4 Wheel Disc Brakes - Power or Manual?

Ferf · Apr 20, 2010

I am in the process of putting my '65 coupe back together. The car originally had manual drum brakes. However, I have upgraded to Wilwood disc brakes all the way around. Is it worth upgrading to power discs or do you feel that manual discs is the way to go?

If I go with power discs it seems that I have limited options on getting a power booster / master cylinder. Master Power Brakes has the following for just under $400 -

Master Power Brakes - FORD 7" POWER BOOSTER / MASTER CYLINDER (MANUAL TRANSMISSION)

Does anyone know if this setup would require me to alter my pedals in any way?

Or, Mustang Steve has this setup for around $430 -

BRAKES

All comments and opinions are appreciated!

rbohm · Apr 20, 2010

that depends on what pads you are using, and how strong your leg is. oh and what master cylinder you are using.

htwheelz67 · Apr 20, 2010

Power no question, why anyone would have manual brakes I havent a clue.

zm830101 · Apr 20, 2010

+1 vote for mustang steve here. i loathe my cable clutch but the power brakes have been the cats pajamas since the day i installed. i only wish i had converted sooner! 4 wheel ssbc kit all around for me was useless until i upgraded with the mustang steve kit. shipping and communication was top notch as well.

tx65coupe · Apr 21, 2010

I have 4 wheel disc with Granada front and Versailles rear. I do not have a power booster. I am running a dual reservior master cylinder from CJ Pony that is for non power disc. I have to say that it works great. The pedal effort is not much and it stops very well. I'm happy with it.

2+2GT · Apr 21, 2010

It's a very personal question. My 66 was my daily ride for over 20 years, with manual K/H factory discs. However, the booster you have illustrated is an excellent item, and if you wanted smooth, original-equipment-like boosted brake operation, there is no better choice.

brianj5600 · Apr 21, 2010

Manual brakes are less forgiving on bore size on the master cylinder. I tried with the one I hsd on the car, one I had on the shelf and I finally bought one the right size. If the bore is too big you will never get the line pressure to make them work. Effort on mine is higher with out a booster, but it is not a high enough I want a booster.

Wicked65 · Apr 21, 2010

I just put a strange manual master cylinder on my 65 with disc. When you go big cam or anything like that, a mastercylinder wont have the vacuum needed to run, along with space needed for the 351, didnt really seem like enough benifit to have power.

Ferf · Apr 21, 2010

Does the MPB power booster and master cylinder require modification to the brake pedal? Why go with one power brake setup (MPB and MustangSteve) over the other?

tx65coupe · Apr 22, 2010

I had to get an adjustable pushrod for my MC which is made by Master Power Brakes. I got the SSBC one, if I remember right.

66Runt · Apr 22, 2010

Ferf said:
Does the MPB power booster and master cylinder require modification to the brake pedal? Why go with one power brake setup (MPB and MustangSteve) over the other?

Good question Ferf.

No you will not have to modify the pedal.
As to choice between kits, I'd look at quality of components, and parts availability, from a local supplier. Can you get the master cylinder or master cylinder rebuild kit from Napa, or do you have to go back to the company you bought the assembly from.
Also bore (as mentioned above) and bias is critical.
Something that has not yet been mentioned, and is pretty critical, is bias of the master cylinder. Most disc/drum, and drum/drum master cylinders are biased 65% front 35% rear. Most Disc/Disc systems require a 60% front, 40%rear bias. If you do not have the correct bias, the rear brakes will not function correctly, in concert with the front brakes.
Before proceeding, I'd highly recommend a call to Wilwood, and find out what bias the system you installed is designed for. Then figure out which power master assembly fits your brake system correctly.
Even with an adjustable proportioning valve, if the bias is incorrect, braking performance will suffer. And if too far off, will be dangerous.
Good luck,

mtaqua · Apr 22, 2010

As far as a large cam and not enough vac, I am going to try an electric pump. SSBC said there's was designed to run without vacuum from the motor. Some complain it is loud, but with a large cam (and all that goes along with it); I doubt I'll be able to hear it with the engine running. Also, should give me power brakes with the engine off; which I thought would be a great safety feature. I bought a mustang steve kit.

Wildbill3 · Apr 22, 2010

Interesting Ferf what kit did you use from Willwood did that come with hubs and all for the drum spindals?

65FBE2 · Apr 24, 2010

1+ for Mustang Steve set up. It fits with the large 10" booster vs the small factory unit. Need to drill one new hole in firewall and slightly inlarge the pushrod hole but all this is behind the booster and does not show

jerry S · Apr 25, 2010

Ferf said:
Does the MPB power booster and master cylinder require modification to the brake pedal? Why go with one power brake setup (MPB and MustangSteve) over the other?

I went from manual to power brakes using a MPB conversion kit and yes, I had to use a new brake pedal arm. It requires relocating the pedal arm to a different pivot point. I got the electric vacuum pump only it simply does not work. It turns on but never turns off.

4 Wheel Disc Brakes - Power or Manual?

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