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5/11/2020 1:27 PM  #1


Corvette Master Cylinder

I currently have a MS Power Booster with disc/drum MC for my 66 mustang. I recently upgrade to rear discs and the pedal is spongy and has poor braking performance. I wanted to upgrade the Master Cylinder but don't like the look of the V6 mustang, Windstar or Explorer MC.

I wanted to use this Vette MC, https://www.performanceonline.com/GM-Disc-Brake-Conversion-Master-Cylinder-1-Bore-GM-Corvette-Type/
I Know I know a lot of people don't like GM parts on these cars lol. Will this MC work with booster?

Thanks!

 

5/11/2020 1:55 PM  #2


Re: Corvette Master Cylinder

First, trying to fix a problem with a new master cylinder that's other than the one supplied with the kit is a bad idea.  You need to know why you have an issue first.  A spongy pedal and poor braking sounds like a system that has air in it.  What master are you using now?

Second, I've used Corvette master cylinders before for GM projects where I added rear disc.  On a Ford with parts designed to work with other stuff, no idea, but these are the questions you need to ask:

Is it the same bore size as the specified one?

Are the mounting holes the same spacing as the Ford booster?

Is the diameter of the back of the master that fits into the booster the same size? (if its bigger you're out of luck, if its smaller you can have a sleeve spacer made)

Will the pushrod in the booster work with the depth and diameter of the hole in the master? 

I don't know if anyone can answer these questions.  Likely you would have to buy the master and take those measurements with it and the booster in front of you. 

Welcome to the forum.

 

5/11/2020 1:57 PM  #3


Re: Corvette Master Cylinder

Welcome to forum Thinair66, I like that handle. I'm no expert at all on modifications, especially other parts but my thoughts would be size of bore, stroke, length of push rod, and bolt hole alignment. The guys on here know the answer though. Someone here has done it to tried it.


70, ragtop 351W/416 stroker Edel Performer heads w pro flow 4, Comp roller 35-421-8. T5
 

5/11/2020 2:09 PM  #4


Re: Corvette Master Cylinder

Thanks for the info!
It's got a disc/drum style master with 1" bore which is a 1970 power master cylinder. The same master that comes in the MS booster kit. I was told it has dual piston 93 crown vic fronts and I have 91 Thunderbird single piston rears which are 1.79" ( I have a Thunderbird IRS).

I have power bled the whole system multiple times and the pedal still feels weak. I know 99% of the time spongy pedal is air in the system but its highly unlikely there is.

Hopefully someone has tried it and can let me know. If not I'll go with the 92 ranger master.

Thanks!

     Thread Starter
 

5/11/2020 2:13 PM  #5


Re: Corvette Master Cylinder

Welcome to the forum, just adding to TKO's response; remember, disc brakes take a lot more line pressure to lock up then drum brakes.  Whatever MC you decide to use, should be for a "disc/disc' setup.


65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
 

5/11/2020 2:55 PM  #6


Re: Corvette Master Cylinder

The only thing I can add to the expert advice already stated is experience but not with the Vette mc. I have on my 66 late model Mustang GT discs front and rear and the 2000 v6 mc. Works great. I would go withe the proven part combination.


"anyone that stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty"Henry Ford
 

5/11/2020 2:58 PM  #7


Re: Corvette Master Cylinder

In my experience a disc/drum master simply does not work well for disc/disc brakes.  Discs operate at much higher line pressures than drums and usually require a greater fluid volume as well.  I would trust the recommended master from MS, because I know its been tested, but in general I would choose a disc/disc master like one from a later model Mustang. 

What are you using for a proportioning valve? 

 

5/11/2020 3:04 PM  #8


Re: Corvette Master Cylinder

On my 68 I am using a stock disk/drum master cylinder for my conversion to 4 wheel disks, it has a 7/8” diameter. When I first set my system I used a 1” diameter MKVII master cylinder and it would not make enough line pressure to give me the desired stopping reassurance that I wanted.
The car has Lincoln MK VII rear disks. Mustang Steve should be able to tell you if the 68’s master cylinder will fit your booster


Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
 

5/11/2020 3:36 PM  #9


Re: Corvette Master Cylinder

'68 and '70 power disc/drum masters are the same based on cross reference.  The drum/drum manual master also appears to be the same.  All are listed with a 1" bore, though that's based on info on rockauto.com.  Its entirely possible its inaccurate.  I can't recall it not being accurate when cross referencing like this, but its possible. 

IMO I would just run the specified master.  I'm assuming the desire to run the Vette master is based on appearance not function.  The plastic reservoir masters just don't look period correct for a classic American car.  I get it, but I'd rather my brakes worked.  If you can do lines without adapters I think it goes a long way to making it look like it belongs there. 

 

5/11/2020 3:38 PM  #10


Re: Corvette Master Cylinder

Thanks for the responses!
I think I'll go with the Ranger MC with Mustang res that MS has recommended in other posts. Don't want to plumb lines on the engine side if at all possible. I'll just fab some new lines and get used to the look of the plastic res.

     Thread Starter
 

5/11/2020 3:51 PM  #11


Re: Corvette Master Cylinder

On further investigation of my set up the MKVII master cylinder is 1 1/8” and the 68 is 1”
I don’t see why the 68 cast iron ms would not work if it fits, I agree it looks better than the one with a plastic reservoir


Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
 

5/11/2020 4:04 PM  #12


Re: Corvette Master Cylinder

I switched from manual to a Hydro-Boost system on my 4-wheel discs and used the 95-97 Explorer MC, Raybestos #MC390269, 1.0625" bore, ports are on the fender side. Yes, it has a plastic reservoir.  I am very pleased with this setup.  


65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
 

5/11/2020 4:17 PM  #13


Re: Corvette Master Cylinder

Ok good to know! I think 1 1/16 might be a little large for my setup. 

     Thread Starter
 

5/11/2020 6:03 PM  #14


Re: Corvette Master Cylinder

Welcome to the forum.............LOTSA knowledge here fer sure!
I just happen to have a durned old Shivel-lay MC on my 66 (disc/drums) BUTT!!........
I have S-10  front calipers AND they are a 'stepped' caliper. A GM invention. Therefore...they need a GM master cylinder.
Getta Ford MC
6sally6


Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
 

5/11/2020 6:55 PM  #15


Re: Corvette Master Cylinder

Ok final question. Does anyone have any experience with the wilwood tandem master cylinder?

     Thread Starter
 

5/11/2020 7:45 PM  #16


Re: Corvette Master Cylinder

Welcome to the family.

When I performed the Mustang Steve booster conversion, I used 2001 v6 mustang master cylinder.
Absolute day/night difference.
Initially I had Granada discs in front and stock 289 rear drums...using Granada proportioning valve.

This winter I installed 2016 GT brakes front ( went back to 65 spindles) and rear.

Still works great.
As you mentioned, could use a Ranger one if you want ports on fender side.

 

5/11/2020 9:06 PM  #17


Re: Corvette Master Cylinder

To answer the original question...
Some of the MS boosters have a recessed area where the mc flange fits. The corvette mc has a much larger flange and can fit in there if you are willing to do alot of clearancing on the mc flanges.  I try to avoid that scenario as it can cause alot of grief if you ever have to replace a mc on a road trip.  Corvette mc’s come in several different bore sizes.  If you decide to go that route, the 1” is typically the correct choice.  Anything larger will result in low line pressures.

If you use the 2000 Mustang disc/disc mc, it all bolts right up.

The 92 Ranger disc/drum mc works equally well but has a sloped tank that just looks odd. You can order a 2000 v6 Mustang tank from RockAuto and use it on the Ranger mc if desired.

Mc with smaller than 1” bore will provide higher line pressures if your particular application can live with a little longer pedal stroke.  And, be sure to verify your mc is not bottoming out from insufficient fluid volume.


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

5/12/2020 6:59 PM  #18


Re: Corvette Master Cylinder

No one else has mentioned that the gm master cylinder hooks up the opposite of Fords.  Front port to front. Rear port to rear.   I put one on my Galaxie convertible and wound up taking it back off.


If multiple things can go wrong, the one that will go wrong will be the one that causes the most damage.
 

Board footera


REMEMBER!!! When posting a question about your Mustang or other Ford on this forum, BE SURE to tell us what it is, what year, engine, etc so we have enough information to go on.