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Power brakes / Cam Question

  • Thread starter Thread starter 67coupe351w
  • Start date Start date Nov 18, 2004

67coupe351w

New Member
Jan 31, 2004
424
0
0
Portland, OR
Nov 18, 2004
#1
  • Nov 18, 2004
  • #1
Hey guys,

I have an Edelbrock Performer RPM cam in my 351w. (224/234 .496 .512)

Is this cam in the borderline area for operating my power brakes? I have disc front and drum back, it just doesnt seem like the car stops nearly as well as it should...takes queit a bit of effort to stop.
 
G

GaPonyFarm

New Member
Jan 2, 2004
663
0
0
Columbus, GA
Nov 18, 2004
#2
  • Nov 18, 2004
  • #2
Check your vacuum off the intake mainfold. If its not at 16 or better, you'll have a difficult time geeting enough vacuum to operate the booster.

I've got a very similar cam in my '66 302 and only get a reading of about 10. I can't operate power brakes and need an anchor off an aircraft carrier to stop, if going more than 20 mph...even with disc brakes.

You can try an electric vacuum pump, or maybe a vacuum canister, but neither did the trick for me. The compressor was too loud, the canister didn't store enough vacuum.

Let me know if you find a fix, other than changing cams,
 

67coupe351w

New Member
Jan 31, 2004
424
0
0
Portland, OR
Nov 20, 2004
#3
  • Nov 20, 2004
  • #3
GaPonyFarm said:
Check your vacuum off the intake mainfold. If its not at 16 or better, you'll have a difficult time geeting enough vacuum to operate the booster.

I've got a very similar cam in my '66 302 and only get a reading of about 10. I can't operate power brakes and need an anchor off an aircraft carrier to stop, if going more than 20 mph...even with disc brakes.

You can try an electric vacuum pump, or maybe a vacuum canister, but neither did the trick for me. The compressor was too loud, the canister didn't store enough vacuum.

Let me know if you find a fix, other than changing cams,
Click to expand...

Well Im not going to be able to check the vacuum for a while as the stang is put away until I finish this *bleepin* 68 pickup.

Lets just say in theory that I dont have enough vacuum and I decided to go with a vacuum pump. Is there any suggestions as to what would be a nice one? I know they have mechanical pumps but I dont see that as an option because im already out of space on the front of my engine.

I noticed www.summitracing.com has an electric one, part number: SSB-28146

How well do electric pumps hold up? About the same thing as an electric fuel pump? It would suck for the thing to burn up when I needed to stop.

Thanks for any input
 

Max Power

Active Member
Jul 31, 2003
1,774
1
36
St Paul
Nov 20, 2004
#4
  • Nov 20, 2004
  • #4
I just installed the same cam and I am noticing funky brake performance as well. It is somewhat intermittant.

Didn't get to drive it enough before putting it away though.
 

one2gamble

Founding Member
Feb 27, 2001
902
1
0
Monterey
Nov 20, 2004
#5
  • Nov 20, 2004
  • #5
I have that cam in my 302 with power brakes and I have no idea if I am getting the full working or whatever but its better than the manual brakes on my other car.
 

86T-Top

Founding Member
Jun 29, 2001
553
0
17
Dublin, PA
Nov 20, 2004
#6
  • Nov 20, 2004
  • #6
If you use a large enough vacuum canasters and a check valve it will work.

Mario
 
C

cstang68

New Member
Apr 4, 2003
31
0
0
San Diego
Nov 21, 2004
#7
  • Nov 21, 2004
  • #7
You could switch over to a hydraulic assist system, kinda pricey though

www.hydroboost.com
 
G

GaPonyFarm

New Member
Jan 2, 2004
663
0
0
Columbus, GA
Nov 21, 2004
#8
  • Nov 21, 2004
  • #8
cstang68 said:
You could switch over to a hydraulic assist system, kinda pricey though

www.hydroboost.com
Click to expand...

Looks pretty good for those with power steering.
 
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