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Hi there, I'm new around here, hope you guys can help.
I have a '65 w100 that i've stuffed a 354 hemi into. problem is that my brake booster blocks access to the number 7 spark plug. I really don't feel like pulling out the booster every time i want to change plugs.

I'm considering doing either a remote vacuum setup, or hydraulic assist. Has anyone run into this before, and how did you work around it?

I would look at a GM Hydroboost. The Astro vans use them, so they are easy to find and not that expensive at all. Seen many people adapt them to their rigs, especially in off roaders and old trucks like ours. From what I have heard, it makes a world of difference.

this might not help, but my buddy just got a 72 Dodge Van that has a 90* power brake booster adapter. funky but it could buy you some room. the whole master cylinder and booster sit parallel to the firewall.

Sterno wrote:Hi there, I'm new around here, hope you guys can help.
I have a '65 w100 that i've stuffed a 354 hemi into. problem is that my brake booster blocks access to the number 7 spark plug. I really don't feel like pulling out the booster every time i want to change plugs.

I'm considering doing either a remote vacuum setup, or hydraulic assist. Has anyone run into this before, and how did you work around it?

There is a member [Russ Ashley] who used the mini-booster on his '69 W100 [440/727]. Maybe he'll chime in.
Welcome to the site. Post up some pics of your W100 when you can. Does your current booster have the stand-off
bracket between it and the firewall?
John

like this.....

Thanks for the feedback, guys. Heres a couple of pics. don't mind the rat's nest of wiring, I'm in the process of rewiring the whole truck.

This is the Booster I had originally in mind (yes i will change the brakes to a dual circuit setup)

as you can see, it has the standoff and is also offset upwards towards the hood, otherwise it wouldn't fit at all

pretty snug, and about as small around as I've been able to find

Wally 426: I'm going to look into the van setup, might just work as long as it clears my clutch master cylinder. I really dislike the thought of stuffing Chebby junk under my hood.

Gotta love those old Hemi's! In high school my brother had a '53 shortbed Job Rated with a 392 from a '58 Imperial in it, and it was manual everything! I rode in it once, and it scared me so bad it was the last time too! Sorry about the threadjack; I was waxing nostalgic!

Is there a smaller diameter booster that might work?

Or how about a crazy idea? Assuming that you are running an automatic trans, what about moving the thing over to the clutch master's mounting position? Once you mount the pedal arm, just splice on a long pedal so it's not so far from the throttle. I recall that some of the big cars like New Yorkers had a big long brake pedal that might look good in there.

here is a pic of a hydra-boost for a new model RAM...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/98-02-Do ... ccessories