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Old 05-28-2025, 07:37 AM
rockys1970 rockys1970 is offline
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Default Converting To Power Drum Brakes

I just purchased a 1968 LeMans with manual drum brakes. Future plans call for an upgrade to front power disc brakes.

But in the meantime is it possible to add just a brake booster to the existing system to have Power Drum Brakes? I have a new power disc booster for a 1969 that I could use.

Questions.

1. Will this disc brake booster work with drum brakes?
2. Or do I need a specific booster for drum brakes?
3. Will I need any additional parts like a longer actuating rod?

I appreciate any comments or additional information/ parts I need.

rockys1970

  #2  
Old 05-29-2025, 08:44 PM
TCSGTO's Avatar
TCSGTO TCSGTO is offline
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I’ve put disc brake boosters on 2 different manual drum cars. Both times no additional parts were required. The drum brake master cylinder fit the booster and the boosters’ pushrod was the correct length. Yours may or may not need a length adjustment.
There are 2 pushrod holes located on the brake pedal lever, one for manual and one for power brakes.
The power location is the lower hole closer to the pedal.

__________________
68 GTO,3860#
Stock Original 400/M-20 Muncie,3.55’s
13.86 @ 100
Old combo:
462 10.75 CR,,SD 330CFM Round Port E's,Old Faithful cam,Jim Hand Continental,3.42's.
1968 Pontiac GTO : 11.114 @ 120.130 MPH

New combo:
517 MR-1,10.8 CR,SD 350CFM E's,QFT 950/Northwind,246/252 HR,9.5” 4000 stall,3.42's
636HP/654TQ
1.452 10.603 @ 125.09
http://www.dragtimes.com/Pontiac-GTO...lip-31594.html
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  #3  
Old 05-30-2025, 02:34 AM
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Scott Thelander Scott Thelander is offline
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it will require a new master cylinder ,,,
fairly sure because the factory CT stamp master delco moraine the push rod is held in place by a cup
on the rear of master,,, and the dish of the end of the piston can change depths also
save the booster for a disc conversion

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Old 05-30-2025, 12:39 PM
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Ben M. Ben M. is offline
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You'll want to verify what you have and compare it to what you are planning on installing. When I converted manual drums to power discs on a '69 the pushrod cup on the master did not interchange with the booster and the mounting holes needed some attention because of how the manual master mounted to the firewall vs. the booster.

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Old 05-30-2025, 06:36 PM
rockys1970 rockys1970 is offline
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Default Manual Drum Brakes To Power

Thanks to all who replied and offered their experience.

I think I will hold off until I'm ready to convert completely to Power Disc.

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