upgrading discs on a budget for '71 A-body??

[PT Sportwagon]

I am looking to upgrade my current front discs on my Sportwagon to something better, but on a budget. I want to use something that is widely available. ( something Napa would carry) but performance orientated,ie C4, C5 vette. Also fit a 15" rim if possible.

Also do a rear disc conversion on my wagon.

Thanks

Tim

[jason@gmachine]

Have you looked into something like a nice street package from Wilwood?

These are in the range of $685.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif


As for the wagon, here is a link to what we have listed online as of right now, more to come.
http://www.thegmrstore.com/boonbrki.html


jason

[killer67]

Track plus from Baer is a reasonable option and work well

[gearbanger]

Not gonna find anything that will fit under a 15 that is performance oriented and widely available. Example, wilwood 12.19" kit fit most 15" wheels but pads rotors calipers all will have to be ordered from Wilwood. Corvette stuff does not fit under 15s no way no how. Baer has a set that will fit under 15s but it is basically the same as what you have. Calipers and rotors will have to be sourced from baer.

The best you can do, is the tall spindle swap with 12" 1LE rotors. Everything is factory parts, the calipers have more clamping force than any aftermarket you can get, and it fits 15" wheels.

[Apogee]

Your factory front discs are 1" thick and pretty stout all things considered. Most of the Wilwood kits that come to mind for 15" wheels are going to be .81" thick rotors if I'm not mistaken, possibly reducing the thermal capacity of the rotors and not really increasing your brake performance and/or capacity.

The tall-spindle/1LE brake swap is certainly worth considering, but it's important to note that it comes with several geometry drawbacks and will require aftermarket upper control arms, custom machined lower ball joints, etc, so it may not be as off-the-shelf as you're hoping for.

Personally, if I were in your position and on a tight budget, I would probably invest in some quality OE rotors, pads, and run what you've got if you're decided on running 15" wheels. If money weren't a concern and you still wanted to run 15" wheels, I'd opt for the Wilwood D8 aluminum C3 calipers and C3 rotors to keep overall feel nice and vintage while still taking advantage of a few modern advancements.

Tobin
KORE3

[pitts64]

See What Mark has..
http://www.scarebird.com/

[monteboy84]

The 15" wheel really kills a lot of your options, but if you watch ebay and various forums, you ought to be able to do an LS1 or C5 brake setup on a very tight budget. I've got a complete C5 setup here that I snagged everything for used, ran about $450 for everything. Get some brackets from KORE3 and you ought to be in good shape.

[DAVE68]

I agree with monteboy84. i'm in the process of installing front ls1 brakes on my chevelle now. contact Tobin at Kore3 he can hook you up with the necessary parts to swap either ls1 or c5. but the 15's gotta go!

[a67]

The C4 standard duty brakes ('86 - '96 MY) fit under 15" wheels. These are 12" rotors and dual piston PBR aluminum calipers.

Bob