Swap Booster Options

[GunMetalGrey]

Ix booster, that's just a straight swap correct? Anyone have any opinion on that setup?

[pandaboo911]

On a different thought, I have the Massive booster delete on my car and
the feeling is great (e30 m3 brakes with stock e30 master). If you choose
your master correctly the brake pedal has a very nice feel to it. Also
you get a lot more space under the hood.

With stock e30 brakes would you just downsize the master? I wanted to go this route but don't want a rock hard brake pedal.

[gp.plus]

I used the 944 ATE booster, as janderson said you just shorten the pushrod and continue the threads further down to match the stock e30. However, I wanted to note that with my booster I had to slightly turn down the thickness of the shaft beyond the threads. I accomplished this by locking the Clevis end of the shaft (before cutting) in my drill and spinning it against sandpaper. I can elaborate if someone needs more info on doing this. I have not really come across anyone else having this problem, but there must be a couple versions of the booster out there.

[Jand3rson]

Just seems like more trouble than it's worth, to me.

The idea of remotely locating the reservoir turns me off to it completely, but I'm super-anal about aesthetics in my engine bay.

[uberm3]

Yeah, with more modification, a different master cylinder (one more thing to buy), and you have to run lines and remotely locate your reservoir somewhere else.

The reason people feel like the E21 booster is "inadequate" is because it is. It's a smaller diameter and the same thickness as the stock E30 booster. The 944 booster is a smaller diameter, but is thicker, and has almost the same internal volume as the stock E30 booster. Uses the stock E30 master and reservoir, too. All you do is shorten and thread the pushrod, then it's a direct fit.

I used the master cylinder that came on the booster E32. The reservior from an E12 cost $20.00 (located on the drivers strut tower) and the braided line was negligible.

[Jand3rson]

3 swap guys on R3V consecutively agree,

7 series boosters/masters are where it's at.

Yeah, with more modification, a different master cylinder (one more thing to buy), and you have to run lines and remotely locate your reservoir somewhere else.

The reason people feel like the E21 booster is "inadequate" is because it is. It's a smaller diameter and the same thickness as the stock E30 booster. The 944 booster is a smaller diameter, but is thicker, and has almost the same internal volume as the stock E30 booster. Uses the stock E30 master and reservoir, too. All you do is shorten and thread the pushrod, then it's a direct fit.

[uberm3]

Will any E32 booster work?

Needs to be a double booster - believe they came out of the later 735i's. The early cars use a vacuum system from the power steering unit (which can also work but is more complex). When you pop the hood is pretty obvious as this latter system doesn't have a booster (just looks like a giant master bolted to the firewall).

And yes - this or IX booster (same thing basically) is the only way to go IMO. For the 735i - you need to use the pedal fork off of your stock booster to get the pedal height correct.

[RobertK]

Will any E32 booster work?

[328ijunkie]

3 swap guys on R3V consecutively agree,

7 series boosters/masters are where it's at.

or e34 V8 ;)

[Charley]

On a different thought, I have the Massive booster delete on my car and
the feeling is great (e30 m3 brakes with stock e30 master). If you choose
your master correctly the brake pedal has a very nice feel to it. Also
you get a lot more space under the hood.

[samiam3356]

Had the e21 and with bigger brakes (e36m) it doesn't seem quite adequate. I know there is reserve vacuum canisters out there but I question if they really work all that well on our application.

[willcapture]

sory to ask on your thread put does anyone know if the ix booster need any modification to the pushrod? i have mine setup and it seems to fit onto the brake assembly just fine

[Mr.SWISS]

I prefer the E32 zer double chamber booster, it feels slightly better/sensitive than stock did.

e32 booster, swap in the e30 pushrod, e32 1" MC, and a remote res (from a 2002 works). agree it feels good

double booster

3 swap guys on R3V consecutively agree,

7 series boosters/masters are where it's at.

[Jand3rson]

Is there a guide out there on how to modify the pushrod?

I don't wanna mess it up haha that's my brakes that I'm playing with

It's just too long, is all. You just need to measure the stock E30 pushrod, cut the one on the Porsche booster to the right length, and then with a die, cut new threads of the correct pitch onto the remaining un-threaded part of the rod.

[JFarhanbod]

944 is the way to go, IMO. Swaps directly on, use your same master and reservoir, all you have to do is slightly modify the pushrod.

Put an ad on Craigslist, asking for a Porsche 924 or 944 brake booster. You will get P-car guys hoarding parts that will throw them at you for dirt cheap, just to make a buck on the shit collecting dust in their garages. I put an ad up for mine, and in less than a week, got one for $30.

Is there a guide out there on how to modify the pushrod?

I don't wanna mess it up haha that's my brakes that I'm playing with