Jeep 4.0 in 69 Barracuda

[JohnFM3]

I am using zep citrus HD degreaser at a 1:5 ratio to water. Its working great.

 

[JohnFM3]

I am really having a issue getting a hold of Sweeting Performance regarding my Hydro Boost brake parts. I purchased in March with the expectation of it being shipped 90 days later around June. And after several attempts contacting via email and now Phone, I am getting no responses. I am about ready to elevate by contacting via lawyer to make contact on my behalf. I would accept a refund, I would be ok just getting the parts and raw material (getting the raw material would justify buying a $3k or $4k metal Mill so I can build the adapter), or the product I purchased. The adapter going between the firewall and booster could be cut on my lathe out of a single block of aluminum, and the mill would be used to locate and drill/tap the holes.

This is blocking my ability to move forward on my car.

This is really a bummer. I really dont want to go down the rabbit hole on this. Its a rough $1500 investment for parts which should have shipped during the month of June.

 

[JohnFM3]

I wish I would have done my research before going with sweeting performance...

Summary of reviews provided by co-pilot
Sweeting Performance Engineering has a mixed reputation online, with reviews ranging from praise for product quality to serious concerns about customer service and order fulfillment.

Positive Feedback​

• Some users on enthusiast forums like Firebird Nation reported that the Hydro-Boost kits were well-built and solved braking issues effectively.
• One reviewer noted the kit’s quality was “excellent,” though they had to modify hose routing due to tight engine bay clearances.

Negative Experiences​

• Multiple users expressed frustration with order delays, lack of communication, and unfulfilled shipments.
• A thread on iRV2 Forums warned that Sweeting Performance “doesn’t ship out orders” and claimed their order was pending for over 90 days.
• Some referenced a negative BBB review, citing poor responsiveness and unresolved complaints.

Bottom Line​

If you're considering Sweeting for a Hydro-Boost or brake conversion kit, the product itself may be solid—but buyer caution is warranted. It might be worth sourcing through a more responsive distributor or confirming stock before placing an order.

 

[RustyRatRod]

The Datsun is badass!

 

[JohnFM3]

Well, no update on the Barracuda. Still have not swapped the engine out. I do have a piece of cool news. Out of the blue, my wife shows me a Facebook Marketplace add for a 1973 Plymouth Duster for $1500. After I turned her down stating lack of funds, she turned around and twisted my arm to buy it. This car came from Cali, and the body looks it. Prior owner owed it for 10 yrs, and never could get it to start. I upgraded the ignition system to a GM control module and coil, and it fired right up. Put the car in drive, and it tried to move. Brakes appear to work as when put in gear, it didnt move.

Wife justified this by saying we bought our 7yr old son a car... lol Gota love her.

First Start of 73 Duster (slant six)

I will be jumping back on the barracuda soon. Waiting for the final resolution of the brake purchase.

 

[JohnFM3]

I just made a new thread asking for information on super six throttle with holley 500 2 bbl. If anyone has anything to sell which will help me with the duster, pm me.

 

[JohnFM3]

Regarding my barracuda. If I get a refund of all my brake parts, I am considering seeing if the small vacuum booster I found would fit under the hood. Has anyone had any luck with 1969 barracuda and a vacuum booster which fits?

I will still buy the Wilwood master cyl and proportioning valve.

 

[JohnFM3]

Guess what????

I got a shipping label for my Hydro-boost brake setup. I so hope the quality is what its said to be. I guess this means I better start planning to pull the engine and make the modifications for brake lines and clutch master cyl.

More to come.

~ John

 

[JohnFM3]

I got a Delivery Date on the brake parts. Fri Oct 3rd. Now I can start planning the engine and transmission removal and sorting out brake install including metal line replacement and routing as well as fabrication for installing the clutch master cyl. I am spending a bit of time working on getting the duster road worthy. I should be done with that in a weekend or 2. Afterwards I will jump back on this and get some major progress on it. Stand by.

 

[JohnFM3]

Well, my package was delivered yesterday. Before getting to excited, its only the hose kit. I will be sending this information forward to Visa and continuing my dispute for refund. I can promise, I will return what I got faster than he has sent it. I will never recommend Sweeting Performance. ~ John

 

[JohnFM3]

Another package is in route from sweeting. We will find out when it gets here what was shipped.

Keep everyone posted.

 

[JohnFM3]

WoW... i got a response from Sweeting Performance suggesting that the dispute with my bank will block the shipping of the remaining parts. I have told him with the lack of response, the dispute will remain until I get all my parts. Or he can give me a refund. He can guarentee that I will return the parts far faster than he sent them.

 

[JohnFM3]

Guess what is new.... My bank refunded me my funds from the brake purchase. So I took the money and spent it at Summit Racing. I have purchased the following for the barracuda...

"The Right Stuff" stainless steel brake line kit (full car)
"The Right Stuff" 8" vacuum brake booster
Wilwood Disk Brake black aluminum Master Cylinder
Wilwood proportioning valve

Once I get everything installed, I will take measurements for the soft line which go to the rear axle and the front calipers. Then order steel braided.

Work on this will proceed soon. Putting some finishing touches on Duster to enjoy it while working on the barracuda.

 

[JohnFM3]

Well the new brake hard lines arrived today. I am doing a bunch of work to the duster as its a few small items away from being road worthy. Things like installation of Ford 8.8 and HDK front suspension. I also installed the same brake booster, master cyl, and proportioning valve on the duster as purchased for the barracuda. So I have a little more experience and understanding as to what to expect.

As soon as the duster is road worthy, I will get to pulling the engine out of the barracuda, get the clutch master cyl installed, run brake hard lines, and install brake components. Then prep the new engine for installation. May do a bit of clean up to it before installing this time as it will be the final install (knock on wood).

John