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Need some help with my brake booster....

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by KarKrazy56, Jul 27, 2013.

  1. KarKrazy56
    Joined: Jun 7, 2012
    Posts: 64

    KarKrazy56
    Member
    from NJ

    I'm trying to put valve covers on my 51 Chevy but I ran out of space on my drivers side because my brake booster is in the way. My valve covers are too tall but they are the shorts. I don't know what to do, either buy a new smaller brake booster that would work for my car or move it up somehow. Is there anything else you guys would suggest?
    Thanks
    <a href="http://s722.photobucket.com/user/zschultzy/media/IMG_20130727_170405_672.jpg.html" target="_blank">[​IMG]</a>
    <a href="http://s722.photobucket.com/user/zschultzy/media/IMG_20130727_170328_500.jpg.html" target="_blank">[​IMG]</a>
    <a href="http://s722.photobucket.com/user/zschultzy/media/IMG_20130727_170346_240.jpg.html" target="_blank">[​IMG]</a>
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 1, 2014
  2. mashed
    Joined: Oct 15, 2011
    Posts: 1,473

    mashed
    Member
    from 4077th

    Remove the plunger rod from the brake pedal under the dash. Remove the four nuts that hold the booster assembly, pull it out and off the threads, up away from the firewall and wire it up to the hood or hood hinge somewhere to hold it. You don't have to move the assembly much.

    The brake lines will flex to a point so there's not necessarily a need to remove them. Just lift it up and away enough to replace the valve covers then put it all back.
     
  3. KarKrazy56
    Joined: Jun 7, 2012
    Posts: 64

    KarKrazy56
    Member
    from NJ

    @Mashed My valve cover will still hit the booster when I put it back.
     
  4. Nonstop
    Joined: Jun 18, 2012
    Posts: 176

    Nonstop
    Member
    from CA

    Hate to say it, but if it is hitting, you probably answered your own question and need a smaller dual diaphragm type or hydroboost.
     

  5. fastcar1953
    Joined: Oct 23, 2009
    Posts: 3,617

    fastcar1953
    Member

    the master cyl. looks to be mounted to low. i would redo it. move it up about 1 1/2 inches. why is it out so far also? should be next to firewall.
    may try searching and looking at how others are mounted. something is not right.
     
  6. KarKrazy56
    Joined: Jun 7, 2012
    Posts: 64

    KarKrazy56
    Member
    from NJ

    @Fast I just bought the car 2 weeks ago. I didn't do the work.
    Thanks
     
  7. tejas34
    Joined: Apr 28, 2006
    Posts: 50

    tejas34
    Member

    Seems that you have a few options..:(:(:(

    1. Do as the previous reply suggested.:D
    2. Move Master Cylinder further up on the firewall and extend your Brake Petal Arm.:(
    3. Purchase a smaller Power Brake Vacuum Booster.;)

    tejas34:cool:
     
  8. fastcar1953
    Joined: Oct 23, 2009
    Posts: 3,617

    fastcar1953
    Member

    if it's the one in your avater it looks good. how about more pictures?
    as far as the brakes didn't mean that you screwed up. they just need to be fixed right and your problems will go away. who ever done it just didn't think about the whole picture of engine installed and being able to work on it.
     
  9. gimpyshotrods
    Joined: May 20, 2009
    Posts: 23,333

    gimpyshotrods
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    That is a pretty big booster. Measure it across the widest point, and get a dual-diaphragm one, two inches smaller.

    Most of the aftermarket setups, of this configuration, run the booster/master at a slight upward-to-the front angle.

    Walton Fabrication (HUGE fan, good stuff):
    [​IMG]
     
  10. mashed
    Joined: Oct 15, 2011
    Posts: 1,473

    mashed
    Member
    from 4077th

    That's not a stock assembly. Moving it up would incorporate quite a bit of work assuming the swinging pedal assembly from the same donor car was used.

    I didn't realize from your first post that the valve covers were taller/thicker. You may want to hunt down a dual diaphragm booster like mentioned earlier.
     
  11. KarKrazy56
    Joined: Jun 7, 2012
    Posts: 64

    KarKrazy56
    Member
    from NJ

  12. mashed
    Joined: Oct 15, 2011
    Posts: 1,473

    mashed
    Member
    from 4077th

  13. KarKrazy56
    Joined: Jun 7, 2012
    Posts: 64

    KarKrazy56
    Member
    from NJ

  14. drptop70ss
    Joined: May 31, 2010
    Posts: 1,201

    drptop70ss
    Member
    from NY

    I dont trust the cheapo aftermarket brake boosters, I would use an S10 9" dual diapragm booster. Not only is the S10 unit smaller it mounts directly to the firewall which moves it back out of the way. Use the S10 brake pedal mount and pedal to finish it up. The one on there looks like a 60s chevy truck unit, and myself I dont like the way the bracket is spaced away from the firewall either. I would be taking it out.

    Other option is the 78-88 monte carlo dual diaphragm booster, different from the S10 in that it mounts at an angle. More work because you need to make an angled mount on the firewall but it angles the booster up away from the engine. This is a monte one on my 47 cadillac.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2013
  15. Jalopy Joker
    Joined: Sep 3, 2006
    Posts: 31,262

    Jalopy Joker
    Member

    there is more to selecting a power booster than just outside diameter. take a look at mpbrakes.com , and other sites that will give you more info on what it takes to have a proper braking system. there is a thread running now that is about not needing a booster.
     
  16. nwbhotrod
    Joined: Oct 13, 2009
    Posts: 1,243

    nwbhotrod
    Member
    from wash state

    Very easy fix. just use a differnt valve cover on that side there that works
     
  17. kursplat
    Joined: Apr 22, 2013
    Posts: 296

    kursplat
    Member

    Last edited: Jul 28, 2013
  18. KarKrazy56
    Joined: Jun 7, 2012
    Posts: 64

    KarKrazy56
    Member
    from NJ

  19. KarKrazy56
    Joined: Jun 7, 2012
    Posts: 64

    KarKrazy56
    Member
    from NJ

  20. mashed
    Joined: Oct 15, 2011
    Posts: 1,473

    mashed
    Member
    from 4077th


    This is excellent advice. I'd consider checking it out because I have witnessed friends having problems with inadequate braking after replacing the booster with a smaller one.

    I have personally replaced a Camaro 11" with a Trans Am 9" and found no drop in performance which is why I suggested it. I can't attest to any of the ones you've asked about and won't even speculate.

    Could save you some money and frustration with a little research. SERIOUSLY. You've been warned.
     

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