Installing an aftermarket brake servo kit

[RDKeysor]

My BN7 is sans a brake servo, and I find it's absence pretty noticeable after years of driving cars so fitted. BritishVictoria markets a very reasonably priced servo kit that it says includes everything needed, including installation instructions. Has anyone had experience with this kit?

 

[Packman46]

I have just recently installed one of their units and I am very happy with it. I initially tried to rebuild my original unit and failed. My second step was to by pass the booster and I noticed a marked difference without it. My wife refused to drive the car (65 BJ8) without the booster (make up your own jokes here). Even though they claim that the kit includes everything I could not make the bracket that was supplied work in the original location. I was able to fabricate a bracket using 12 gage 1" angle that mounted to the foot well using two of the original bolts. They supply a strap bracket that surrounds the hydraulic section and with modification does support the unit and prevent rattling. I do not have a drawing of the bracket or a photo as I fabricated it on the "fly". The kit contains brake lines, vacuum hose, check valve and the bracket and strap I mentioned. British Victoria sells the kit and the booster for less that the same aftermarket booster alone from their competitor. All in all I am very pleased with the results.

 

[steveg]

My BN7 is sans a brake servo, and I find it's absence pretty noticeable after years of driving cars so fitted. BritishVictoria markets a very reasonably priced servo kit that it says includes everything needed, including installation instructions. Has anyone had experience with this kit?

Just to muddy the waters... FWIW - I bought the booster from Moss but left it in the box because when I installed ceramic pads the pedal pressure remained the same as the previous drum brake setup. I followed the recommended break-in process and that could have had something to do with the light pedal pressure.

 

[Rob Glasgow]

Steve, I'm not sure I understood your comment about installing the ceramic pads. Were you so satisfied by the increase performance of the new ceramic pads that you didn't feel a booster was necessary?

 

[steveg]

Steve, I'm not sure I understood your comment about installing the ceramic pads. Were you so satisfied by the increase performance of the new ceramic pads that you didn't feel a booster was necessary?

My car is a BN6 formerly with double-leading shoe front drums and a .75" master cyl. I installed the Toyota 4-piston calipers with Centric ceramic pads. I was prepared to install the booster if the pedal pressure was too high. It was actually as good or better than the drum brakes. Therefore I left the booster off. Does that answer your question?

I think I understand: the booster doesn't make your brakes any more powerful; it just helps you put your foot on the pedal. In my case I can do a panic stop easily enough without needing the booster to stomp on the pedal for me.

I'm interjecting this here because I think it may not be necessary to add the extra complexity of the booster into the system if you use the ceramic pads. I'm suggesting adding those first then seeing if you still need the booster. Moss tech support can tell you if they sell ceramic pads for the older, smaller Girling calipers.

 

[Randy Forbes]

My car is a BN6 formerly with double-leading shoe front drums and a .75" master cyl. I installed the Toyota 4-piston calipers with Centric ceramic pads. I was prepared to install the booster if the pedal pressure was too high. It was actually as good or better than the drum brakes. Therefore I left the booster off. Does that answer your question?

I think I understand: the booster doesn't make your brakes any more powerful; it just helps you put your foot on the pedal. In my case I can do a panic stop easily enough without needing the booster to stomp on the pedal for me.

I'm interjecting this here because I think it may not be necessary to add the extra complexity of the booster into the system if you use the ceramic pads. I'm suggesting adding those first then seeing if you still need the booster. Moss tech support can tell you if they sell ceramic pads for the older, smaller Girling calipers.

My sentiments exactly!

 

[Rob Glasgow]

That's good news. I would like to improve my braking performance (i.e. less pedal force required) but really didn't want to go to a booster. I have been considering Green Stuff pads but maybe the ceramic ones would also help.