Brake options other than the Powermaster

[sonseeker]

I as well as others are afraid of these brakes will not function when you need them the most.I understand there is 2 alternate systems that will work,Vacuum and Hydrboost.My ? is has or will someone compile a list of what exactly is needed to do these systems and known vendors or individuals we can purchase these from. Thanks in advance!

[WH1Regal]

I am pondering the same myself. In the spring, I'm planning on going to a vacuum system. Most parts are available new from NAPA. The only used part I need to find is the pedal. New parts include the master cylinder + vacuum booster (comes as one part), vacuum lines with a T off the intake vacuum lines (there is a kit out there somewhere by a TR vendor). All said should come in at about $200. My only question about the change is if the brake warning light will still work.

http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/brakes/Powermaster_to_vacuum.html

Hydroboost and the PM are nice systems, but are pricey. The vacuum system gives the appearance to be a more friendly DIY project. I'm good with brake lines, but in theory all existing connections should be good to use.

[PaCemkr86]

you can get the complete vaccum brake conversion from

www.gbodyparts.com

[PaCemkr86]

http://www.gbodyparts.com/product_info.php?cPath=46_21_60&products_id=240&osCsid=35828eb94dc68298fcddecf56afc12b0

https://www.gbodyparts.com/images/imagecache/640x480_vac_brake3.jpg

[Ts86ttype]

Phil I'm also intersted in changing over to vac. brakes. I've read other posts that you have installed vac. brakes change overs and how do you like them? Pros and cons. Thanks for all your great info!
Tom

[PaCemkr86]

powermaster is a great brake system when it works..

vaccum brake conversion, when done right, works great.. i have no complaints or regrets

[andrew]

I just converted over to vacuum a month ago and they work just as well. I highly reccomend it to anyone. As the powermasters get older, they may fail you and become dangerous

[kingots2004]

my t has hydroboost brakes they seem to do good but i dont know how hard they are to install.looking at the setup they dont look hard but looks can be deciving.i looked on ebay under hydroboost and looks like you can set something up cheaply.

[Ts86ttype]

Does the single diaghram or duel fit better, and witch one works better?

[Keller]

Dual fits easier because the master cylinder is of a smaller diameter.

[Keller]

The link you posted was an abbreviated one from another site and not the whole link.

[kingots2004]

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/parts-sale/226333-big-parts-list-parting-5-new-cars-gold-t-2-87-gns-85-t-87-maroon-t-moving-sa.html soryy about that :bslap:

[87GN-Turbo]

The powerdisasters were problematic when new.
I liked the concept but they fail with out warning quite often.
I just converted to vacuum in July and can hold more boost than I need.
I love it.
I owned an 85 T with hyrdoboost and when it failed the steering and brakes went, this was on a car with 40K miles and 5 years old at the time.
There are some complaints about the vacuum for some guys but I suspect there are some who are using a larger bore master cylinder, 36mm vs. 24mm
I bought a brand new master cylinder from advance which is cast iron for around $40, p/n 131926 and I am very satisfied with braking ability.
Peace of mind too.

[Keller]

The powerdisasters were problematic when new.
Biggest issue is the accumulators leaking and wearing out. The only 'recall' issue they had when new were pressure switches of poor quality, which were replaced under warranty. Internal seals were also a recall topic down the road.