I'm looking at a conversion - shoehorning an LS1/T56 into something older and smaller than it came from. I'm trying to iron out a couple of details before the sawzall comes out to play.

I want to run hydroboost brakes. I know I need a PAS pump with better flow - anyone have suggestions? I presume I need a remote reservoir, so same question...

Also since I'm looking to save a few bucks wherever possible, anyone have experience with the Mustang setups you can buy on eBay for about $150? Good, bad, indifferent? Anything better suited?

TIA, Alan

 

I have a Mustang Hydroboost in my car and it works just fine with a stock 02 F-body power steering pump powering it and the BMW steering rack.

 

Gen3 based trucks have hydroboost setups, and don't quote me on this, but it appears that the 95-98 small block trucks with hydroboost have the same powersteering pumps as the newer ones.

FWIW, I had 2 99 gen3 truck PS pumps side by side and didnt see any difference besides the extra return fitting on the one for HB.

 

Hydroboosts are like small blocks. They look the same but come in different sizes. The Mustang is the smallest one.

Here's an overview:

http://members.shaw.ca/pekpress/HydroboostSwap.html

 

80's G bodys, malibus, that had diesel engines used hydroboost-you might score one at a junkyard and make up some hoses-im looking at changing my chevelle over to hydro boost this winter-i know they rec a mc with a 1 1/8 bore piston, to reduce the brake pressure (smaller piston, more pres, larger piston, less pres)

 

Early to mid 90's astro vans were the most common application for Hydro boosts, but the ones out of the caddies, have much nicer (Softer) pedal feel, but they're the hardest to get out at the yard

 

I've got an LM7 swapped 97 Astro and it has hydroboost breaks.

 

I appreciate the overview, but this is going into a 2200lb vehicle. I suspect even the Mustang one will suffice...

 

I was actually going to buy a new or reconditioned one if possible - I was hoping that would work out less expensive than the kits I looked at. Any idea which model Caddy so's I can go off and try to price something?

TIA, Alan

 

I would suggest that you get a matched m/c to go with your hydroboost as well so if you're running 4 wheel discs, it's much easier and you might even be able to use the proportioning valve. I mounted a hyd boost under the car and am using a mustang 2 power rack. Be prepared to spend some money, fittings & hose add up quickly.

 

I suspect I'll end up with the Mustang one.
Under 2 bills delivered for the entire setup is probably going to be hard to beat.

 

http://www.turbols6.com/gallery/TYPHOON-LSX-TURBO/acb
I used a astrovan, flipped upside down to keep the lines underneath, lines cost me 175, just for the lines!!

 

alan you wouldn't be putting this into a 944 porsche would you? sounds like a very similar story to me. I am just loooking for the hydroboost setup now.

 

I have seen a number of articles where people adapt electric power steering pumps just for the hydroboost. Probably a waste of time if you need the power steering also, but makes for a easier installation if all it runs is the brakes. Not to mention what a power suck belt driven power steering pumps are.

 

I was told the power steering pump on the LS2 I have is quite adequate for the hydroboost. There is a restrictor on the pressure side of the pump that can be drilled out much like the clutch master drill mod. I have yet to do the mod yet but once I do I can comment further. My hydroboost is off of a 2001 Astro van flipped with the original bracket redrilled. I plan on using a F-body or Vette master cylinder.

 

on my syclone
hydro boost from astro van, junkyard $15
new master cylinder, kragen $35
new hydro boost lines, kragen $17 and $21

I looked online at what stock lines would fit my application by looking at different pics on kragen.com I ended up using a master from a 88 chevy k3500, a pressure line from the same vehicle and another pressure line from a 96 chevy c3500. If you dont want to spend bank on fancy braided line, this works wonders and looks factory.

For the pump you can run a non hydro boost pump but you need to t off the return on the pump for the box and the hydroboost return. The booster can be ran upside down or in regular fashion.

this swap can be done for less then $100 if your smart about it

 

ET - Does that master cylinder work pretty well?

 

It's really good. Much better than the vaccum assist. The pedal is harder though.

 

I know, old thread... new problem...

I'm using an F-body PS pump with my hydroboost and a quick ratio steering box...
Does this pump not have enough volume to run both?

The problem I'm having, since it's a new install, is that when I press the brake pedal down, I lose steering assist, and then it comes back when I let off the pedal.

What can I do to increase the volume, and/or pressure for this pump? I think this might be my issue... let me know if it is not...

I've also plumbed in a Heidts adjustable pressure valve for my steering, pre-hydroboost. I haven't reduced any pressure yet on this valve, but I am thinking maybe it needs to go after the HB and before the steering box so as to not reduce pressure to the booster and still change steering effort.
I wasn't sure if this change in pressure would significantly reduce hydroboost functionality.

 

id always heard that the stock ls1 gm powersteering ran at higher pressure than the ford hydroboost stuff and you needed the borgeson shims for the high side line to the hydroboost setup.