popular upgrade but more expensive than a vacuum conversion. Why the resistance to using vacuum? The LC2 equipped Trans Ams came fron the factory with vacuum brakes, so what's the big deal?
 
The benefit of the Cardone unit is that you'd have a nice warranty and remain stock looking. If you maintain the system, it would last a long time. If stock appearing doesn't matter, you can do hydroboost for a lot less ... around $300 if you do cardone stuff specified for an 84 TR. Vacuum is the cheapest and easiest to install.

I drove both a vacuum and hydroboost before making my decision and all things being equal, I much preferred the pedal feel and performance of hydroboost. It doesn't feel much different than my Cobra, which is hydro from the factory.
 
I did the powermaster to hydroboost conversion for around $300. The pedal is much firmer and the car stops a whole lot better. No more worrying about if and when the 30 amp fuse is going to blow before I realize i have no more brakes. I think that in itself makes it a more attractive swap. Not to mention some of the parts for the powermaster are ungodly expensive, a few of them are next to impossible to find. Furthermore, not everyone knows how to work on a powermaster.
 
Cardone remans are complete junk. I'm still working on my hyrdoboost conversion, got a hydroboost and lines for an 84/85 GN but about to try installing a new '81 Eldorado master cylinder...looks like it should work...
 
hydroboost

heres what i found on-line complete kit for $589.00




HIGH PERFORMANCE HYDROBOOST CONVERSION KIT

FITS:85-87 BUICK GRAND NATIONAL

REPLACES POWERMASTERS SYSTEMS

NO MORE PROBLEMS OF NEEDING TO REPLACE ACCUMULATORS SWITCHES AND ELECTRIC MOTORS!

DIRECT FIT NO CUTTING OF FIREWALL OR HAVING TO REPLACE BRAKE PEDAL!!

KIT COMES WITH REMANUFACTURED MASTER CYLINDER REMANUFACTURED HYDROBOOSTER AND 2 PREFOAMED HOSES READY TO INSTALL ALSO FLUID LINE TEE AND RETURN HOSE & 4 CLAMPS ALSO DIRECTION TO INSTALL SYSTEM.
 
Since no one makes parts for the PM's any more, it's hard to fathom how anyone can claim to rebuild them....the rubuilt one are a complete gamble.

Unless oyu can get your hands on a known good PM form a friend...convert to Hydroboost.

Go Vacuum only if your not concerned with being able to hold lots of boost at the line at the track...
Anyone I've talked to and trust have been adamant that the Vacuum systems cannot hold the same boost (some vacumm converts might differ in opinion....but....) as a PM or HD can ...HD being the best....
 
heres what i found on-line complete kit for $589.00




HIGH PERFORMANCE HYDROBOOST CONVERSION KIT

FITS:85-87 BUICK GRAND NATIONAL

REPLACES POWERMASTERS SYSTEMS

NO MORE PROBLEMS OF NEEDING TO REPLACE ACCUMULATORS SWITCHES AND ELECTRIC MOTORS!

DIRECT FIT NO CUTTING OF FIREWALL OR HAVING TO REPLACE BRAKE PEDAL!!

KIT COMES WITH REMANUFACTURED MASTER CYLINDER REMANUFACTURED HYDROBOOSTER AND 2 PREFOAMED HOSES READY TO INSTALL ALSO FLUID LINE TEE AND RETURN HOSE & 4 CLAMPS ALSO DIRECTION TO INSTALL SYSTEM.

Where?
 
The HB was original, stock on 84 & 85.

I consider the HB to be stock & far superior to anything else.

I am apparently one of the few (I'm aware of others) who had issues with the vacuum (no brakes when in boost - no vacuum available for the vacuum brake system). I've, too often, had some fool pull out from a side street when I'm in boost.
 
Did you ever check the check valve on the booster? If you are in boost, you should still have vacuum stored in the booster to assist you. Being in boost won't suck the vacuum out.
 
That booster looks just like the reman cardone units you can get from the parts store for $160, with a different master attached...$589 seems pricey...especially with no pressure hoses or return line...just my .02 ---Keith
 
The power master is a pos. They didnt only put them on turbo cars. I replaced my share of switches and accumulators on full size wagons. The hydroboost is great till your power steering pump breaks. Anyone ever drive one with a broken pump or belt? You cant. No steering and no brakes.Its even worse when its a 3500 dump truck:eek: They all have there bad points. I am going vacuum for now. I might go hydro down the road but the reman cardone pumps suck. Almost every pump thats reman now is cardone so there is not a big choice of vendors . Opinions vary on all three systems so you will hear it all.
 
If you do a search on here you can put your own hydroboost kit together a lot cheaper and have the same results...Heres the thread i did on mine..http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/br...sion-bracket-now-astrovan-unit-true-bolt.html

Heres a buddy of mines thread...http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/brakes-suspensions-tires-wheels/331971-my-hydroboost-setup.html

And another with pics of my lines and a link to a video...http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/brakes-suspensions-tires-wheels/325517-hydroboost-lines.html
 
That booster looks just like the reman cardone units you can get from the parts store for $160, with a different master attached...$589 seems pricey...especially with no pressure hoses or return line...just my .02 ---Keith

This kit includes everything hoses are included.
 
I have to agree, the PS pump must be working to enjoy HB, however , the HB has about 3-4 brake applications in reserve whenever the PS pump fails.

Simplest system, which would be KISS is to use manual brakes with NO boost. I "believe" the S10 manual master cylinder might work - look it up as I might be incorrect as to which manual setup is best.
 
brakes

I like many went the vacuum brake route I could never get my car to create enough vacuum to where they were consistent.Just wasn't real comfortable with the way it stopped.tried several different set ups they worked just not good enough for me.If someone wanted to jump in my car to take it for a spin I had to know it would stop.my fix was a electric ssbc vacuum pump keeps vacuum at 20 inches at all times work great now
 
I have had hydroboost and vacuum on my 84GN. My car came with HB but eventually had problem. Sent it off to Power Brake Bob and got it rebuilt. Installed vacuum in the interim and spiced the engine up a ton. Vacuum worked fine everywhere EXCEPT at the drag strip. Bare in mind that I have rear disc brakes. I could NOT hold boost on the starting line with vacuum. Switch back to hydroboost and can fry the tranny on the line. Depends on what you want to do with your car!!
Conrad
 
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