I'm collecting parts for my auto-man swap. How important is that u-bolt that holds the clutch master cyl. on? Looks like I can use two bolts -

Also, how hard are the resevoir brackets to come by? I plan on buying the whole hydraulic setup new and I know these two parts don't come with it.

 

I am in the process of collecting parts for TKO swap from an auto. You can still purchase the u bolt from GM pn 12568902 which I got. It makes it easier to bolt together over standard bolts & nuts. I plan to fabricate a bracket for the reservoir, since it is discontinued new from GM.

 

The ubolt probably keeps the stresses be distributed across the whole body of the master cylinder. If it wasn't there the stress would be confined to those plastic tabs the bolts go through. Those may not handle that much pressure and break. The force of your foot pressing the clutch in and the reaction of pressure the master cylinder is developing is probably enough to crack those little tabs.

As far as resevoir brackets go, I have one stock. But when I put a new master cylinder assembly on after my old one wore out, I forgot to run it up under the brake booster and did not want to go through the hassle taking everything apart again and re-routing. So it is zip tied nice and tight to the windshield wiper motor. LOL.