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5.0 Explorer Swap and Hydroboost

John Griswold

Full Member
Joined
May 3, 2010
Messages
210
Loc.
Medford, NJ
Am in the early stages of an Explorer 302 swap and am considering going with hydro boost breaks. Has anyone already done this that can help me with a few questions. I would like to avoid the angle bracket at the firewall like used with the normal power break setup. Are there any clearance problems that prevent being able to avoid using the angle bracket and come straight out off the firewall? I see lots of pictures of EFI motors both with and without the angle bracket but am not experienced enough to identify the the different manifolds that may cause the problem. Also was wondering what steering pump you are using, the Explorer pump or Delphi pump. If the Delphi, is the duel return the best way to go? Again this is all relating to the Explorer Swap. Thanks for any help.
 

toddz69

Sponsor/Vendor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 28, 2001
Messages
10,080
I have an Explorer upper intake on my 5.0 and run the hydroboost straight off the firewall without an angle bracket. The only variable between what you have and I have is that I have a 2" body lift. I *think* it would work ok but one would have to look closely to check. I'm currently using the BC bracket on mine.

I, and many others, use the Explorer pump without issue with hydroboost.

Todd Z.
 

casadejohnson

Bronco Alchemist
Joined
Jan 21, 2005
Messages
3,587
I ran hydroboost with a 5.8 and made it fit ( tight fit ) so it can certainly be done with a 5.0.
If you are running an automatic transmission another option is to move the hydroboost and brake pedal over to the clutch position. It gives you significantly more clearance but requires some additional modifications such as rebending the brake pedal to put in the correct location and in my case, I needed to add some reinforcements to the firewall mounting location.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

bsquared

Contributor
Sr. Member
Joined
Dec 4, 2010
Messages
960
My setup is pretty close to Todd Z's. 2" body lift and 5.0L Exploder that I just recently went EFI on. No issues coming straight out of the firewall, although it is tight. I saw that one of the cool kids had CNC'd a 1/2" thick x 90 deg clocking bracket out of aluminum, but I don't have those cool toys so I went old school on it and fabbed it out of steel. You can see how close the master cylinder mounting bolt is to the upper intake in one of the pics. Also attached is a flow diagram. Good luck with the install! Cheers, B2
 

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John Griswold

Full Member
Joined
May 3, 2010
Messages
210
Loc.
Medford, NJ
So if I see it correctly you clock the hydro boost unit for clearance off the upper manifold and the plate allowed the master cylinder to clock back to be in the upright position?
I was talking with Wild Horses who said their unit has a slight angle away from the motor which may be done with that same piece?
 
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OP
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John Griswold

Full Member
Joined
May 3, 2010
Messages
210
Loc.
Medford, NJ
Just checked Wild Horses site and they have a nifty aluminum block also. It appears to have threaded holes so you don't have to through bolt the block to the hydro boost unit. Guess that's why they get the big bucks
 

toddz69

Sponsor/Vendor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 28, 2001
Messages
10,080
So if I see it correctly you clock the hydro boost unit for clearance off the upper manifold and the plate allowed the master cylinder to clock back to be in the upright position?
I was talking with Wild Horses who said their unit has a slight angle away from the motor which may be done with that same piece?

Their angled piece was designed for some of the larger engine configurations like 351Ws and those with the tall Windsor valve covers.

Todd Z.
 

904Bronco

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Sep 28, 2004
Messages
5,749
Loc.
San Martin, CA
Chevy Astroboost with EBay bracket, 1" body lift, 31" tires
 

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rguest3

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Dec 13, 2012
Messages
3,778
I have used the eBay Inline Bracket with the Astro Van MC. Very easy and straight forward install.

Great set-up, lots of clearance and very easy to get to driver's side of motor if needed.

Pictured is an Explorer/Lightning Intake on a 351w, 1" Body Lift and Buckaroo Hood.
 

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rguest3

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Dec 13, 2012
Messages
3,778
Yep, that's exactly what the Inline Bracket does. It's over the Driver's Side Front Inner Fender. You can find this Bracket on eBay.

Engine, steering components and headers are much easier to get to if needed.
 

gr8scott

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Jul 1, 2011
Messages
1,823
I love my inline bracket. I recently did a head gasket job and had plenty of room to work.
 

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