OEM Electric Vacuum pumps (for power brakes)

[CDMBill]

I didn't want to hijack BBR's OEM Vacuum pump for crankcase evacuation so I thought I'd ask here what would be a good choice for keeping power brakes working without resort to a hydroboost. I have about 7-8" of idle vacuum so the big power brakes are a bit compromised without building engine vaccum first.

Spidey's suggestion of the Cadillac unit from the 4.1 sounded good as I am looking for OEM reliability. What do these things wiegh and how much current do they draw?

The hydroboost was appealing as it uses the existing PS pump as the hydraulic pressure source, but I anticipate some packaging issues with the driver's side valve cover. Not to mention they aren't cheap.

[BOWTIE6872]

Re: OEM Electric Vacuum pumps (for power brakes)

spidy listed the years and models of cattys that have those pumps..
in that thread

[SpiderGearsMan]

Re: OEM Electric Vacuum pumps (for power brakes)

http://www.mpbrakes.com/products/product-detail.cfm?product_id=130

[BBR]

Re: OEM Electric Vacuum pumps (for power brakes)

;D

http://www.gmcmotorhome.com/tech/vacuum_pump/index.html

http://home.earthlink.net/~tmaki/vacpump.htm

http://users.california.com/~eagle/addens.html

The GMC RV crowd is all over this topic.

[SpiderGearsMan]

Re: OEM Electric Vacuum pumps (for power brakes)

you could make a bracket for a belt driven vacuum pump

[CDMBill]

Re: OEM Electric Vacuum pumps (for power brakes)

I'm about out of room for more belt driven stuff and I use a Peterson external oil pump/wide vac which is two scavenge sections for crankcase vacuum which is why I was considering the hydroboost deal as the Type 2 P/S pump would manage both brakes and steering.

Thanks for the links, as always much to learn.

[walt reynolds]

Re: OEM Electric Vacuum pumps (for power brakes)

Have you thought about adding a vacuum canister? I put one on my Camaro and have not had a problem since.

[SpiderGearsMan]

Re: OEM Electric Vacuum pumps (for power brakes)

cam dynamics used to make a beauty

[CDMBill]

Re: OEM Electric Vacuum pumps (for power brakes)

I have a vacuum cannister now but its not enough under some conditions. I'm going to try a bone yard electric vacuum unit and see what difference it makes as that is the cheapest route at the moment.

[383S-10]

Re: OEM Electric Vacuum pumps (for power brakes)

CDMBill let us know what you find............this thread is just what I needed for my Regal...............

[ls7gto]

Re: OEM Electric Vacuum pumps (for power brakes)

I just got a electric vac pump from a pwr stroke to try on dads firebird. gonna use it as a supplement to a vac can.

[JeffMcKC]

Re: OEM Electric Vacuum pumps (for power brakes)

Bill I think Doc has a real nice pump for sale out of SeeRed. PM Him

[Caddyman]

Re: OEM Electric Vacuum pumps (for power brakes)

If you decide to try a Cadillac elec pump, remember, its a pass-through...not stand alone unit. Its designed to ASSIST the appox 10" vacuuum 4100 engine.

They WILL work by themselves, but if you have the vacuum hose from the intake, its a little safety measure (as was intended), and will gain a few " of vacuum to the booster, too.

[CDMBill]

Re: OEM Electric Vacuum pumps (for power brakes)

Jeff, PM sent.

Caddyman, that is the intent to use it as an assist, not as a substitute. I will likely leave the vacuum canister in place as well or at least A/B test with it in the line and out to see what works best.

Thanks again guys for the great ideas.

[SpiderGearsMan]

Re: OEM Electric Vacuum pumps (for power brakes)

that 4100 was a real puke