Does anyone know if I'll have clearance problems with the brake booster when I install my 400 with the taller (3.5") valve covers?
- 69 vert
- No a/c

Take a look at Gordon's(ho428) pictures on the weekend project thread. Looks like he has the taller covers and stock vacuum booster.
Thread link; /forums/ubbthrea...3411#Post118560

It's tight, new engine mounts. One tab on the booster stuck out and hit so I ground it down. I shimmed the booster and MC with a 1/16 shim on the engine side for a little extra clearance. Got maybe a 1/4" now. I have no idea what'll happen when it's running.

You might be hearing some tapping from up front!

I finally found the other pic, knew I'd taken one.
Biggest issue I think will be getting the VC off without having to pull the wiper motor.

I have addustable valve train, taller valve covers,AC and I can not get dirver side off with out removing wiper motor and passenger side with out lifting motor.

I have about 1/4 inch clearance with my tall covers installed. Very tight.

Well, engine installed and tab on booster is jammed against valve cover.
I'd like to change booster to a smaller one. I could only fing the stock booster at Classic Industries and Ames.
Does anyone know where's a good place to pick one of these up?

Are your subframe mounts in good condtion?

What is the point of the taller valve covers. Keep in mind I am not a mechanic so I appoligize if there is an obvious reason...

To accommodate non-stock rocker arm configurations, polylocks, ect.

Another go fast bolt-on.

Spiderman,

just have a look at http://www.hotrodsusa.com/store/boosters.html

They sell boosters (and according master cylinders or combos) in all different sizes (with and without the Delco stamp), going from 7" to 12", at reasonable prices.

Cheers

Thomas

When the shop that did my motor the last time when they switched over to roller, he told me I'd have to go with the "tall" covers. I told him find a way to make the stock ones work. He had to shop around for the roller rockers and then they ended up machining them somehow to ultimately make them fit. My concern was different I guess as I insisted on a stock look...

Thanks Thomas.
I'll check these out.
Trevor

Just so you know it's out there, you can get a system that many say is much better performaing than a diaphram booster, gives you plenty of clearance, and doesn't care how much vacuum your car produces.

http://hydratechbraking.com/products/

What would be a safe clearance if I decide to modify my original booster?
Like you, I would have to remove the tab and would have that amount of clearance... about 1/4".
Is there a chance the valve cover may still hit the booster when running?
Trevor

I don't know about anyone else's Bird, but when I rev the engine the motor tweeks more than a 1/4" and that's with new motor mounts, bushings etc.

Put it manual brakes.
No booster, no problem.

Here's a picture of my 69 with tall valve covers, the hydroboost master, and a DSE Wiper motor. My problem before the change was with the wiper motor, I would have to remove it to take the driver's side cover off. The master was never an issue though, never it.

I switched to the hydraboost setup because I run a big solid roller cam and really didn't have enough vacuum to run the brakes. Hydraboost is awesome!!

I changed the wiper motor because I need to have access to adjust the rockers more often with the solid roller cam and I didn't want to scratch my newly painted firewall up during the wiper motor R&R.

Everything fits great now with plenty of room.

Also my mounts are going bad. Between the front clip and the uni-body. Wouldn't that allow the distance between the 11" booster and the valve cover to be less? Just thinking out loud.

Sorry just saw FirebirdMikes response.

Purchased the 8" booster, mounting kit and clevis from Hot Rods USA. Installed easy and now have a lot of clearance.
Thanks for all the input.
Thanks for the link, Thomas.
Trevor
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc265/oildrop/8booster.jpg

Hydroboost has been around for years and years, for most medium and light duty trucks. GMC/ Chevy use a hydroboost for the 2500 series and up trucks. Nice units, interestly, they share fluid with the steering systems.

Also, you can make valve cover spacers to add height to the standard valve covers. The spacers are painted the block color, and have the stock chrome valve cover over top to have a stealth look. I know someone who did this, and it looked like a good Idea, and not obvious unless you know it's there.

This was on a 73 TA SD car.