Here is a vanagon booster for considerably less money
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/details/QQVolkswagenQQVanagonQQCentricQQBrake_BoosterQQ19801991QQCE160-dot-88202.html?apwcid=P1135867996W43b3f85c7ab9e&apwidtZrd3U7
Don
----- Original Message -----
From: "pickle vanagon" <greenvanagon@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, November 05, 2011 5:46 PM
Subject: bmw brake booster "upgrade"

> Over at thesamba, there's a thread on "upgrading" the vanagon booster to
> BMW model that is larger diameter:
> http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=443880&highlight=brake+booster+dash
>
> And, viewing other threads over there, it seems several of their forum
> members have done this, seeming satisfied with the results.
>
> Has anyone hear made the change?
>
> I ask because I think I may have to replace our booster, and the BMW
> booster's price new seems to be about half that of the vanagon booster.
> (e.g., here:
> http://catalog.importrp.com/item.wws?mfr=ATE&sku=BMW018726&source=GOOGLEBASE
> )
> (I'm not interested in installing a used booster.)
>
> My understanding is that:
> 1) maximum braking power won't be improved, as this is limited by the
> calipers and hydraulic system, not the strength of my legs at this point.
> But:
> 2) the power required to achieve any given braking power will be reduced,
> so the brakes should be more "responsive" in that sense
> 3) otherwise there don't seem to be major downsides.
>
> Obviously, I'm especially interested in any thoughts/feedback on #3.