[DeTomaso] brake system question

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

In a message dated 9/15/10 5:20:49 AM, justingreisberg at hotmail.com writes:

> i am not sure my booster is doing enough, and I am not sure my master 
> cylinder has a large enough bore.
> 
The GM conversion booster system sold by the Byars Bros is about the 
largest diameter booster one can install without radical bodywork to fit it into 
the front trunk. And it comes with a dual diaphragm and stepped-bore master 
cylinder -both of whch are bigger than stock. Once the system is balanced 
with an adjustable proportioning valve -usually in the rear brakes, they work 
fine and the cost is reasonable. 
But I doubt the booster is causing the pull to one side- which is likely 
most of your probem since if one of the two front calipers isn't working- or 
isn't working well- you've just lost almost half your braking force. I use 
4-piston Wilwood Superlite 2s in front with dual-piston Porsche 911-S calipers 
in the rear using the converted GM booster & a manual proportioning valve, 
and I can lock up 4 wide tires with ease (245-50 fronts, 275-55s in rear).
I would certainly first try to eliminate the not-working problem by 
interchanging calipers, pads or replacing one caliper entirely. Dunno where you got 
the Wilwoods but they're usualy pretty good about replacements: call them 
directly to check. Note these are 'racing' calipers & really have no warranty 
except for mfg defects. Note also that in changing to Wilwood calipers, the 
steering arms must be redrilled and that usually leaves the new hole at the 
bottom of the arm dangerously close to the edge of the forging unless its 
weld-reinforced; it can be gas-welded. Good luck- J DeRyke