Thread: Pros/cons on Power Brakes and Steering

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When building a lightweight car such as a highboy, what are the pros & cons of using power brakes and power steering? I see power brake boosters and power steering racks used on these cars and wonder why/when they are necessary. What criteria are used to determine when to use either when planning a build project? TIA

Mike

I personally do not like power brakes on any car. And cars that were originally made without power steering, ive never had a problem with, so imo i think you would be fine without them, but its up to you on how you like the car to feel.

The weight of the car makes the difference. In my opinion, a lightweight early car drives just fine with an "armstrong" steering box and manual brakes, as long as the master cylinder and pedal ratio are appropriately sized for the system. A power brake system might use a 4:1 ratio, while a manual system might use a 6:1 or 7:1 ratio. An aftermarket pedal/support/master arrangement with an adjustable bias bar and two masters will allow you to dial the system in to a gnat's eyelash. Use a residual valve in the line to the rear if using drums on the rear to keep the shoes pushed out against the springs a little.

I had neither power brakes or power steering in a full-fendered, all-steel '30 big block A-Bone. (Photo in my gallery). It steered and stopped just fine.

No PS/PB in my '34 lowboy either. Steers fine. Brakes fine. If your MC is below the floorboards, you need residual pressure valves in both front and rear, and a proportioning valve may work if you don't have room for the dual MC that Richard suggested.

not a street rod but my nova is still armstrong with manual brakes steers, and stops fine after i put a dual resivoir master cylinder on it. still manual brakes to. 4 wheel drums