Rate my brake system (and do I need a metering valve?)

[matt2491]

I recently assembled a new brake system for my 1969 Chevelle with front disc / rear drum. I want to do some autocross & light track days with the car, nothing crazy. Here are the specs:

- Bosch iBooster brake booster
- Wilwood 1-1/8" master cylinder + proportioning valve kit (261-13270)
- Wilwood D52 front calipers (120-10937)
- EBC Bluestuff pads
- braided flex hoses
- stock rear drums
- 10psi residual valve in rear line



The car seems to stop well, but I'm being told that I should have a separate / additional 'metering valve' in the front circuit? Is this true?

(pic below is not of my setup but essentially identical)

[dontlifttoshift]

Metering valves are dumb and you don't need one.

[stab6902]

Make sure to adjust your proportioning valve in a controlled environment before hitting the track (or ideally even the street). You don't want the rears to lock before the fronts. Drum brakes have a self energizing effect, so they take relatively relatively little pressure to lock. They're also very sensitive to adjustment left vs right, so you may find one rear wheel locks well before the other initially.

The rear drums should be fine for autocross, but you'll likely run into thermal capacity issues (fade) on the track - especially if you're running big power, a big track, or long sessions. Just take it easy until you learn the car's limitations.