The only way to actually know whether the brakes stop better, or require
less pressure for the same stopping, compared to the stock brakes would be
by performing a controlled experiment with multiple vans with and without
the modifications.  The experiment would require that measured pressure be
applied, and also that stopping distance at set pressures be measured.  For
statistical significance, the modified and stock vans would need 20 in each
group.  If the experiment were done in a multivariate way, with multiple
treatments, fewer vans in each group could be used, but then there would be
more groups, so still multiple vans. But, lots of people believe they can
determine such things by feel and seat of the pants comparisons, and so be
it if that satisfies them.

On Thu, Jun 10, 2021 at 1:13 PM Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:

> I am looking for big brakes but doing nothing yet... Here is what I heard..
> True or not I am not sure...
>
> - Rear disk brakes are not as strong as drum brakes.
>
> - Larger front ventilated or slotted disks are the way to go.
>
> - BMW booster is a definite improvement which requires less effort to push
> down the brake pedal.
>
> Then again I didn't do anything yet to compare...
>
> On Thu, Jun 10, 2021 at 12:27 PM vw_van_fan_Mark <madvws@cox.net> wrote:
>
> > I did it a few years ago to one of my 87 Syncros with otherwise stock
> > brakes all around.
> > It doesn't increase the braking capacity in any way, it just makes it
> > FEEL better with less pedal pressure needed for the same amount of
> braking.
> >
> > I have some concern that the reduced foot pressure needed to apply heavy
> > braking could make overheating the stock brakes more likely.
> > The lighter foot pressure could deceive the driver into thinking they
> > aren't stressing the brake system as much as they really are.
> >
> > I have a couple more of the BMW boosters but I'm not anxious to install
> > them in my other vans with stock brakes. With larger vented discs up
> > front I'd be more inclined to do it.
> >
> > Mark
> >
> > Jeff Palmer wrote:
> > > Is it helpful to install a different booster on a stock system?  I’m
> > going to have the dash out anyways for a new blower …
> > >
> > > Thanks
> > > Jeff
> > > 85 Westfalia with stock wheels and Continental tires!
> > >
> >
>