1987 Tbird Braking Issue

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1987 Tbird Braking Issue

January 29, 2009, 12:38:41 PM

I have a 1987 TBird 2.3L Turbocharged. Its got that goofy electric brake booster on it, which appears to be non-functional now. The hi-low pressure switch quit working, so the previous owner direct wired it. As of this morning, it appears to have blown out the booster, probably due to overpressure.

Questions:
1) I can't find a jobber part. Ford dealer says they can't get one anymore. Anyone have a source for them? Both the booster and the high/low switch.

2) Can I convert from the ABS/Power booster to a manual booster/master cylinder setup? Anyone know if the stock brake rod is the right length/diameter to work the manual booster? Does the 4 cylinder create enough vacuum to properly run a booster?

Thanks in advance.

Rod

1987 Tbird Braking Issue

Reply #1 – January 29, 2009, 10:08:43 PM

http://www.turbotbird.com/

look at the tech articles under brakes

they have troubleshooting and converting to standard brakes

1987 Tbird Braking Issue

Reply #2 – January 29, 2009, 11:01:41 PM

Excellent. Thank you very much.

1987 Tbird Braking Issue

Reply #3 – January 30, 2009, 12:07:38 PM

If you can source a decent used electric booster and fix the wiring issue I'd suggest staying with that.
My Scorpio has the similar Teves set-up and I love it. The car has 12" C4 Vette brakes on all 4 corners and the pedal feel is always consistent. I have the ABS disconnected, but kept the electric pump.

If you do decide to convert the 87-88TC was the only 2.3T in the Fox with the ABS set-up, the rest were vacuum-assisted...so that answers your second question.

1987 Tbird Braking Issue

Reply #4 – January 31, 2009, 03:42:23 PM

Quote from: DiamondSCattleCo;254285

Anyone know if the stock brake rod is the right length/diameter to work the manual booster?
Rod

Not removable from the unit, it's rectangular anyway...