I am in need of front bake work on my 69 Z; my calipers are frozen; anybody done as conversion to higher performance set up such as offered by Wilwood or? I like it to be bolt on conversion. I also like to use silicone brake fluid; This is not recommended by Wilwood; Anybody know why?
Thanks,
Jim Voss
You'd have to ask Wilwood why they don't recommend DOT5 silicone fluid, but I suspect it's because they assume their brakes are going to be used for racing applications, and silicone fluid is the last thing you want in a race car brake system.
Dave Pozzi (old forum) had a whole web page of info re brake swaps with other GM brake systems of the same era. Not the brand new high tech stuff, but still a whole lot better than drums. Not sure its still there, but its worth a google.
Good luck
Tom A
Here's David's link... (http://www.pozziracing.com/)
Ed
Just swap in new calipers and put in some good pads and you'll be set.
Unless you change the swept surface significantly, an aftermarket setup will just cost $$ and not brake any better than the factory setup.
I replaced all 4 drums on my '68 Convertible with SSBC hevy duty conversion kits. Front and rear cost about $2000.00, and the kit made it very easy to install both in on a Saturday afternoon. After doing this I found a website that recommended junkyard calipers or even factory replacement calipers up to 1982 that will bolt-on..
Disk Brakes make a great improvement over drum brakes, but next time I'll try Checker or Autozone for factory replacements 1st..
Remanufactured calipers (single piston) should be cheap and available at a local parts store, with or without pads.
good luck.
John