Front Brake Selection Help! 1970 Trans AM

[Ron Sutton]

Who Ron, every time I read one of your posts I realize how much I really don't know. Rather than add my 2 cents when you post should I just send you everything about my car or would you like to come over and tell me what I should be changing.
Haha

Sadly the old school of bigger is better type build is gone and I feel way out of touch on what the hell I'm doing. I've only been out of the loop a couple decades but man has a lot ever changed.
I've been in racing for 35 years and the last 20 years has advanced a TON in technology & set-up models.



On a serious note, I really never realized that over building the braking system could lead to issues.
Yup! Been there & done that. Even on race cars.

On the NASCAR Modifieds I designed in 2010 that debuted in 2011 ... I initially designed in too much braking force for the tires we were running. The cars were fine ... and fast ... in pre-season testing when the drivers could brake earlier & softer. But when the green flag flew at the first race we realized we had a problem. If the drivers braked early, they'd get passed on corner entry. If they drove in deeper (requiring harder braking) to protect the spot ... it just locked up the tires.

It wasn't a front to rear bias issue. It simply had too much total braking force. The next week we spent two days testing combinations with less total braking force ... and got the cars back up front & winning races.

I've started down a path with Wilwood so am I right to assume that if I contact them and go through what the hell I'm building they can make proper recommendations?
I can't say that for sure. I know a lot of good guys at Wilwood that REALLY know their stuff & I like their product. I have raced on Wilwood brakes since 1979 back when you could call Bill Wood or Mark Woods. I have also raced with 10 other brands of brakes and like a lot of them too.

But I feel Wilwood's off-the-shelf pro touring street brake packages can be misunderstood. The typical 6 piston Superlite caliper based kits increase braking force only a little & require aggressive pads for serious increases. These pads cost more & wear out quicker. In fairness to them, they're responding to market demand for cool looking, big, red or black, billet, 6 piston calipers & large 13" to 14" rotors from the Pro Touring market. If they put too much brake force in the package, people might get themselves in trouble (wrecks) from tire lock up.

Or, are you going to be in the Vancouver, BC anytime soon?

No ... not planning on it.
But we can discuss your project right here on PT.com. I'm helping a few guys improve their stuff this way & I'd be happy to look at what your doing, discuss your goals & offer some advice.