S-Series.Org - Hydroboost Brakes
Seems the Astro uses similar brake peices as the S-Series, one guy is swaping the Hydroboost brake system. Basically hydroboost uses pressure form the power steering pump to boost the brakes instead of engine vacume, if you didn't know what Hydroboost brakes were.
Basically it is capable of putting out more brake pressure than a vacume system, plus other benifits. A quick google made this seem like a great mod.
Not sure how difficult it would be to install on the CC's, but somebody might be willing to try.
Hydroboost brakes
Moderator: F9K9
Hydroboost brakes
[size=75][b]1991 GMC Sonoma Extended Cb[/b] - 4.3L Automatic, 2" BL, 31" BFG's.
[b]1992 Chevy T-10 Reg Cab[/b] - 4.3L 5spd, 3" Bl, 31" Mud Tires. Hooker long tube headers and true duals.
[b]1999 Oldsmobile Bravada[/b] - Wifes truck, all stock.[/size]
[b]1992 Chevy T-10 Reg Cab[/b] - 4.3L 5spd, 3" Bl, 31" Mud Tires. Hooker long tube headers and true duals.
[b]1999 Oldsmobile Bravada[/b] - Wifes truck, all stock.[/size]
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HenryJ
- Admin K Elite
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- Location: Ontario, Oregon
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In an application where there is little vacuum, or a need for increased hydraulic pressure this might be an option. For my truck I feel that the stock booster is more than adequate.
I would spend time upgrading the rotors, pads and calipers prior to looking into the power assist system.
I would spend time upgrading the rotors, pads and calipers prior to looking into the power assist system.
"Speed doesn't kill, suddenly becoming stationary does." - Richard Hammond
"Speed is just a matter of Money - How fast do YOU want to go?"-Mechanic from Mad Max-
If at first you don't succeed - Don't take up Skydiving! - ThunderII KE7CSK
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killian96ss
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Hydro Boost systems are currently being marketed for cars and trucks that run big cams. Some people use vacuum pumps and air tanks to get adequate brake performance, but it looks like the hydro boost set up is becoming more popular these days. I keep seeing ads for them in some of my magazines like, GM High Tech Performance, Super Chevy, Chevy High Performance, etc. The brakes work pretty good in my CC, so I can't see myself installing a system like this unless there was some sort of performance benefit which I doubt there is. 
One thing I don't like about the hydro boost system is how it ties 2 components together. If one fails then the other one will likely fail as well. If my power steering pump fails at least I still have good brake assist , but if it were connected to the brake system then you would have a failure of 2 components. 
Steve
One thing I don't like about the hydro boost system is how it ties 2 components together. If one fails then the other one will likely fail as well. If my power steering pump fails at least I still have good brake assist , but if it were connected to the brake system then you would have a failure of 2 components. Steve
I think I'm going to install one on my 91 when I get the chance. By switching to the hydroboost I can run a larger master cylinder and get less pedal travel when stopping, and still get higher brake pressure when panic stopping.
I the case of these trucks with relativly small tires I don't see a hugh increase with performance, but I do know that on the Jeeps with 33's or 35's that can't lock up the tires at all the increase in braking performance is huge. And thats with the stock brakes.
I hear what your saying on loosing the PS pump and then having no brakes, and I agree. On the other hand our brakes now have multiple weak spots too, namely vacume hoses. Not saying this is better, but for increased performance the slight extra risk might be worth it. In reality you have to keep an eye on the belt and the PS pump just like you have to keep an eye on the vacume lines and the vacume booster itself.
No saying it's a better system, just that for some it might be good upgrade. Plus the system comes stock on a minivan, so it can't be any more failure prone than the vacme system.
I the case of these trucks with relativly small tires I don't see a hugh increase with performance, but I do know that on the Jeeps with 33's or 35's that can't lock up the tires at all the increase in braking performance is huge. And thats with the stock brakes.
I hear what your saying on loosing the PS pump and then having no brakes, and I agree. On the other hand our brakes now have multiple weak spots too, namely vacume hoses. Not saying this is better, but for increased performance the slight extra risk might be worth it. In reality you have to keep an eye on the belt and the PS pump just like you have to keep an eye on the vacume lines and the vacume booster itself.
No saying it's a better system, just that for some it might be good upgrade. Plus the system comes stock on a minivan, so it can't be any more failure prone than the vacme system.
[size=75][b]1991 GMC Sonoma Extended Cb[/b] - 4.3L Automatic, 2" BL, 31" BFG's.
[b]1992 Chevy T-10 Reg Cab[/b] - 4.3L 5spd, 3" Bl, 31" Mud Tires. Hooker long tube headers and true duals.
[b]1999 Oldsmobile Bravada[/b] - Wifes truck, all stock.[/size]
[b]1992 Chevy T-10 Reg Cab[/b] - 4.3L 5spd, 3" Bl, 31" Mud Tires. Hooker long tube headers and true duals.
[b]1999 Oldsmobile Bravada[/b] - Wifes truck, all stock.[/size]
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HenryJ
- Admin K Elite
- Posts: 12706
- Joined: Tue Oct 01, 2002 9:14 pm
- Location: Ontario, Oregon
- Contact:
One thing that can happen in a hard braking application is squealing the belt and the lack of assist that occurs with that. Also it really pulls down the engine during application.
Upgrading the pump is a given. The stock pump is just not going to perform adequately without some alteration.
I am not sure this would be an "upgrade". A modification, yes, but I would be skeptical as to any benefits on a stock vehicle.
Upgrading the pump is a given. The stock pump is just not going to perform adequately without some alteration.
I am not sure this would be an "upgrade". A modification, yes, but I would be skeptical as to any benefits on a stock vehicle.
"Speed doesn't kill, suddenly becoming stationary does." - Richard Hammond
"Speed is just a matter of Money - How fast do YOU want to go?"-Mechanic from Mad Max-
If at first you don't succeed - Don't take up Skydiving! - ThunderII KE7CSK
We have hydroboost on almost every GM pickup and crew cab where I work, and I can't remember having any trouble with the hydroboost on any of them in the last 15-20 years. Most of our trucks are either 3/4 or 1 ton trucks, Hydroboost is a no brainer for us. There has only been one truck that we had problems with but it had nothing to do with the hydroboost but the ignorance of the operator.
[size=75]Mitch
2001 Polo Green Metallic, no mods,(can't afford any)[/size]
2001 Polo Green Metallic, no mods,(can't afford any)[/size]