can i remove my power brake booster for racing? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 03-07-2007, 07:19 AM

I FULLY expect that when removing the brake booster for racing purposes, they are using a master cylinder with a different size bore to make the brakes usable.

In the days of power brakes being an option, the non power brakes had a different size master cylinder.

dpetryk · #2 03-07-2007, 07:21 AM

Why do you want to remove it?

t walgamuth · #3 03-07-2007, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryBible

I FULLY expect that when removing the brake booster for racing purposes, they are using a master cylinder with a different size bore to make the brakes usable.

In the days of power brakes being an option, the non power brakes had a different size master cylinder.

thanks, larry. i knew that.

tom w

t walgamuth · #4 03-07-2007, 07:33 AM

thanks to everybody for your kind thoughts and concerns. it is autocross so if the experiment doesn't work i am not likely to die.

finding a smaller diameter cyl may be a good option. but i am curious to find out how much more effort is required without it.

on my old caddies and pontiacs i routinely removed and discarded the power setups and found the brakes worked really well without them.

i fully expect a mercedes to have a better balance though between pedal effort and braking results.

i intend to fit a smaller diameter steering wheel if i find the hub is the right size. i have a very nice sport wheel from a saab of the eighties.

tom w

mbdoc · #5 03-07-2007, 08:01 AM

I auto crossed a 280E for 3 years in SCCA events... no real reason to disconnect or remove the booster..Use front brakes from a late W126 chassis with ceramic pads...you will have a GREAT feel that way.

Hirnbeiss · #6 03-07-2007, 11:38 PM

Drum brakes were "self-energizing".

Matt L · #7 03-07-2007, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hirnbeiss

Drum brakes were "self-energizing".

In theory, yes. In practice, almost none. I have never seen such a system on a car, although I did own a motorcycle with self-energizing front drums.

#8 03-08-2007, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M.B.DOC

I auto crossed a 280E for 3 years in SCCA events... no real reason to disconnect or remove the booster..Use front brakes from a late W126 chassis with ceramic pads...you will have a GREAT feel that way.

Now THERE'S some good, been there, done that advice!

Ali Al-Chalabi · #9 03-08-2007, 09:19 AM

To see what it feels like without the power booster. Pump the brakes about 10 times with the engine off to exhaust the reserve left over and step on the brakes. Either that or disconnect the vacuum supply to the booster. Do not do this on a public road the first time. At best, try it on your driveway as long as it is not inclined very much.

If you keep the same size master cylinder, you will find there will be a tremendous difference in pedal effort required to stop a car with disk brakes wth no power booster. I would bet it requires significantly more than 10 times the pedal pressure. As an abover poster stated, you will literally need both feet on the brakes to even notice that you have applied the brakes.

david s poole · #10 03-08-2007, 11:21 AM

how much help do you think that throwing 10-20lbs overboard will give you when racing versus the security of good brakes?stripping the doors would surely be of more value.

t walgamuth · #11 03-09-2007, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M.B.DOC

I auto crossed a 280E for 3 years in SCCA events... no real reason to disconnect or remove the booster..Use front brakes from a late W126 chassis with ceramic pads...you will have a GREAT feel that way.

thanks. actually this car came from the factory that way. and i plan to put it back one of these days as the vented rotors have been removed along with the larger calipers.

tom w