Power Brake Conversion
 

Morning All,
Has anyone coverted their manual disk to power disk? I know that there is not all that much room under the fender to fit a conventional booster. Wildwood just came out with a hydroboost designed for Cobra and was wondering if anyone has had any experience with this.
Thanks,
Joe

A couple of options:

Whitby sells a complete kit - Whitby Motorcars

Or, an electric power brake kit - ABS Power Brake, Inc.

Thank you for the information PurpleVenom.

The Hydroboost unit looks pretty good, but you need a power steering pump to supply it.

I used a remote vacuum brake booster when I built my Arntz 30 years ago. Originally, I had a single system which supplied boost to all four wheels. That worked well, but I was concerned that if one thing fails, I could lose all braking capability.

Then, I rebuilt the system with a balance bar and twin Wilwood master cylinders that separated the front and rear hydraulic circuits. I installed an adjustment knob inside the car. I took the remote booster out. This did not work so well because I could not make my pedal ratio 6 to 1. There was not enough space because of the under floor arrangement. I just could not push hard enough to lock up the front wheels. The new rear ventilated disks WOULD lock up, which was very scary!

So, I put the remote brake booster back in and connected it to the front circuit only. It was difficult to get the balance right until I put a Wilwood adjustable proportioning valve on the front circuit, too. Now, I have complete control of the brake pressure and can set the balance for one or two people or for the amount of fuel in the tank. The pedal pressure is moderate and comparable to any modern car. However, it stops so hard (when necessary) it stalls the engine. That is a carburetor problem and I am working on it.

I have the electric power brake system, and am happy with it. Takes up little to no room, and doesn't require any vacuum.

My buddy has a 65 Cobra by Backdraft and he has a power brake booster. I looked under his hood and compaired it to mine, and they are totally differrent. Where he has pleanty of room forward of the firewall to fit a booster, I don't because of the tubular framework that was built into the car. The master would be hitting the frame. I am starting to get used to the non power 4 wheel disks. Thank you for all of the information. I hope that you don't get annoyed with all of my questions, but I need to learn from those with the experience having probably already been through some of the issues I will be asking about.
Thanks Again.
Joe

The electric power brakes don't require a firewall mounted booster. Remote reservoir's are available so a firewall mounted master cylinder also wouldn't be necessary. It's a great retrofit system. If you have any questions how mine is installed, let me know. You would be much, much happier with power brakes.