Disc brake conversion 1962 Impala

[j2villal]

Good evening everyone!

I have a 1962 Impala with a 383 stroker with a big cam. I am looking to upgrade the front brakes from power drum to power disc. I have 15 inch rally's on the car. I have looked at Wilwood, CPP, SSBC etc. Does anyone have experience with any of these company's? Any info would be highly appreciated.

Thnx
Joe

[JustJohn]

I have 12" rotors and discs for my 69 Impala from SSBC. The application was 55 - 70 so it would apply to your car.

They made a few fitment mistakes that were actually CPP's fault (where I bought them) but the customer service and follow up from SSBC was great. They machined and sent me a new carrier to fix an alignment issue at no charge and were same day responsive on all my questions. Also make sure you know whether you have a large or small flange on your axle carrier.

I have a 13" rotor C6 kit from Kore3 which I'm in the process of installing. Tobin has been great about answering questions and helping me get everything together as well. He also has a good reputation and following for his products.

Unfortunately, neither of my rotors would fit inside your 15" wheel. I have 18's on the car.

[Apogee]

383 stroker + rowdy camshaft = low vacuum and probably not the best candidate for vacuum assisted power brakes. You may want to plan on adding an auxiliary vacuum pump or consider converting over to hydroboost if power brakes are the end goal. As for the three companies noted, Wilwood offers the highest performance kits of the 3 manufacturers noted IMO.

WIL-140-12459 (http://www.wilwood.com/Search/PartNoSearch.aspx?q=140-12459)
WIL-140-11828 (http://www.wilwood.com/Search/PartNoSearch.aspx?q=140-11828)

Even with the best brakes, which you won't have with 15" wheels, how well they work will be a function of the pressure supplied to the calipers, so any shortcoming at the firewall can and will have a major impact on the driveability and possibly even safety of the car.

Tobin
KORE3

[Skip Fix]

Another option C2/C3 Vette brakes. Same spindle. 4 piston calipers made for a 15" wheel. I think I read 69 and later spindles use a larger outer bearing. Hit a google on it and you will pull up stuff. All factory GM parts=easier replacements if on the road.

My plan for my 64 project.

[j2villal]

Thnx for all the great info. I live in California near the Wilwood factory. I went to Wilwood and talked to one of their Techs. He suggested I go to manual brakes with just a master cylinder on the firewall. What do you guys think of manual brakes?

[Skip Fix]

Wilwood has a C2/C3 replacement caliper