Brake upgrade?

[sarguy01]

When I EOC my Civic, I don't even notice a difference in braking. I can stop it from 45 without even knowing the engine isn't running and providing vacuum.

If it didn't stop, I'd push harder on the pedal...then there is always that one handle next to the console, emergency brake???

I don't think the $$$ invested, even with used brakes, will overcome the benefit EOC provides. Unless of course there is a safety concern, when $$$ vs mpg gain goes out the window.

[Cobb]

I never notice any loss of braking either. My concern is lack of abs, air bags, etc if an accident occurs or getting more charges if you are at fault in an accident.

[basjoos]

If you are worried about losing brake vacuum after several applications of the brakes during EOC, there are several options. You can add a vacuum tank (easily made from sections of PVC pipe) to your vacuum system for additional vacuum storage, install a 12V vacuum pump (either buy new or get one used from a junked diesel car), or, with a manual, simply pop the clutch to spin the motor for a second or two, then shut it down again once it has regenerated the vacuum. The motor just needs to spin in order to generate vacuum, it doesn't matter if the ignition is on or off.

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by basjoos

If you are worried about losing brake vacuum after several applications of the brakes during EOC, there are several options. You can add a vacuum tank (easily made from sections of PVC pipe) to your vacuum system for additional vacuum storage, ...

That's exactly what I did and posted as a link in post number 8 above a couple days ago... would love for people look at the setup and comment with any pointers for improvements or cautions they might see.

[echo-francis]

what about manual brakes?

[user removed]

I once took my 37 Ford back to the gent I bought it from and showed him that I could stop it from 30 MPH, with cable operated manual brakes -------------------------

With my thumb.

regards
Mech

[Cobb]

I drove an ev metro without a vacuum pump. The brakes took some effort, but it was more of a learning curve vs effort as I like the brakes sharp in my cars.

[gone-ot]

DISC for stopping power.

DRUM for minimum drag/friction losses.

[Frank Lee]

Seems to me like DRUM has just as much stopping power initially- my cars with drums can put your head into the windshield; DISC rejects heat better and so has more fade resistance for those long or repeated in quick succession hard braking events.

[sarguy01]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

Seems to me like DRUM has just as much stopping power initially- my cars with drums can put your head into the windshield; DISC rejects heat better and so has more fade resistance for those long or repeated in quick succession hard braking events.

My buddy had a 71 Valiant in high school and I had a 71 Dart. He kept the four wheel drums, I put a 75 disc front end on mine. There was a big difference, especially when slowing from highway speeds.