The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Electric Vacuum Pumps--Do they work?

I have a 50 chevy half ton with a small Weiand blower. I plan to install 4 wheel disc brakes and think I will need more vacuum than my engine will produce. Has anyone used an electric vacuum pump in this type of application? Are the pumps reliable? If so, which are the better ones out there?
Thanks for any help/advice you can give.

Do you have power steering?
If you do then using a hydrobooster for the brakes is a MUCH better alternative to a vacuum pump in my opinion.

I'll go ahead and say it... vacuum pumps suck.

The vacuum pumps used for power brakes are quite expensive. Much more bang for your buck as well as a smaller and simpler system if use a hydrobooster.

Grigg

Grigg:
Do they "suck" because they do not produce the necessary vacuum, or because they are not reliable, or some other reason? They cost around $250, but I don't want to spend that if they are not consistent or will last. I was thinking of vacuum because I also have an A/C unit that requires vacuum to operate the defrost, a/c, and heater valves and I am not sure how much vacuum my blown engine will produce. The hydroboost sounds like a good option, if I can get vacuum for the A/C unit.

It's a pun...

If you only need vacuum for heat controls a small and cheap vacuum pump will suffice. I don't have any recommendations on which one, but a number of different ones were used as original equipment on cars and trucks, some searching will turn up options and opinions.

I've put hydroboost on three different trucks now, and can't see any reason not to do it again. If you already have PS there is no good reason not to use a hydrobooster.

Grigg

Should there not be pretty good vacuum between the base of the carburetor (if you are using a carburetor on top of the blower)and the inlet to the blower? Especially with throttles closed the blower should be pulling at least as much vacuum as a NA engine.

Hoyt

Especially with throttles closed the blower should be pulling at least as much vacuum as a NA engine

Of course.

I too have vacuum concerns. Do you guys have a vender or website where we can take a look at this hydroboost thing? Thanks

Not for ours but an example:

http://www.stu-offroad.com/suspension/vanco/hydroboost-1.htm

http://www.powerbrake-drivetrain.com/servlet/the-HYDROBOOST-CONVERSION-kits/Categories

Here's one company I hear folks mention favorably
http://www.vancopbs.com/

I've dealt with
http://www.hydratechbraking.com/
And they taught me a lot and helped put together a system just for my truck.
They have an EXCELLENT FAQ and tech section on the website.

After you know what's going on you may find a used or off the shelf booster is all you need, but if you have any questions or concerns the above folks are a great resource. I've done it both ways, and no regrets spending money with Hydratech for good parts, service, and an education.

Not that I'm advocating this, but here's one electric vacuum pump suitable for brakes, that may not be so expensive used. http://www.4btswaps.com/forum/showthread.php?15561-Audi-Vacuum-Pumps&p=120908#post120908

Grigg

Thanks, I really appreciate all the advice and the links you have given us. I will take a close look at the hydrobooster. Will this require the use of a beefier power steering unit?

No, it has no effect on the power steering gear box, and it requires very little fluid from the PS pump, only spoon fulls at a time and only when you step on the brake.

Grigg