Hydroboost Gurus - Chevy Express??

[Cooter_76]

A couple years ago my buddy gave me this complete hydroboost setup that came with a 6.0 LS that was pulled from a Chevy Express van. I don't know the year or whether it was a 1500 or 2500. Now that I'm elbow-deep in an Explorer 5.0 swap, I thought this might be a good time to upgrade from vacuum to hydro.

My initial thought was to retain the Explorer pump with the booster from the Express mounted to one of these offset brackets. The eBay seller has two versions: One for Astro Van HB units and one for Mustang units. I asked if he knew if either of these would work with the system I have and he asked for a measurement from the back of the mounting plate to the center of the push rod. I came up with 6 3/4".

He replied that it sounds like a Super Duty unit, based on that measurement. Before I go down any more rabbit holes, I thought I would check in with the CB brain trust to see what (if any) components from this system I can/should use. Here are some more detailed pics:

The mounting plate has a slight downward angle.

The pump is a remote reservoir unit with a label that reads "20832683 T3K." A Google search brings-up this page.

 

[toddz69]

I agree that the longer pushrod makes it seem like it might be a Super Duty unit, but it's not. The Super Duty units have 3.2" mounting bolt spacing for the master cylinder and this one will have 3.4" (at least it should). The Super Duty units will also have blue accumulator housings. This one reminds me of the later model Astro boosters (97-newer?) which have an angled bracket on them, although I think their pushrod measurement is more like 5.XX".

It will work one way or another - it might just take a little more work.

Todd Z.

 

[jagbucket]

hate the lost real estate that those brackets take . mounted mine direct to the firewall in the clutch pedal location . If you have the ability to fab it up that is the cleanest install info and pics are on this site

 

[sykanr0ng]

My opinion: use the hydroboost with the Explorer pump.

The Explorer pump is already made for the Explorer bracket system, so no fabricating a one of a kind adapter is needed.

I would probably replace the master cylinder not just the reservoir.

The only undesirable hydroboost units are the ones with an internal accumulator, and that is because they have less reserve capacity, because they store less pressure in reserve they give you fewer stops if your engine stops.
Though even they are better than vacuum brakes in that case.
The accumulator is that silver canister on yours.

And I agree with not liking the angle bracket much, there are many hydroboost installs which are mounted without them.

 

[sanndmann3]

hate the lost real estate that those brackets take . mounted mine direct to the firewall in the clutch pedal location . If you have the ability to fab it up that is the cleanest install info and pics are on this site

Yep, I did same thing and I like the results very much. Came out pretty clean.

 

[sanndmann3]

My opinion: use the hydroboost with the Explorer pump.

The Explorer pump is already made for the Explorer bracket system, so no fabricating a one of a kind adapter is needed.



Also agree with this. Explorer pump is more than capable of supplying whats needed for the hydroboost. Has worked well for me.

p.s. you are going to love hydro! So much better than vacume assist...

 

[Cooter_76]

Thanks for the info guys. I have an angle bracket now for the vacuum booster, and always thought it was a mess. I've seen people mount their HB booster to the firewall in the normal brake location, but it sure is close to the upper intake on EFI motors. I'll research the clutch hole idea.

 

[BigB]

Yep, I did same thing and I like the results very much. Came out pretty clean.

I also did this. Rotated the angle bracket around so that it moves away from my 351w. Gives the perfect amount of room.

Actually I didn't put it in place of the clutch pedal. I mounted mine to firewall right where it's supposed to be. Loosened nut, removed bracket and ground off locking nub/key. Tightened her back up and bingo, angled away like it was meant to be there!