Do the Wilwood D52 replacement calipers work any better than stock D52's?

[Nicks67GTO]

The Wilwood D52 front calipers are pretty nice looking pieces and you go from a single large piston to a dual piston setup. I was wondering if there has been any real testing done to see if these stop a car any better than stock GM D52 calipers? Or are they just nice looking pieces?

[67gtonut]

subscribed....

Would love some feedback on this also....

[badazz81z28]

Are you guys talking about these?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/121LE-1.jpg

[Nicks67GTO]

No these...

http://www.wilwood.com/calipers/CaliperList.aspx?subname=GM%20D52%20Dual%20Piston

[ak72]

Would like more info on these also. Looking to buy them for my riv boattail.

[Skip Fix]

We had some discussion when they first came out. Piston size is actually smaller than the big single 2 15/16" piston so a decrease there, but theoretically the twin pistons may clamp more evenly on the pad. And the 614 larger Impala SS/Police pads do fit them.

Bet it would be hard to tell much difference,but they do look nicer. They would be a good match to Wilwoods new D154 REAR kits.

[67gtonut]

72524

These....

[67gtonut]

We had some discussion when they first came out. Piston size is actually smaller than the big single 2 15/16" piston so a decrease there, but theoretically the twin pistons may clamp more evenly on the pad. And the 614 larger Impala SS/Police pads do fit them.

Bet it would be hard to tell much difference,but they do look nicer. They would be a good match to Wilwoods new D154 REAR kits.

Still trying to learn about some of this brake stuff....

If the Piston size is actually smaller..... Would I in fact get a better pedal with my 7/8" master due to the reduced volume needed? Maybe even increased pressure this way also?

If this is a stupid question..... say so.. LOL...

[Skip Fix]

Not stupid -sure might get a better pedal. Multiple smaller pistons is how the manufacturers have gone-like all the C4,C5 and Mustang PBR style calipers.

[67gtonut]

Looks like they make 4 versions of this caliper now....

http://www.wilwood.com/Calipers/CaliperList.aspx?subname=GM%20D52%20Dual%20Piston

1.25" pistons or 2" pistons

and

2 different versions of each depending on rotor thickness 1.04" vs. 1.28"

I would think for a manual brake setup, I would want to stay with the smaller pistons.... I am betting they have the larger pistons for people with boosted brakes... but like I said.... I am still learning this brake stuff....

I am still in search of optimum braking without going to a power setup......

[MCB Matt]

We have sold quite a few of these calipers. Feedback is good, noticable to the guys who really puch their cars as they are aluminum and do dissapate heat better and reduce unsprung weight!

Not to mention, if you run an open wheel they look a LOT nicer. We typically package these with a set of Drill/slot/zinc rotors and braided hoses, great upgrade for 15" wheels or those on a budget that won't allow for a whole new kit.

Matt

[67gtonut]

Matt....

which size pistons do most guys go with?

[jpgolf14]

Those piston sizes are very strange. 2" is huge and 1.25" is tiny. Perhaps the 2" pistons would be good for a manual brake car if you are willing to live with the a very long pedal. 1.25" might be useful for someone who has way to much assist, like an overboosted hydroboost. What are people looking to gain with these piston sizes? I can't believe their standard option isn't 1.75" pistons.

[MCB Matt]

Matt....

which size pistons do most guys go with?

We base it on what you are running in the rear and what booster/master you have. Typically the smaller, most guys running these calipers have 15" wheels with 11" stock type rotors.

The majority though, the smaller pistons.

Matt

[Apogee]

The twin-2" piston Wilwood D52 calipers have 6.28 square inches of piston area, versus 6.77 square inches for the OE 2-15/16" diameter single-piston calipers, making them the logical choice in what would otherwise be a stock application. The smaller twin-1.25" piston D52 calipers with 2.45 square inches of piston area are comparable in that regard to a C5/C6 rear caliper and well suited to rear applications running D52 calipers...an inexpensive option chosen in many other non pro-touring markets, although the D154's are probably more common due to their more compact mounting.

Tobin
KORE3

[woody80z28]

How are they in terms of rigidity vs a GMIII?

[Skip Fix]

To me they look a whole lot more rigid. But a little heavier also.

[jpgolf14]

The twin-2" piston Wilwood D52 calipers have 6.28 square inches of piston area, versus 6.77 square inches for the OE 2-15/16" diameter single-piston calipers, making them the logical choice in what would otherwise be a stock application. The smaller twin-1.25" piston D52 calipers with 2.45 square inches of piston area are comparable in that regard to a C5/C6 rear caliper and well suited to rear applications running D52 calipers...an inexpensive option chosen in many other non pro-touring markets, although the D154's are probably more common due to their more compact mounting.

Tobin
KORE3

Ah, was not aware of an OEM 2 15/16" caliper.

[Skip Fix]

The OEM second gen and B bodies were 2 15/16" The smaller D154 metrics were 2.5, although Wilwood has those in multi piston or smaller single versions.

[jetmech442]

The twin-2" piston Wilwood D52 calipers have 6.28 square inches of piston area, versus 6.77 square inches for the OE 2-15/16" diameter single-piston calipers, making them the logical choice in what would otherwise be a stock application. The smaller twin-1.25" piston D52 calipers with 2.45 square inches of piston area are comparable in that regard to a C5/C6 rear caliper and well suited to rear applications running D52 calipers...an inexpensive option chosen in many other non pro-touring markets, although the D154's are probably more common due to their more compact mounting.

Tobin
KORE3

The math is right on. You loose a small fraction of piston area( ~7%), but gain more even pressure distribution over the pad. Plus they are lighter. Not sure if anyone would notice the difference in stopping, but they do look nicer-I have them on my 69 cutlass. Also, Jegs shows the smaller piston(1.25) calipers to be used on the rears so you can keep the same mster cylinder.

[Eric B]

I just upgraded on my 72 GS. Here is my summary:

Well I had pretty much talked myself into taking the new calipers off and going back to OEM D52s due to the fact the wilwood D52s did not fit in my stock 15 inch buick ralley wheels. The wilwoods are slightly larger on the outer edge and the buick wheel is not a true 15 wheel...they use the same center as a 14 inch wheel....and bring the hoop in to match...so I would call it a 14.5 inch wheel...

I was running a stock disc setup in front and a rear disc setup from a 76 Cadillac that used d52s. All used to clear my stock wheels.

I decided to do a performance test before I pulled the wilwoods back off.

Calipers are staying on.

My 30-0 braking distance decreased by 13 feet! It was interesting because based on the seat of the pants test I did not think there was any significant improvement. I did not believe the results at first...repeated 3 times.

Wish I could have done a pre 60-0 test.....but the neighbors frown on 60mph anything and I couldn't drive the car very far before I fixed the sticky rear caliper.

In summary:
Pedal feel improved
Rear bias improved - no more rear lock up
Braking distance improved
Stock buick rally wheels don't clear wilwood d52 calipers. Fronts would clear if 3/16 wheel spacers added. Could not space the rears out enough without causing tire clearance issues.

Parts list: (all purchased through Summit)
Wilwood D52 front calipers with 2 inch pistons 164.99 X 2 - 329.98
WIllwood D52 rear calipers with 1.25 pistons 164.99 X2 - 329.98
Front drilled and slotted rotors (right stuff rotors) - 116.99
Rear drilled and slotted rotors 47.99 X 2 - 98.00
Stainless steel flex brake lines - wilwood front kit for skylark 59.99, summit kit for camaro used for rear 49.95 - 110.00
985.00 total + shipping.....call it a 1000.00 upgrade just for the brakes hardware.

before the upgrade the brakes system was marginal...so your results may vary

I had some wheels off another project car i can use for now. if i buy new Wheels they are probably gonna cost another 1200.00 by the time I have the tires mounted and balanced.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMG_20130407_124648_305Copy_zpsdee8ad54-1.jpg[/URL]


Happy and relieved to find the 1980 trans am drilled and slotted rotors were the same size as the caddy ones I had on there. They are going to work nicely on the rear set discs.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMG_20130330_144506_902Copy_zps09d5b5e7-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMG_20130330_150053_149_zpsdf154fd1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMG_20130331_111705_951_zps08827d98-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMG_20130331_115740_972Copy_zps9054f767-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMG_20130330_093308_445_zps7cddb975-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMG_20130330_110239_950_zps3b6a1cd8-1.jpg

[Skip Fix]

Are those the D52 or D154 rears? E brake or just caliper no ebrake setup.

[Eric B]

Are those the D52 or D154 rears? E brake or just caliper no ebrake setup.

D52 rears with 1.25 pistons in rear.....no e brake. Planning to install a line lock to use as e brake.

[woody80z28]

D52 rears with 1.25 pistons in rear.....no e brake. Planning to install a line lock to use as e brake.

You will need a constant power to the line lock solenoid to use it as an ebrake. I'm not sure how much it draws, but it could kill the battery fairly quickly.

[MCB Matt]

You will need a constant power to the line lock solenoid to use it as an ebrake. I'm not sure how much it draws, but it could kill the battery fairly quickly.

I was just going to say the same thing!

[Eric B]

Ya, we will have to see how long the battery lasts with the line lock. I don't ever use a e brake for long periods anyway...and if it does not work as a e brake I still have the line lock which is nice anyway....so no big deal.

[Zee]

You will need a constant power to the line lock solenoid to use it as an ebrake. I'm not sure how much it draws, but it could kill the battery fairly quickly.

Follow this link and go about half way down the page for a possible solution (hydraulic line lock): http://www.arizonazcar.com/brake.html

[Nicks67GTO]

Its too bad Wilwood dosent make the eldorado style rear caliper with the mechanical rear parking brake. It would be a nice upgrade for a very common swap. My right stuff eldorado style rear parking brake works great.

[Skip Fix]

Wilwood does use the same mounting sized D154 rear caliper (in single and multipiston) as the Eldo/TA 2.5" piston on some kits that have a better integral E brake. Since it is a floating caliper it is a little better about not having pad knockback in hard corners.

[Jody SS]

That would require a recommended 16" wheel.

[MCB Matt]

The integral drum style Ebrake is a much better unit. They bite much harder and most all OEM's use them now as well.

[Skip Fix]

Not sure the new rear Wilwoods require a 16", Matt might could say.

[MCB Matt]

Not sure the new rear Wilwoods require a 16", Matt might could say.

Skip, you are correct, 16" min wheel size, we do offer the Dynapro Low-Profile 4 piston caliper kit with 11" rotors that will clear a 15" wheel and it has integral drum Ebrake! Great choice in a 15" wheel!

Take a look
Matt

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/brake_kit_14011389DRlg-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/14011398_kitlg-1.jpg

[Nothingface5384]

I just upgraded on my 72 GS. Here is my summary:

Well I had pretty much talked myself into taking the new calipers off and going back to OEM D52s due to the fact the wilwood D52s did not fit in my stock 15 inch buick ralley wheels. The wilwoods are slightly larger on the outer edge and the buick wheel is not a true 15 wheel...they use the same center as a 14 inch wheel....and bring the hoop in to match...so I would call it a 14.5 inch wheel...

I was running a stock disc setup in front and a rear disc setup from a 76 Cadillac that used d52s. All used to clear my stock wheels.

I decided to do a performance test before I pulled the wilwoods back off.

Calipers are staying on.

My 30-0 braking distance decreased by 13 feet! It was interesting because based on the seat of the pants test I did not think there was any significant improvement. I did not believe the results at first...repeated 3 times.

Wish I could have done a pre 60-0 test.....but the neighbors frown on 60mph anything and I couldn't drive the car very far before I fixed the sticky rear caliper.

In summary:
Pedal feel improved
Rear bias improved - no more rear lock up
Braking distance improved
Stock buick rally wheels don't clear wilwood d52 calipers. Fronts would clear if 3/16 wheel spacers added. Could not space the rears out enough without causing tire clearance issues.

Parts list: (all purchased through Summit)
Wilwood D52 front calipers with 2 inch pistons 164.99 X 2 - 329.98
WIllwood D52 rear calipers with 1.25 pistons 164.99 X2 - 329.98
Front drilled and slotted rotors (right stuff rotors) - 116.99
Rear drilled and slotted rotors 47.99 X 2 - 98.00
Stainless steel flex brake lines - wilwood front kit for skylark 59.99, summit kit for camaro used for rear 49.95 - 110.00
985.00 total + shipping.....call it a 1000.00 upgrade just for the brakes hardware.

before the upgrade the brakes system was marginal...so your results may vary

I had some wheels off another project car i can use for now. if i buy new Wheels they are probably gonna cost another 1200.00 by the time I have the tires mounted and balanced.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMG_20130407_124648_305Copy_zpsdee8ad54-1.jpg[/URL]


Happy and relieved to find the 1980 trans am drilled and slotted rotors were the same size as the caddy ones I had on there. They are going to work nicely on the rear set discs.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMG_20130330_144506_902Copy_zps09d5b5e7-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMG_20130330_150053_149_zpsdf154fd1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMG_20130331_111705_951_zps08827d98-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMG_20130331_115740_972Copy_zps9054f767-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMG_20130330_093308_445_zps7cddb975-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMG_20130330_110239_950_zps3b6a1cd8-1.jpg

I have wilwood d-52 dual in front and d152 calipers in rear, they cleared my 15s(non buick ralley) and even cleared 14inch steelies front and rear, no spacers or any tricks

[MCB Matt]

Looks great and stops better! Can't go wrong there! We sell a lot of the upgrade packages like you did...but we beat summit $$$ ;)

Enjoy your new brakes!
Matt

[chocthunder]

I recently put the D52's on my 69 camaro and they work great. More braking than stock and better looking.