[RICK LAKE]

tin man John what kind of system do you have??
Vacuum booster with master attached?
Vacuum booster with aux vacuum pump and engine vacuum?
Hydro boost with power steering?
Electrical pump like old GM Teves design. Pump runs when pressure gets below 1,200 pounds.
Do you have any pictures? Some system make noise, others you should hear nothing.
If there is an electric pump for hydro pressure under the master assembly, you can rubber insolate it to quiet the noise. Rap the pump in fire proof cloth and leave loose to quiet down noise. It is normal for electric pump systems to start running when key is turned on if pressure is not within spec.
Hydro booster you should hear nothing at all except if you are turning parking lot speed and hit the steering limiters and load the system. Most hydro system pumps run about 2-300 psi.
If you are running a electric vacuum pump, you can switch to a vacuum assist one like on the older diesels that run off a little belt. They are quiet and make about 15 hg of pressure with the motor running.
Unless you are racing the car, manual brakes should work fine with a 2,700 car and 11" rotors in the front. More info would help. Rick L.