LS1 disc brake swap parts

[70staged]

I have a 1970 Buick Skylark with an Olds 10 bolt in the rear. Car has manual drum brakes all the way around. I am looking into putting LS1 disc on all 4 corners. What all do I need to do this. I know a guy parting out a 2000 Firebird with discs, but he will have to ship me the stuff. So I need to tell him what all I need

[hotrodneb]

Front rotors calipers with brackets
Rear rotors, calipers, brackets, and complete backihng plates, Parking brake cables if you want 'em

Skip the rotors if you are planning new.

[70staged]

Also what size rims will fit? I have 15 inch right now. will i have to upgrade to 17s or am i still good. What about a brake booster? Sorry for the questions

[Hammered]

I have detailed a similar swap here: http://1967firebird.atwebpages.com/chassis2.php

[Apogee]

You'll need at least 16" wheels to fit over the LS1 brakes, however tire options and brake fitment will only be better with 17's IMO. Because you have an O-type 10-bolt, you'll need to fabricate/machine an axle retainer solution that will work with the LS1 backing plates since the center bore on the backing plates is 2.834" [72mm] IIRC and the axle bearing is either 2.56" (SET9) or 2.75" [RW507CR] depending on the housing.

As for the booster, what about it? Assuming you're referring to the 98-02 booster since your car is manual drum/drum per your original post, it's a dual-9" unit and can be adapted to your application with either booster bracket or firewall modifications, and would be a good match for the brakes so long as you have the vacuum levels to adequately supply it.

Tobin
KORE3

Tobin
KORE3

[70staged]

You'll need at least 16" wheels to fit over the LS1 brakes, however tire options and brake fitment will only be better with 17's IMO. Because you have an O-type 10-bolt, you'll need to fabricate/machine an axle retainer solution that will work with the LS1 backing plates since the center bore on the backing plates is 2.834" [72mm] IIRC and the axle bearing is either 2.56" (SET9) or 2.75" [RW507CR] depending on the housing.

As for the booster, what about it? Assuming you're referring to the 98-02 booster since your car is manual drum/drum per your original post, it's a dual-9" unit and can be adapted to your application with either booster bracket or firewall modifications, and would be a good match for the brakes so long as you have the vacuum levels to adequately supply it.
Tobin
KORE3

Tobin thanks for the answer on the brake booster, which is pretty much what I was asking. However you made me have a few more questions though. As far as the rear axle. What exactly do I need to fabricate, axle retainer solution can you explain this a little bit. I know it would be better if I was looking at the axle and had the parts in hand.

I've been doing collision and mechanic for about 9 years now but doing this kind of swap is kind of new to me. Reason for all the questions.

[Hammered]

Tobin thanks for the answer on the brake booster, which is pretty much what I was asking. However you made me have a few more questions though. As far as the rear axle. What exactly do I need to fabricate, axle retainer solution can you explain this a little bit. I know it would be better if I was looking at the axle and had the parts in hand.

I've been doing collision and mechanic for about 9 years now but doing this kind of swap is kind of new to me. Reason for all the questions.

Did you check the link I posted? There are even drawings you can download for the retainer he is referring to.

[70staged]

yeah I did but didnt realize there was more than 1 page til now. So i am going to guess that the axle retainer bracket you made needs to be welded onto the rear axle inorder hold the backing plate for the rear disc

[Hammered]

No, it is part of the sandwich that makes up the assembly bolted to the axle housing. Your current axle has a drum backing plate that the axle bearing sits flush with when installed. Another plate retains the bearing (which is pressed onto the axle). With my setup, the parking brake bracket makes up the thickness of the drum backing plate and the horseshoe piece retains the bearing. The disc backing plate goes on after that and then the original drum bearing retainer can be used if desired, or you can simply bolt everything in place. Follow the order of the pictures I provided and you should be able to see what I'm talking about. It might also help for you to take a look at a service manual so you can see how your current setup goes together.