Date: Mon, 7 Nov 2011 19:45:52 +0100
Reply-To: Raimund Feussner <ray@V6BUS.DE>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Raimund Feussner <ray@V6BUS.DE>
Subject: Re: bmw brake booster "upgrade"
In-Reply-To: <4EB8262F.1030308@v6bus.de>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed
Oh, by the way:
Also the Diesel Vac pump has no difficulties with the bigger booster.
Raimund
Am 07.11.2011 19:40, schrieb Raimund Feussner:
> The BMW 10" booster conversion is very popular in Germany.
> It is a cheap (used), nice addition and a great brake performance
> optimisation. Of course, the brakes are not getting better, but it´s a
> very comfy feeling getting the same brake pressure with less foot force.
> I combined this with my Audi 288x25mm brakes and it works great.
>
> The next step is a 9"+10" tandem brake booster, which I already have
> prepared to go in the van this winter. I tested it in a friend´s
> Vanagon (Touareg brakes on the front) and there you have it: An anchor...
>
> Regards
> Raimund
>
>
> Am 07.11.2011 15:09, schrieb Ken Wilford:
>> I guess if you have the tools and skills to do some minor mods then this
>> "upgrade" is doable but I really don't see the advantage. Unless you
>> are putting in a used booster (bad plan) you are not saving enough money
>> for this swap to be worthwhile financially. That one site you quoted
>> has a low price for this but you did notice that they are saying "Call
>> for availability"? That is parts store code for "we have a great price
>> but we actually don't have any to sell you".
>>
>> The part is an ATE part just like the Vanagon one. It is similar in
>> size and function so how can the price be much less than the Vanagon
>> version? It can't unless you are going to go used. It involves some
>> modification which takes time, effort and skill on your part. That is
>> worth something.
>>
>> To me the best way to go is to still get the stock booster and just swap
>> that out. I know it is a chunk of money but you shouldn't need another
>> one for another 26 years. If you are really smart then you should also
>> remove, clean and service your front blower housing at the same time
>> (inspect front heater core). That way you aren't doing the dash removal
>> again in a year or two.
>>
>> If this was worth while I would be all over it. But I have looked
>> through my sources and I can't find a source for this part that is
>> cheaper than the Vanagon booster wholesale price. Replace a Vanagon
>> part with a BMW part and it is supposed to be cheaper? Since when are
>> BMW parts cheap? :-)
>>
>> I can't speak to the "upgrade" part of this. Bigger is usually
>> considered better here in the US so I guess even if it is an 1/8" bigger
>> in diameter then it would be considered better. You would be surprised
>> the placebo effect that you get when someone does one of these "upgrade"
>> mods. Of course if their old booster was bad the new one is going to be
>> an "upgrade" in comparison. There are tons of cars out there running
>> with magnets on the fuel lines, vortex generators in the intake, and
>> hydrogen splitters to attest that "seat of the pants" beats actual
>> science in most peoples' minds any day. :-)
>>
>> Ken Wilford
>> John 3:16
>> www.vanagain.com
>>
>>
>> On 11/5/2011 9:46 PM, pickle vanagon wrote:
>>> Over at thesamba, there's a thread on "upgrading" the vanagon
>>> booster to
>>> BMW model that is larger diameter:
>>> http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=443880&highlight=brake+booster+dash
>>>
>>>
>>> And, viewing other threads over there, it seems several of their forum
>>> members have done this, seeming satisfied with the results.
>>>
>>> Has anyone hear made the change?
>>>
>>> I ask because I think I may have to replace our booster, and the BMW
>>> booster's price new seems to be about half that of the vanagon booster.
>>> (e.g., here:
>>> http://catalog.importrp.com/item.wws?mfr=ATE&sku=BMW018726&source=GOOGLEBASE
>>>
>>> )
>>> (I'm not interested in installing a used booster.)
>>>
>>> My understanding is that:
>>> 1) maximum braking power won't be improved, as this is limited by the
>>> calipers and hydraulic system, not the strength of my legs at this
>>> point.
>>> But:
>>> 2) the power required to achieve any given braking power will be
>>> reduced,
>>> so the brakes should be more "responsive" in that sense
>>> 3) otherwise there don't seem to be major downsides.
>>>
>>> Obviously, I'm especially interested in any thoughts/feedback on #3.
>>>
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