brake guru's - need help ditching anti-loc brakes

I'm putting in a T-5.0L and will be replacing the anti-lock setup with a stock booster (both for space and simplicity). I'm also installing 13" rotors so I want something that will support the extra braking capacity.

This is a 3 line brake system (2 for the front and 1 for the rear). Splicing shouldn't be a problem but I would like any suggestions for parts swaps. I understand a Mustang booster will work by enlarging a couple of the firewall holes. Will a factory T-bird booster/master cylinder from a V8 work? I have no way of comparing them unless I find a shop that stocks both. Not sure how to rate booster/master cylinder capacity other than looking at the size of it.

go to the junkyard, and buy the brake booster, master cylinder, and the proportioning valve from a 5.0 bird as one assembly

you will need to bend some lines, and for the rear line, youll need to gut the factory proportioning valve, and run an aftermarket, since the 5.0 tbird master cylinder and prop-valve arnt meant for rear disks

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1987 Thunderbird 3.8
1987 Turbo Coupe, 5-speed

www.foxthunderbirds.fast-go.com

aka Tbird232ci

Yes, the mustang booster bolts right on, and gives you more room to run a clutch cable. [Image: smile.gif]

I would use a MC designed for rear disc brakes, as the 5.0 / 3.8 birds came with rear drums.

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Jeff Korn

88 Turbo Coupe: Intake and exhaust mods, T3 turbo at 23 psi, forced air intercooler, water injection, bypass valve, Ranger roller cam, subframes, etc., etc.. // 86 Tbird 5.0 (original owner): intake, exhaust, valvetrain mods, 100 HP nitrous, ignition, gears, suspension, etc., etc.... // 91 Escort: Bone stock winter car // 04 Taurus Duratec (wifes car)

Jeff K, the only bolt on solution for a msater cylinder and prop valve would be a 93 Cobra, and finding those arnt easy

the only disk brake fox's were ABS cars, other than the 93 cobra

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1987 Thunderbird 3.8
1987 Turbo Coupe, 5-speed

www.foxthunderbirds.fast-go.com

aka Tbird232ci

An SVO MC will also work. I am pretty sure you can get a 93 Cobra or SVO MC from rockauto.com, or Auto Zone, for that matter.

Personally, I would NEVER use a MC I got from a JY!! The brake system is the most inportant system on any car, and I will ONLY use the highest quality new or highest quality reman parts I can get for stuff like MCs, calipers, etc. My life and the lives of others are worth the expense!

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Jeff Korn

88 Turbo Coupe: Intake and exhaust mods, T3 turbo at 23 psi, forced air intercooler, water injection, bypass valve, Ranger roller cam, subframes, etc., etc.. // 86 Tbird 5.0 (original owner): intake, exhaust, valvetrain mods, 100 HP nitrous, ignition, gears, suspension, etc., etc.... // 91 Escort: Bone stock winter car // 04 Taurus Duratec (wifes car)

i guess i should have been more clear

grab the assembly, so you have everything, then use the JY parts for cores

theres nothing worse than grabbing one or two parts, or buying some stuff, and not having the rest or being able to buy it

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1987 Thunderbird 3.8
1987 Turbo Coupe, 5-speed

www.foxthunderbirds.fast-go.com

aka Tbird232ci

Thanks for the info. Anything else would be appreciated.

When you talk about proportioning valves is this something that is extra in relation to the MC or is the factory MC adjustable? My previous brake experience has been limited to replacement of defective parts.

I have the advantage of a good parts warehouse so I should be able to snag what I need.

the one that i bring up, there is the factory one, and then the aftermarket adjustable one, you use the factory proportioning valve, and a plug sold by ford motorsport to gut it, then you use an adjustable proportioning valve to adjust exactly how much pressure goes to the rear brakes, because the factory proportioning valve isnt able to supply the proper pressure for the disk brakes

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1987 Thunderbird 3.8
1987 Turbo Coupe, 5-speed

www.foxthunderbirds.fast-go.com

aka Tbird232ci

Forgot to ask if I can use my original ABS brake system on after-market 13" disks and callipers? Also, will a 5.0L fit next to the ABS system? That was the thought process behind the swap in the first place.

[This message has been edited by Mark_R (edited 06-29-2005).]