Re: BTV Replacement Options

Posted by HH56 On 2018/10/9 20:19:28

The ebay unit would probably work and as long as you have a clear firewall space installation might be relatively easy. I don't know how much flexibility there would be with that particular pedal and mounting method though.

Craig's two options are the most proven installs. His 56 Panther approach is similar to what you contemplate and has been done by others in various ways using the vent hole and other close by locations. It seems to work well. If you do a search, there are a few photos of a project Jerry did on his car using a high firewall location and a similar setup but with a more elaborate bracket and pedal arrangement. Downside is it requires space high on the firewall which may mean rerouting some of the loom or an electrical component and is quite noticeable. In Craig's car I believe he is using a new aftermarket loom but if you have the original that may be harder to work around. With the unit higher It does look like the vent could be retained by changing location of the flapper valve to the long fixed metal tube and possibly connecting to the dash with duct hose below the booster rather than the short fixed tube. If you like the fresh air vent that might be a plus.

Upside to the 55 Patrician approach is it utilizes the same space as the BTV, is relatively unobtrusive in the engine compt and fairly easy to install. Downside is it requires extensive pedal mods to increase the pedal ratio because of that low location so noticeable inside the car and requires learning a different "pedal feel".

Others have used the ElectroBoost system from ABS Power Brake keeping the location and pedal stock. That unit seems to work since the output is adjustable and can be increased for the low pedal ratio. The fact the pedal ratio is so low makes me wonder if that approach would be safe if the boost failed though none of the people who installed it seem to have the same issues or concerns. Downside is that unit is fairly expensive.