My buddie just installed a 383 stroker in his 1995 firehawk. Once all said and done, the brakes were not working, no pressure even with the brakes blead. The only thing i can think of is that his master cyclinder is shot. But, this car only had 40,000 miles on the stock master cyclinder. Any help would be great, i know its not an LS1, but if there is one place to ask, its this site.

 

could be ABS pump, could be vacuum booster...

 

Bleed the brakes with the motor running and cycle the key a few times first. Then see what you have.

 

The brakes were done right, bleeding and all. I hope its just the master!

 

it was fine before the swap and now it's not?

Define "done right"

 

Was working 9 months ago, and not working right. Basically almost like manuel brakes.

 

Well this is the story (its my car)

Got the car running, had air in the lines from install (pulled K-member)... drove it a little (very slowly) and the brakes did nothing. I had a leak and air in the lines. Prolly ran the master cylinder dry.

Then bled the system properly.

Now it holds weird pressure (power brakes are working). The pedal falls pretty fast. If you apply firm pressure, then it holds... if its weak pressure, then it goes straight to the floor. Sometimes it will also lock up and not release brake pressure from the calipers until I push the pedal slowly all the way to the floor and it will release it.

Im swapping the master tonight. Ill keep you posted.

 

Check the vacuum connections to the booster.

 

if its hitting the floor you could have a line problem or a master..but my guess is check the booster..

 

Oh yea, it seems like only the rears are working... If I slam on them, it skids and sounds like the rears.

 

if it's a booster issue the brakes will be hard as a rock..


Did you bleed the ABS unit? cycle the key several times to prime the pump. Then open the bleeder on the pump for the rear, press pedal to the floor and hold, close bleeder, let pedal up, open bleeder, pedal down, close bleeder, pedal up. Repeat that on both bleeders with the key on.

After that bleed all 4 wheels again with the car running or key on starting at the right rear, then left rear, then right front then left front. if STILL it's not right then I suppose the MC could be bypassing and causing your issue.

 

replaced the master... all is well now.

 

Good to hear bro, about time that car is working!