I'm planning on restoring my 65 442 again. This time I want to upgrade the brakes to a hydrobrake or hydrabrake (depending on who is speaking) system. My question is, the 65 uses an older style power steering pump, is this pump adequate for the hydrobrake system???

For those of you unfamiliar with this, check out this webpage: https://www.classicperform.com/Store...st-Systems.htm

The 65 442 comes with manual drum brakes. I've always hated them. Brake booster is too big for a 68 to 70 455, and vacuum is always an issue.

 

The correct term for the booster you are talking about is "hydroboost", and it's a great choice for power brakes when you either don't have sufficient vacuum or space for a conventional vacuum brake booster. I'm not sure what you mean by "brake booster is too big for a 455", however, as the 400 that came from the factory in the 1965 442 is externally identical to every 455 Olds ever made. In fact, your 1965 used a 9" brake booster vs. the 11" booster used in the 1967-up cars.

 

I never said my 65 442 is all original. It has a 68 455 (as the 65 400s are harder to find than hens teeth), a TH400 tranny and a reliable chevy 12 bolt rear. The brakes have never been altered except for shoes, drums and spring kits. There is no vacuum brake booster, never has been. I don't want to add one as vacuum will be an issue, and I like having my space in the engine compartment for maintenance. So therefore, my original question stands.

Will the original 1965 style power steering pump work with hydroboost, i.e. is the pressure enough and is the flow enough to support hydroboost???

 

Nothing I said had anything to do with the car being "original". My point is that the vacuum power booster fit with the original 400 and it will similarly fit with any 455 Olds built, so your original statement is puzzling to say the least. As I pointed out, the hydroboost is a perfectly fine choice. The stock PS pump will be fine if it's in good shape. You need a reservoir on that pump with a second return hose barb, however.

 

@Clark455 I believe Paul (Clark455) operates https://www.hydratechbraking.com/contact.html and can probably help you out.

Good luck. I'm also considering hydroboost in my Cutlass.

 

I have had a hydrobooster on my last three cars and I love it. You can tee the return line.