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Date:         Mon, 7 Nov 2011 19:40:47 +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"
Comments: To: Ken Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <4EB7E68D.9020007@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed

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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