Hydro boost vs power boost vs Vac Brakes

[BountyHunter]

Im looking to do a brake conversion and have been wondering which to go with or if I should keep what I have. I have the power boost in my 86 GN and a Vac set up in my garage ready to install. But like what I hear about hydro boost. So what do you guys like, and the reason for it. My purpose is for reliability, stopping power and lastly building boost at launch.

[Blazer406]

You will find people that will say.... go vacuum.... and there is nothing wrong with vacuum....it works well....as designed....and is real reliable. IMHO....however....the hydro-boost system provides far more breaking pressure (actual psi in the brake lines) than any vacuum setup....and even marginally more pressure over the failure-prone.... doesn't give a warning... powermaster.....

To the best of my knowledge, the powermaster was only available a couple years.... while the hydro-boost systems are still being built today on many makes/models of vehicles...... enuff said...

Go hydroboost.... you won't find a brake system any more capable of holding a car at the line.... w/o a tranny brake....

[GNVYUS 1]

If your Powermaster is functionally properly than leave it alone and make sure to read up on the basic and not so basic maintenance procedures to keep it alive for as long as you can.

But if it's dying or is giving signs of passing on then rebuilding it or going the Autozone route IMO is a crap shoot and will probably lead to you just swapping it out for Vac or Hydro later on.

If $$ not a concern I do agree that the line pressure of the Hydro is very appealing especially if you don't want to deal with a transbrake and like big brake kits that excel under better line pressures.

I went vacuum, mainly because it was new for like $1XX some bucks and I have one freebie stop if the car stalls etc at regular pedal feel. I had one instance on my Powermaster that gave me a brick pedal for a few seconds and knew that if it ever died I'd probably be DOA, I believe Hydroboost has the same weak point on an engine stall etc.

[bmackinnon]

I swapped to vac and love 'em... wouldn't change back to powermonster (or hydroboost) if they were free. All new components, less than $150, bulletproof reliability, brakes like every other normal GM vehicle. Turbo T/A has vac brakes... good enough for me.

[1chance]

HYDROOBOOST!!! I saw a kit on hear that im sure i could didnt afford, found a way to make it fit off a donor car, works like a champ. Think ill sell the setup from my house $600 installed, and $450 shipped! These brakes are amazing, i can build 15psi boost(on dirt!) if i wanted!

[Blazer406]

Originally Posted by DR.BOOSTER

If your Powermaster is functionally properly than leave it alone and make sure to read up on the basic and not so basic maintenance procedures to keep it alive for as long as you can.

But if it's dying or is giving signs of passing on then rebuilding it or going the Autozone route IMO is a crap shoot and will probably lead to you just swapping it out for Vac or Hydro later on.

If $$ not a concern I do agree that the line pressure of the Hydro is very appealing especially if you don't want to deal with a transbrake and like big brake kits that excel under better line pressures.

I went vacuum, mainly because it was new for like $1XX some bucks and I have one freebie stop if the car stalls etc at regular pedal feel. I had one instance on my Powermaster that gave me a brick pedal for a few seconds and knew that if it ever died I'd probably be DOA, I believe Hydroboost has the same weak point on an engine stall etc.

While it is true.... you only have an accumulator to "store" pressure for a brake hit or two while the engine isn't running........ it is my understanding.... that even after all the pressure is relieved from the accumulator.... like if the motor was dead..... you still have the equivalent of manual brakes......

On the PM... I think you just have a rock hard pedal.... and maybe 10% if any braking effect when you push the brakes until your face looks like ....

[cool 84]

My car came with hydroboost from the factory and I love it. The car has the same stock rotors and calipers as the 85-87 but I can lock the sticky 245s on the front with no problem at any speed.

[Hot Air]

Vacuum works fine everywhere but on the starting line at the drag strip. It will not hold your car on the line if you have boosted the HP. Hydroboost all the way!
Conrad

[87Regal3.8SFI]

Sounds like some of you are using your hydroboost as a substitute for a trans brake.