I have put the Trans Am Racing conversion kit in my kids' '65 289 fb with factory drums and single pot MC. It does not perform up to expectations. The pedal feels soft and the brakes will not lock up.
The T/A kit consists of a dual pot MC and a small booster, both of unknown origin. The MC looks like a Ford part, with the same shape as a Ford and the same cap and with the ports facing out toward the driver's fender. The brakes themselves are the standard (i.e., not Force 10) Stainless Steel Brakes 4-piston conversion kit. Also included is an adjustable prop valve for the rear brakes.
I have heard from a pro that a smaller bore MC might help. I would do this swap if I knew what part number to ask for. Does anyone know?
One thing I have seen, while watching under the hood with an assistant pressing on the brake pedal, is that the firewall flexes enough that I can see the MC rising 1/4 - 1/2 inch. I have read on the web that a brace running from the firewall to the shocktower can correct this.
I have bench bled the MC and the lines more than once. The rear drums are properly adjusted.
I have read that there is a factory prop valve in the rear brake line. If there is, then it's still there, because I have not taken it out. I have read that a 10 lb residual pressure valve in the rear lines can help a soft pedal.
I hope the length of this post does not turn people off, because I would really like to fix this. Any input from folks with experience with the small bore MC, the firewall brace, or the residual valve fixes would be appreciated. Best of all would be someone who has dealt with this problem and beat it.
The T/A kit consists of a dual pot MC and a small booster, both of unknown origin. The MC looks like a Ford part, with the same shape as a Ford and the same cap and with the ports facing out toward the driver's fender. The brakes themselves are the standard (i.e., not Force 10) Stainless Steel Brakes 4-piston conversion kit. Also included is an adjustable prop valve for the rear brakes.
I have heard from a pro that a smaller bore MC might help. I would do this swap if I knew what part number to ask for. Does anyone know?
One thing I have seen, while watching under the hood with an assistant pressing on the brake pedal, is that the firewall flexes enough that I can see the MC rising 1/4 - 1/2 inch. I have read on the web that a brace running from the firewall to the shocktower can correct this.
I have bench bled the MC and the lines more than once. The rear drums are properly adjusted.
I have read that there is a factory prop valve in the rear brake line. If there is, then it's still there, because I have not taken it out. I have read that a 10 lb residual pressure valve in the rear lines can help a soft pedal.
I hope the length of this post does not turn people off, because I would really like to fix this. Any input from folks with experience with the small bore MC, the firewall brace, or the residual valve fixes would be appreciated. Best of all would be someone who has dealt with this problem and beat it.