Thread: Power brake conversion in a Series 3

Not sure what you mean by powerbrakes, but if my memory serves me correct it was only the SWB that didn't have a brake (vacuum) booster. I had a PBR booster on mine and apparently this was quite a common addition to them. Dam good brakes, worth doing.

Unfortunately I don't have any part numbers or pictures (was in the days before digital cameras). Nor can I help with regards to a vacuum pump for your diesel.

I always found either a small local brake repair place or Repco to be quite helpful with info.

Hopefully someone has these details.

Best regards
DarrenR

The cruise-controlled Discos (and some other things by inferior manufacturers) have vacuum pumps which might be suitable.

Hi Thomas
Think I can help.
My last Ser3 was originally a diesel,it had a strange tank under the passenger seat.I later found it was a vacuum tank for the brakes(for the diesel motor,disconnected for the 202).
Not sure how Landrover tackle the "rotary exhauster" but jap diesels USUALY have a vacuum pump on the rear of the alternator.But they dont have an extra vacuum tank.
Im guessing perhaps the landrover "exhauster" isnt as powerfull and needs extra booster capacity,ie the tank you have been given.
Maybee a jap alternator along with a normal booster is the go.The only problem I can see is they need an oil pressure feed line and a return to the sump.
Goodluck
Andrew

Hi Thomas
An after thought,put 109 brakes on the thing,there is quite a difference between the 2.
Original 6cyl 109 brakes are bigger still,3" wide drums instead of 21/4" wide.
All interchangeable,if you go 3" drums you need the 3" backing plates as well.
Andrew

Power brakes are an improvement on the S3, but if starting with a swb, I would be inclined to fit the larger brakes off the 109 first and see how that goes.

Later model S3s had power brakes, at least on the 109 (optional at least on swb), and there are several different boosted master cylinders depending on whether they are dual or single circuit brakes and whether metric or imperial threads on the pipes. Many conversions to power brakes, at least for single circuit systems, used the VH44 remote booster from PBR. These were mentioned a year or so back here, and they are still available from some MG specialist in Sydney - sorry, can't remember the name.

But with a diesel, the problem is getting a vacuum. Diesel S3s with power brakes were fitted with a throttle valve that produced a vacuum in the intake manifold, and you should be able to find one of these at a specialist Landrover wrecker. I have never had anything to do with them, and I suspect that adjustment is critical, but it would certainly be easier to fit than a vacuum pump.

John

Hi John
That explains the need for a vacuum storage tank on the Series diesels with power brakes.I guess that valve isnt too effecient.
Andrew

Originally Posted by JDNSW

Power brakes are an improvement on the S3, but if starting with a swb, I would be inclined to fit the larger brakes off the 109 first and see how that goes.

Later model S3s had power brakes, at least on the 109 (optional at least on swb), and there are several different boosted master cylinders depending on whether they are dual or single circuit brakes and whether metric or imperial threads on the pipes. Many conversions to power brakes, at least for single circuit systems, used the VH44 remote booster from PBR. These were mentioned a year or so back here, and they are still available from some MG specialist in Sydney - sorry, can't remember the name.

John

Just as past experience, I've gone through the whole putting the 109 brakes onto a SWB, I found the improvement wasn't worth the effort (backing plates, cylinders, shoes, drums etc etc) this was also made more difficult and expensive as most places did shoes on an exchange basis.

PBR VH44, that's the one used on my SWB (I knew someone here would know), it was easier to do and the brakes were really good.

Still doesn't help with your vacuum hurdle though.

Best regards
DarrenR

Can make any suggestions on landrover stuff but, since i did have a jap deisel this may help.

The alternator on the Na-Ng pajero diesels , the 4d55 and 4d56 motors, had a vacuum pump at the rear, that is what created the vacuum for the brakes. They are pretty sturdy, i don't know what a wrecker price is, nor what the output is, but i am sure it would work on the boooster your thinking of.

john