Pros/cons on Power Brakes and Steering

[Mike52]

When building a lightweight car such as a highboy, what are the pros & cons of using power brakes and power steering? I see power brake boosters and power steering racks used on these cars and wonder why/when they are necessary. What criteria are used to determine when to use either when planning a build project? TIA

Mike

[hotroddaddy]

I personally do not like power brakes on any car. And cars that were originally made without power steering, ive never had a problem with, so imo i think you would be fine without them, but its up to you on how you like the car to feel.

[techinspector1]

The weight of the car makes the difference. In my opinion, a lightweight early car drives just fine with an "armstrong" steering box and manual brakes, as long as the master cylinder and pedal ratio are appropriately sized for the system. A power brake system might use a 4:1 ratio, while a manual system might use a 6:1 or 7:1 ratio. An aftermarket pedal/support/master arrangement with an adjustable bias bar and two masters will allow you to dial the system in to a gnat's eyelash. Use a residual valve in the line to the rear if using drums on the rear to keep the shoes pushed out against the springs a little.

[Henry Rifle]

I had neither power brakes or power steering in a full-fendered, all-steel '30 big block A-Bone. (Photo in my gallery). It steered and stopped just fine.

No PS/PB in my '34 lowboy either. Steers fine. Brakes fine. If your MC is below the floorboards, you need residual pressure valves in both front and rear, and a proportioning valve may work if you don't have room for the dual MC that Richard suggested.

[gassersrule_196]

not a street rod but my nova is still armstrong with manual brakes steers, and stops fine after i put a dual resivoir master cylinder on it. still manual brakes to. 4 wheel drums