[KNanthrup]

My truck ('84 S-10) came without power brakes or power steering. The stock setup is 10.5" front discs and drums in the rear. I have smallblock in it and I use it for street/strip so a while back I changed out the rear to a Ford 8.8 from an Explorer.

I'm slowly upgrading parts of my chassis and I'm looking to change to disc brakes in the rear instead of drum. The catch is that I don't want to convert to power brakes because of space and weight and vacuum limitations. So I'm wondering whether it's plausible to run disc brakes in the front and rear without using a power booster? I know that I will have to run an additional proportioning valve of some sort (not sure which, but perhaps I might need a fully adjustable one like a Wilwood). Or is it not really plausible to make them function properly without vacuum assist?

Thanks.

[richard stewart 3rd]

Hi,
Have you considered a
Hydro-boost brake system?
it's quite compact, but you'll
need a ps pump.
Good luck,
rich

[poncho62]

It will work fine....A friend has a 68 Corvette........no PB....

Remember though, the MC on disk/disk is valved differently than disk/drum. Proportioning valve too.

[KNanthrup]

Originally Posted by poncho62

It will work fine....A friend has a 68 Corvette........no PB....

Remember though, the MC on disk/disk is valved differently than disk/drum. Proportioning valve too.

Any idea how the master is valved? I already figured the proportioning valve would be much different. I might either look for one from a similar-ish application or if I have to I could buy an adjustable one. The MC im not sure about. To get my concepts straight, is it the discs that needs more pressure than the drums?

[richard stewart 3rd]

Hi again,
Yes, discs require more pressure.
Take care,
rich

[KNanthrup]

Thanks for your help guys!

[speedydeedy]

2000 something S10 came with rear disc brakes, that proportioning valve may work.My son in laws 65 Chevy truck has 4 wheel discs with no power and it stops fine.My daughter drives it and she is only 4' 10" and has no problems.An adjustable proportioning valve is probably your best bet.

[runn141]

im using a rear disc brake rearend in my s10 with manual brakes, i just found out that i need to install a 2lb. residual valve in the line for the disc brakes. that might be all you need.

[KNanthrup]

Originally Posted by runn141

im using a rear disc brake rearend in my s10 with manual brakes, i just found out that i need to install a 2lb. residual valve in the line for the disc brakes. that might be all you need.

That's good information. Are you using the stock non-power master cylinder? What kind of difference did you notice with the disc brake swap? Also, have you noticed a proportioning problem at this point without that residual valve?

Thanks!

[302 Z28]

Will work fine as long as you get the correct master cylinder. 427 435hp Corvettes were availibale from the factory with 4 wheel manual disc brakes.

I think the residual valve is only needed for a vehicle that has the master cylinder mounted at or below the level of the wheel cylinders, as in frame monted. The proper master cylinder is far more important than the residual valves. Also the pedal ratio needs to me checked and improved if necessary.

Vince

[runn141]

Originally Posted by KNanthrup

That's good information. Are you using the stock non-power master cylinder? What kind of difference did you notice with the disc brake swap? Also, have you noticed a proportioning problem at this point without that residual valve?

Thanks!

im using the non power master cylinder, i really havent drove it yet but i have alot of pedal travel and not having the residual valve is why.