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?

[Nicks67GTO]

No these...

http://www.wilwood.com/calipers/Cali...0Dual%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]

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/Cali...0Dual%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.