The GM A-Body platform is one of the most widely used designs to ever come out of Detroit. Used across Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, and Oldsmobile there were so many built in so many different variations that the availability of parts makes them a very popular choice for a custom build. With various trim levels and engine options these A-Body cars were the perfect platform to take an entry level model and modify it to look like one of its powerhouse big brothers. The downside to this body design was the lack of room GM created in the transmission tunnel. 50 years ago this wasn’t even a concern, but now with the popularity of going to an overdrive transmission we are long on options, but short on room to fit them. Nearly all of the popular 5 and 6 speed manuals require some type of tunnel modification in order for them to fit properly. While most guys do not see this as an issue, there are a lot of nicely built cars out there that the owners do not want to cut into, but unfortunately there aren’t many alternative options at this time.
If you’re one of those guys that are willing to make the necessary modifications to fit the manual transmission of your choice into your car, you will probably also want to swap over to a hydraulic clutch set up as well. This is especially true when installing one of the Tremec T56 Magnum 6 speeds, but likely the best solution for any new manual with overdrive swap. The original mechanical linkage systems typically get in the way of ideal exhaust routing, and more than likely are worn out and in need of replacement anyway.
When looking at the different options in hydraulic master cylinder systems for your GM A-Body car you will see several different set ups available in the market today. Keep a close eye on exactly how each is set up as there are some very distinct differences between them. Here at Bowler Performance the majority of the projects we’ve seen need some flexibility in the way the master cylinder kit is installed. There are a lot of LS swaps being done these days, as well as, hydro boost braking systems. These different combinations of engines and braking systems sometimes require the clutch master cylinder to be mounted in a different orientation to clear the other components. The master cylinder kit we’ve designed has the ability to mount the master cylinder in an upright or sideways position giving you more flexibility with the installation. Each variation of the A-Body master cylinder kit is designed specifically for a certain model year(s) to prevent misalignment of the master cylinder piston rod; this in turn gives you the best possible motion ratio and pedal feel.
The Bowler Performance GM A-Body master cylinder kit comes standard with a ¾” bore Wilwood master cylinder along with the option of standard plastic or upgraded billet aluminum fluid reservoir. The kit is sent with all the necessary mounting hardware, stainless connection line, and fittings you will need to connect to the hydraulic bearing or slave cylinder of your choice. We prefer to use the Tilton 6000 series hydraulic release bearing in conjunction with our master cylinder kit for its reliability and ease of set up, but it will work with many of the other brands out there. If you’re ready for the most complete and precise hydraulic master cylinder kit for your GM A-Body transmission conversion give us a call or click this link..
