Vacuum-assisted (or boosted) power brakes were used in Mustangs until 1996 when the huge 4.6L SOHC and DOHC V-8 engines filled the engine compartment to capacity, making it impossible to fit a vacuum booster between the engine and inner fender. Thus, Ford went to hydroboosted power brakes, which consume less space. Hydroboost gets its pressure from the power steering pump.

Vacuum-assisted power brake boosters get their vacuum from the engine’s induction system (intake manifold). When we’re running a really radical engine, intake manifold vacuum suffers, making it necessary to use an electric or engine-driven vacuum pump to help the power booster.

Hydroboost is nothing new. It’s been used in Lincolns, Cadillacs, and other types of luxury cars for ages. It works on the same basic principle as power steering. We use hydraulic pressure from the power steering pump to help apply the brake pedal. This is the same basic principle as the Bendix power-assisted steering common to 1965-’70 Mustangs. Move the steering wheel and you “tell” a control valve to send hydraulic pressure to one side of the steering ram or the other. This helps you steer. Same idea with hydroboosted power brakes. Touch the brake pedal and you tell the hydroboost to apply pedal pressure.

Did you know you can install hydroboost power brakes in your classic Mustang? Just go to the Lincoln parts shelf for answers. However, hydroboost power brakes can be more high maintenance than vacuum assist.