Easiest brake booster upgrade? (Page 1/2)
bmyers OCT 04, 09:45 PM
For an '86 GT, is there a bolt-in brake booster upgrade available? I've read about using a booster from an S-10 but are mods needed? I drive the car sparingly and I do not race it so is the upgrade even worth it?

Thanks.

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Brian M.
1986 GT Auto

buddycraigg OCT 04, 10:00 PM
I have scared the **** out of many customers when they rode along for a test drive of their car.
They didn't know their car could do that.

Assuming the rear brakes are adjusted correctly, I do not think the booster and/or master cylinder upgrade is needed for normal street driving.
Just my opinion.
Your mileage may vary.

[This message has been edited by buddycraigg (edited 10-05-2023).]

Mike in Sydney OCT 05, 01:19 AM
IMO, the best bang for your bucks is the S10 booster upgrade. It's not a direct bolt-in. You have to "massage" the frunk a small amount to get clearance, remove the mounting bracket from the old booster, and install an adjustable banjo (Rodney Dickman) ) but it's all simple stuff . A 2 or 3 beer job. This upgrade with some soft pads will really reduce pedal effort. The instructions can be found in the archives.

Buddy is right, too. Properly adjusted brakes are more than adequate for around town work. Again, good pads are a must. You just have to decide if you can live with less dusting from harder pads or more brake dust from softer pads.
theogre OCT 05, 09:36 AM

quote
Originally posted by buddycraigg:
Assuming the rear brakes are adjusted correctly, I do not think the booster and/or master cylinder upgrade is needed for normal street driving.
Just my opinion.

X2

You don't need a booster "upgrade."

If need more effort to stop then something is wrong & can be the OE booster itself.

https://web.archive.org/web...cast.net/~fierocave/ read all of the brake section.

There Are No MC "upgrade" w/ factory brakes. Even TFS finally say their "upgrade" is not for factory brakes. Big MC is Required for GA "Upgrades" that have big problems.

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

Raydar OCT 05, 12:44 PM
That sound you hear is hand-wringing and clutched pearls clicking together.

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 10-05-2023).]

Spadesluck OCT 05, 01:24 PM
I won't argue the fact that a well-maintained system is function, but there is a major difference when changing to the bigger booster. Does it stop faster, no. What it does is apply better clamping force with less effort of your foot. To me that was very much worth the little effort in going to the bigger booster.
fierosound OCT 05, 01:38 PM

quote
Originally posted by bmyers:

For an '86 GT, is there a bolt-in brake booster upgrade available? I've read about using a booster from an S-10 but are mods needed? I drive the car sparingly and I do not race it so is the upgrade even worth it?




Better pads will give you better braking.

You want ones that "grab harder" the more they heat up vs fading.
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/...HTML/147176.html#p13

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Dennis LaGrua OCT 05, 05:46 PM

quote
Originally posted by Spadesluck:

I won't argue the fact that a well-maintained system is function, but there is a major difference when changing to the bigger booster. Does it stop faster, no. What it does is apply better clamping force with less effort of your foot. To me that was very much worth the little effort in going to the bigger booster.



My experience as well. Very easy install with the proper S-10 booster and Rodneys adapter. Makes the braking feel more like a newer vehicle. With new higher end quality pads from Wagner or Raybestos the OEM braking system works very well.

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buddycraigg OCT 05, 06:36 PM

quote
Originally posted by Raydar:

That sound you hear is hand-wringing and clutched pearls clicking together.




What the hell?
Are you June Cleaver?
bmyers OCT 06, 08:24 AM

quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:


My experience as well. Very easy install with the proper S-10 booster and Rodneys adapter. Makes the braking feel more like a newer vehicle. With new higher end quality pads from Wagner or Raybestos the OEM braking system works very well.




Thank you. Any particular year for the S-10 or will a booster from any year work?

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Brian M.
1986 GT Auto