Manual vs power brakes?

[68Stepbed]

OK, I'm getting close to finishing up the LS1 swap in my 68. An issue it looks like I'm having is keeping adequate vacuum for the brake booster. I know I can run a vacuum canister, but I'm worried that will start cluttering my engine bay.

I'm thing of switching to one of THESE style manual master cylinders. When I first converted my truck to discs, I still used a manula master cylinder and never had any issues. It had a firm pedal, but nothing too stiff.

Other than vacuum assist, is there any pros/cons of one over the other?

[andrewmp6]

Have you heard of http://www.abspowerbrake.com/ehpm.html

[OJ1988]

What issue are you having with the manual set up?

[mongoose]

as long as you have the righter bore master matched to your calipers, and your pedal ratio is right.. there's nothing really that much in the 'con' department.. except for maybe a little longer pedal stroke and a bit firmer pedal too boot, both really just personal preference

[68Stepbed]

Originally Posted by OJ1988

What issue are you having with the manual set up?

I have power brakes now, and the thumpy cam in my LS1 doesn't make adequate vacuum, so it's not much help if I'm idling.

[andrewmp6]

Did you look at that abspowerbrake link its not cheap but you'll have power brakes with a lot more power to them.

[68Stepbed]

Yeah, I looked at the abs link. That's a pretty nifty system, but not really exactly what I'm looking for, at least for now, anyway. Thanks for the link, though.

How would I know what bore size I would need? Also, if I went with the Wilwood setup, what would I need to do about proportioning and/or residual valves?

[N2TRUX]

Most of the guys running Wilwood brakes are running manual masters. You should look in to that as an option.

[BR3W CITY]

I"m running front wilwood rear drum with a manual master until my hydroboost is done.

fwiw, I don't think I'd ever consider an electric brake booster. Cuz the last thing I want is another large current draw....especially when a 650+ lift cam idles the engine down.

I don't want to say "OOOOH NOOOO BLOWN FUSE NO BRAKES AHHHHHH"....were all gonna die etc.

[andrewmp6]

in the event of a failure of the vehicle electrical system. You will have 10-15 full-assist stops.electric brakes is nothing new some new cars have it and electric power steering too.

[BR3W CITY]

electric ps I understand.....still wont trust it on brakes.

[BlackedOut67shorty]

My 67 got manual brakes( upgraded to 71 discs) and i drive all over the place such as lebanon, allentown, morgantown, downtown reading, and more. Ive personally dont mind manual brakes but then again im 22 with a crapload of energy lol

[oldspowered67C10]

Other than more pedal effort manual brakes are fine, they actually have better pedal feel and feedback. Id say go for it and if you dont like it you can always upgrade to hydroboost later. How much vacuum is the engine making?, you might be surprised how little vacuum a OEM booster will operate at.