Chevy Hydroboost Conversion

[Spargman]

Here's a link to all the parts and parts #'s. I don't think the part #'s will match up for you, but it will give you an inventory idea.
http://www.gmc4x4.com/topic/2599-hydroboost-conversion/?hl=hydroboost

For your truck, I would simply find a hydro truck of the same year as your truck. I can't say with 100% certainty it will all be plug & play, but that's what I did with mine and the fit was spot on. After doing a quick search, it looks like the '91 3500 Pickup came with a hydroboost setup.

On the 97 - 99's, you do need the hydro pedal...the original one that came with vacuum trucks will not work. If I had to guess, I would bet you will also need the hydro specific pedal on your 91.

 

[Renntag]

Thanks.

now to find how late model I can source for these parts. I will be certain to share what I use to help the next person.

 

[gmcpimpin]

Ever look at Magnefine? http://www.emergingent.com/subpage1Magnefine.htm

I would advise against a magnefine if you live in cold climates. I had one on the return side of my P/S system crack the end cap off in a the dead of winter while I was warming my truck up, dumping all my P/S fluid. I had it istalled correctly, just an heads up. I don't think its common but maybe a metal filter is a better idea if it gets cold where you live.

 

[Renntag]

I have just agreed to purchase a motor and parts from a 1998 Dodge Ram donor. Does any one know if the Hydroboost from the dodge would be viable for a 1991 V2500 Suburban?

(Build thread coming soon).

 

[toddz69]

I have just agreed to purchase a motor and parts from a 1998 Dodge Ram donor. Does any one know if the Hydroboost from the dodge would be viable for a 1991 V2500 Suburban?

(Build thread coming soon).

Sure, although I'd find a mounting plate from a Chevy hydroboost application (at a minimum) so you don't have to drill any holes. The Chevy mounting plates are flat and the Dodge one will sit a bit proud from the firewall.

Todd Z.

 

[Renntag]

Thanks Todd. I will have to tear into it and compare parts.

 

[Spargman]

When it comes down to this mod, IMO there are a lot of angles to attack it, but there's always a safety concern...especially for highway trucks. As an example, Chevy / GMC makes three different hydroboost systems that I'm aware of that produce different pressures at the caliper. Each of these hydroboost setups has a corresponding power steering pump that provides a different output pressure to the hydro unit. Then there are the three different sized calipers across the GMT400 line...each one up the line has a larger piston and requires greater pressure.

When building one of these systems and grabbing parts from a variety of vehicles, you may want to consider how all of these components play together. I'm not aware of a premature failure based on inappropriate sizing, but I wouldn't want to be the first to find out with a trailer going downhill.

The two biggest failures I've seen with people performing this mod has to do with the power steering pump and cooler. I've seen a few guys take a short cut by using the smaller 1/2t pump and then running a "t" connector to account for the extra line you need. The other is when guys do not run a cooler for the PS fluid. Both of these short cuts will lead to premature failure and are mind-numbingly poor decisions.

Great advice on the plastic filter cracking. That's the first I've heard of that and I was investigating that brand. Do you know of any with a metal housing that you can recommend?

 

[Renntag]

When it comes down to this mod... there's always a safety concern......you may want to consider how all of these components play together. ...short cuts will lead to premature failure and are mind-numbingly poor decisions.

Thanks for the helpful advice. This is something I have thought about given the potential impact on over all vehicle safety. I am hoping I can find a resource to compare part numbers and potential system set up to address these concerns.

In the next few weeks I will have the power steering and Hydroboost from a 98 Ram. From there I need to assess if these components will work for me. I do not mind making a brake upgrade. I will have rear drums for now, but plan to switch to disc later. This will be an important element in my build list.

For now, I will get details about the parts that I am acquiring with the motor.

 

[Spargman]

Thanks for the helpful advice. This is something I have thought about given the potential impact on over all vehicle safety. I am hoping I can find a resource to compare part numbers and potential system set up to address these concerns.

In the next few weeks I will have the power steering and Hydroboost from a 98 Ram. From there I need to assess if these components will work for me. I do not mind making a brake upgrade. I will have rear drums for now, but plan to switch to disc later. This will be an important element in my build list.

For now, I will get details about the parts that I am acquiring with the motor.

It will be great to watch this develop!!

You may already know this, but just in case... the Master Cylinder is different for a truck with rear drums versus rear discs. It's a quick swap, but just some food for thought as you source your parts list. You will see a huge improvement in braking with the hydro swap, but discs will be minor. I like discs because they are easier to maintenance, but the big improvement will come from the hydro and high quality brake pads.

In terms of personal experience, I run Hawk Heavy Duty and really like them; I ran Hawk LTs prior. Some folks complain about the noise of the Heavy Duties and brake dust, but mine are whisper quiet and I didn't notice an increase in brake dust...but my truck also tends to be pretty dirty.

 

[Renntag]

It will be great to watch this develop!!

Thanks, I am excited, my bank account, not so much, it's already gearing up with weapons. :Wow1:

You may already know this, but just in case... the Master Cylinder is different for a truck with rear drums versus rear discs. It's a quick swap, but just some food for thought as you source your parts list.

Indeed. You are correct. That is my experience upgrading road race cars.

You will see a huge improvement in braking with the hydro swap, but discs will be minor. I like discs because they are easier to maintenance, but the big improvement will come from the hydro and high quality brake pads.

Rear discs are so much easier to deal with. It's been a long time since I have had a truck WITHOUT Hydroboost. I am looking forward to getting the brakes sorted. It may take a couple years in phases. I am curious if I will be able to use my current master with the Hydroboost. (no idea).

In terms of personal experience, I run Hawk Heavy Duty and really like them; I ran Hawk LTs prior. Some folks complain about the noise of the Heavy Duties and brake dust, but mine are whisper quiet and I didn't notice an increase in brake dust...but my truck also tends to be pretty dirty.

I have run Hawk pads and like them. Carbotech will custom line any pad or shoe backing I send them. If they dont have the specs in the computer, I send a brand new example and they duplicate it with the material of my liking. Good stuff !

A high quality pad or shoe material is a good substitute for a big dollar fancy brake upgrade. In the end you can only stop as well as the tires grip the road. If the brakes are superior to the rubber, what's the point?