Actually, I found out the hard way (need to bleed the system better next time
) that there is a plunger, serves two purposes. The first trips the switch (wire coming out of the top) and lights the "BRAKE" light on your dash (above the coolent temp on my '67). It also appeard to cut the fluid flow to one part of the system as a test run confirmed with the fronts not working. Unfortunately I could not get the little plunger back to center (40 years having not moved) and ended up replacing it with a prop valve and all is good.
This was done during my Scarebird conversion last year. As the original poster mentioned, less pedal effort overall with better stopping ability. Much improved over the original drums
Lately, I have been toying with the idea of adding the 87-93 power booster just for giggles.
DJCarbine & 68conv4sp, I have a T-5 with the original z-bar using Hedman long tube headers and they work fine. Had to lower the power steering ram though. The headders were purchased about 10 years ago, just the painted variety. Can't comment on the tri-ys, never used them.