Steering, Suspension, & Brakes
tips, technology, tools and techniques related to non-driveline mechanical components
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74ls1tr6 Calvin Grannis Elk Grove,CA (1151 posts) Registered: 11/10/2007 10:05AM Main British Car: 74 TR6 / 71 MGB GT TR6/Ls1 71 MGB GT/Ls1 |
need thoughts using late model foot pedal box with booster?
I was just wondering if I should get a late model brake pedal box that would utilize a booster? Or should I stay with my 71 brake pedal box in Brenda's GT that doesn't have a booster? Would like some thoughts from someone that has driven a car with both setups. What are your opinions?
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danmas Dan Masters Alcoa, Tennessee (578 posts) Registered: 10/28/2007 12:11AM Main British Car: 1974 MGBGT Ford 302 |
Re: need thoughts using late model foot pedal box with booster?
Calvin,
I can't compare the two on a MGB, but I can on a TR6. The booster diaphragm failed while on a trip, causing a vacuum leak in the engine. I pulled the vacuum line and plugged it so the engine would run and I could get home. It was over a year before I replaced the booster, but I really couldn't tell the difference with or without. I don't have a booster on my MG, and don't feel the need for one. |
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kerbau53 Geoff Morton Naples, FL (109 posts) Registered: 08/09/2010 10:27PM Main British Car: 78 MGB Ford 5L |
Re: need thoughts using late model foot pedal box with booster?
I removed the pedal box and master cyl (w/booster) on my 78. Replaced with the dual circuit non boosted master you have. I'm much happier with the feel not to mention the simplicity.
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MGBV8 Carl Floyd Kingsport, TN (4559 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 11:32PM Main British Car: 1979 MGB Buick 215 |
Re: need thoughts using late model foot pedal box with booster?
Depends. I bet Brenda is used to modern, easy to apply brakes. Brake pedal effort is obviously greater with non-boosted brakes, but the overall feel is much better, IMO.
My experience is mostly with my Dad's '63 MGB & my '79 B. MIne are easier with a bit mushier feel. :) |
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Moderator Curtis Jacobson Portland Oregon (4595 posts) Registered: 10/12/2007 02:16AM Main British Car: 71 MGBGT, Buick 215 |
Re: need thoughts using late model foot pedal box with booster?
IMHO, a booster is dead weight on such a lightweight car and the more important issue is getting master cylinder selection right. You'll probably want a bigger bore than stock. With the later bracket, there are more upgrade options, but with the earlier bracket I only know of one (unless you'd consider dual cylinders, like a racecar. Have a look at Jim Blackwood's car.) Of course, you only need one good option. I plan on keeping the early bracket while upgrading to 15/16" bore by following the example of Rob Ficalora and Bill Jacobson as shown here: [forum.britishv8.org]
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74ls1tr6 Calvin Grannis Elk Grove,CA (1151 posts) Registered: 11/10/2007 10:05AM Main British Car: 74 TR6 / 71 MGB GT TR6/Ls1 71 MGB GT/Ls1 |
Re: need thoughts using late model foot pedal box with booster?
Awesome!!
Between all of the opinions and suggestions, it was a no brainer to go with the upgrade that Rob and Bill came up with. That write up was easy to figure out. Dan said his brakes work fine. I remember reading all this information in these threads. This website and this group is the best. Thanks, Calvin PS: ordered parts!! |
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BOOTLEG Gary Rosema Wisconsin (47 posts) Registered: 11/18/2013 07:26PM Main British Car: 1978 MGB Rover 3.5L |
Re: need thoughts using late model foot pedal box with booster?
Great topic. I am right now at this decision point.on my 78B. Because I am changing out the 4 cyl to the Rover 3.5, I am also making other changes while it's apart. I pulled the pedal assembly out and painted the box. I was looking at the old booster thinking if I just reinstall it, Murphy's law says it will fail the first week its back on the road. So, I love the idea of just eliminating it. Can I just use my stock master or must I buy a Moss dual line master? Curtis, what are the "other options" you mentioned for the later box?
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mgb260 Jim Nichols Sequim,WA (2482 posts) Registered: 02/29/2008 08:29PM Main British Car: 1973 MGB roadster 260 Ford V8 |
Re: need thoughts using late model foot pedal box with booster?
Gary, Most use the 1" Wilwood or 1" Corvette/Streetrod type of master with larger than stock front brakes. The stock late master was 7/8" and the 7/8" Ford Fairmont or Chevy Monza master would be a good match for the stock brakes.
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ex-tyke Graham Creswick Chatham, Ontario, Canada (1166 posts) Registered: 10/25/2007 11:17AM Main British Car: 1976 MGB Ford 302 |
Re: need thoughts using late model foot pedal box with booster?
If you opt to remove your boosted brake master in favour of a manual MC, you will certainly have to change your existing 4:1 pedal ratio to a nominal 6:1 ratio. It can be done for a late RB model (by raising/adding a hole to the brake pedal arm/pushrod) but doing so will raise the MC (about 1/2").
A 7/8" bore MC will be a good starting point for a decent combination of pedal travel and effort. EDIT: Added photo of modification/reinforcement to MC attachment at pedal box Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/19/2015 10:17AM by ex-tyke. |
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