Don't flame me for this; it's just a thought. The AIR pump works as a vacuum pump to pull air from the manifolds and send it back into the engine, right? So, for somebody who isn't using it, would it function as a vacuum pump for an engine with a large cam? Another thought is whether the charcoal canister would work as a reservoir? If I'm an idiot, somebody just say so, but I'm curious if either of these things would work.

 

1st question: You can use the A.I.R. pump as a crankcase vacuum pump.

2nd question: The charcoal canister isn't a tank, it's a charcoal-filled vent.

 

I am not plauged with the problem of low-vacuum for power brakes. I run hydroboost! Master cylinder, hoses, and booster from an early 90s diesel chevy van and a P/S pump from a 95 astro.

 

I had considered doing a hydroboost, but a vacuum canister seems much easier. I think my neighbor has some old detroit diesel parts laying around, and I have been toying with the notion of going with a hydroboost.

 

All I can say, is that I have driven many different astro's and safari's over the years working in shops. The hydroboost assisted ones can output some serious pedal pressure compared to the vacuum units. We are allowed 25 feet from 20 mph here in Texas for inspections. I tromp the brakes when doing the braking tests, hydroboost assisted vehicles just stop better. They are a little noisier and wierder feeling, but they work well.

 

I've go an 02 (gulp) Mustang GT as my daily, and interestingly, Ford used a hydroboost in those as well.

 

I'm the first to try and rig something in order to save a buck - but I have to ask - Why all the trouble when a vacuum canister designed to hold vacuum for this reason can be had for $40?

 

I'm not planning on doing it. My dad suggested it, and he is the type who would do that, so I told him I'd try to find out if it was possible. It is an interesting thought.