When the sign says STOP, your...
When the sign says STOP, your brakes better obey. An electric power brake system is a smart way to make sure they do.
We know that every one of our readers is an above-average driver. Unfortunately, everybody else on the road is a reckless maniac, hurrying to get someplace, chatting on a cell phone, and oblivious to the presence of hot rods. If you're going to mix it up with that kind of traffic, you need to make sure your rod is equipped with up-to-date brakes. Four-wheel discs are a good start, but if those discs function off of the old manual braking system, you're not getting the benefit of ultimate stopping power.
We found out about the Electric High-Power Master Cylinder Kit from ABS Power Brake at the Hot Rod & Restoration trade show, where it won the Best New Product award. Unlike other brake boost systems that run off of engine vacuum, the ABS unit runs off the car's 12-volt electrical power.
As luck would have it, ABS is only a couple exits down the freeway from the R&C offices (what isn't?), so we dropped in to learn a little more. The day we were there, they were installing a kit on a '35 Chevy sedan that had manual front and rear discs. The owner was tired of the poor stopping performance, and wanted to do something about it.
Shop manager Pedro Gomez explained that when the customer gets his car back, the first thing he'll notice is improved pedal feel that won't require as much pressure to engage the brakes. He'll also notice an impressive reduction in stopping distance and time-and ultimately, a lot more peace of mind in the middle of traffic.
 The Electric High-Power Kit...  The Electric High-Power Kit offers several main body designs. Part 10-56, which is being used on the '35 Chevy, comes with a rectangular or peanut-shaped reservoir measuring 10x5 1/4 inches. An 8-inch version is also available. This main body is installed in place of the old master cylinder, and can be mounted on the firewall or within the framerails. (There's no performance advantage to any specific location; it's a matter of preference and convenience.) |  The first step in the installation...  The first step in the installation is getting rid of the old master cylinder. The new unit will be mounted in this same location, using the existing bracket. |  The ABS pump is equipped with...  The ABS pump is equipped with an accumulator (on the left in the photo). The accumulator keeps the brakes pressurized. In the event of a power loss, the system retains power assist for approximately 25 pedal pumps before brake power is lost (as long as the ignition key is in the ON position). After that, it reverts to manual brakes. The wire harness is included. |