danziger

Hello all! As the title states, I'm looking to upgrade the somewhat anemic front brakes on my 1991 Formula. It won't be a track car, so I don't need a $3K system...just something that stops a little better on the street.

I was thinking the C4 J55 set-up? Is this pretty much a bolt-in and go? I don't want to fabricate, grind stuff, reroute lines, etc.

Any input is always appreciated!

mw66nova

iTrader: (13)

the only upgrade that is a direct bolt on, is a 1le setup. all else will have you grinding, cutting, and fabricating, unless you pay someone to do it for you.

JamesC

iTrader: (5)

Even the 1LE set-up requires spindle modification (cutting off the ears and drilling and tapping two dust shield bolt holes).

JamesC

1ADan

iTrader: (4)

agreed, no real cheap and easy upgrade for these cars, but the modifications are not that hard to do. I don't have air tools and was able to get my swap done with a bit of sweat and elbow grease. Found a local machine shop to do the hubs, bought taps for the spindles at the hardware store.

danziger

Well, I guess I will have to roll up my sleeves and get dirty. Are any of the options (C4, C5, LS1 F-body, etc) easier on the install or wallet, or they all about the same. I've read a lot of the threads and FAQs and it seems like a lot of scrounging is involved unless you pony up for a kit from Ed. Will I need a prop-valve with the bigger fronts?

Thanks for taking the time to help.

1ADan

iTrader: (4)

install wise, they're all about the same. price wise, I think the LS1 will be cheapest, since there are more of them out there and those guys are more likely to be upgrading to something bigger from the vettes too

RBob

iTrader: (1)

Start with the current or intended wheel size. Find out what fits in the wheels you are going to be or are using. Then go from there.

The C4 standard duty brakes fit under 15" Camaro wheels. Your Formula most likely has 16" wheels. Although, IIRC, some of those are closer to the 15" wheel on the inside.

Then use good brake pads. They can make or break a braking system.

I put the C4 standard duty brakes (12" x .81", dual piston PBRs) on the front with the 15" RS wheels. They are a great upgrade. Should have been stock from the factory.

RBob.

conlinj

iTrader: (3)

Speedway motors sells metric calipers with larger pistons, and also the wilwood metric calipers, I believe they are the same size piston as stock but are lighter. USBC makes a dual piston bolt on replacement but last i heard they weren't much better than the stock caliper. I have no personal experience with any of these products but I've looked into them for the same reason you are looking for them.

-Jim

conlinj

iTrader: (3)

Links here:
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Wilwoo...ers,24192.html
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Big-Bo...per,25158.html
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Wilwoo...iper,9559.html
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Wilwoo...iper,8462.html

SSBC stuff:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SSB-A181/?rtype=10
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SSB-A202BK/

-Jim

danziger

I currently have aftermarket 16s on the Formula, but will most likely go with a 17x9/17x11 package like the one on my Trans Am. I have been using the Hawk street pads, which seem to work fairly well, but lots of dust.

I think the C4 option sounds good as well...

norcalz28

iTrader: (13)

435.00 for those SSBC brakes isn't bad at all. I'm planning on getting those for the front of my s10.

danziger

I agree...they look nice! I'm wondering how much they will help with the stock smallish rotors? Thanks, conlinj!

luvofjah

iTrader: (2)

Have heard that SSBC isn't worth the $$$...
Get new fluid, some better pads and steel braided lines...

Raf

Rocker069

BigBrakeUpgrade.com

Put the LS1 fronts on mine. Nothing too involved. Only took about 3 hours total, and spent less than $400 for everything needed. Scott really knew his stuff and was really helpful with everything.

danziger

Have already done all the above and street-braking still isn't all that great.

The Hawk pads/fresh rotors/new fluid on my LS1 Trans Am will throw you through the windshield...

norcalz28

iTrader: (13)

Agreed. I did the same thing with my IROC, went as as far as to put rebuilt calipers on as well. No difference. I've long suspected that it's not so much the setup, as it might be on faulty component. I've been wanting to change my proprotioning valve out for a while now, as it's the last thing I have to replace. Even with my 12" c4 brake upgrade, the car is still not "grabby." In other words, it will stop, better than with my 10.5's, but my s10 stops better than my camaro, and it's still got the same 10.5's on it. I'd recommend a prop valve, or go full adjustable, and a flush with a pressure bleeder. I know a lot of guys like to use the 2 person pedal bleed method, and it is effective, but I have had a lot of success with pressure bleeders.

Will

danziger

Hmmmm. Maybe a pressure-bleed and prop-valve before I spend the $$$ on a brake upgrade.

articwhiteZ

iTrader: (56)

Willwood also makes a Billet Caliper set thats a bolt on set up with your brake lines..

you can get them in Red/Black/Polished $375 comes with Hardend Guide Pins And brake Pads..

been out for about 3 months now

and yes has the Big Silver Willwood logo On them...

89ROC-Z

iTrader: (7)

^^got a part number for that?

KITT1983

iTrader: (3)

Any updates?

KITT1983

iTrader: (3)

deleted double post

articwhiteZ

iTrader: (56)

put in the year of your car and check them out
http://www.wilwood.com/camaro/index.aspx

this is the one im talking about
http://www.wilwood.com/BrakeKits/Bra...isc+Brake+Rear

Ron U.S.M.C.

For me just replacing the 25 year old rotors, calipers, brake hoses and installing new brake pads with stock style parts ( except for ceramic pads) has helped a lot and the pads and rotors have not even broke in/meshed yet .
Link to the install = https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/brak...brake-job.html

KITT1983

iTrader: (3)

what is good rear brake upgrade ?

426 Wedge

Look for the most aggressive pads and try that first. a lot cheaper than buying an upgrade kit.

nuggie

I was just doing some searching on here and came across a thread where they used some different springs in the prop valve and I had amazing results with this simple trick cost me $17 (10 of it was shipping) it through me off when my car no longer slid down my gravel drive way

KITT1983

iTrader: (3)

Got a link

nuggie

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/brak...e-upgrade.html
part numbers are still legit

cosmick

S-10 power boosters are an upgrade over nearly every other booster. Even other GM applications of identical exterior spec. IDK the science inside, but I know how they change the feel of other cars when swapped in.

majobis

iTrader: (3)

I know this is a resurrected thread, but for those looking to do a brake upgrade now that spring is here, reading this thread - which relates to another, relevant one - will tell you everything you need to know: https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/brak...setup-aka.html

With the exception of the rear rotors (I chose to stay with Napa x4, in order to keep the SS lines to meet my budget) I bought everything as instructed from the list but I only had time to install the front pads, rotors and PV spring before putting the car away for the winter storage but I can tell you that the difference was very noticeable; especially being able to feel the 'old' rear discs now grabbing. In the next few weeks I'll do the rear, install the lines and fully bleed, but for now, this "EASIEST" upgrade seems to be on the mark.

If the original poster is still around maybe they can chime in about what they ended up doing.

nuggie

once resurrecting a dead thread anyone got more info on the s10 brake booster swap? Just a simple bolt in? Do I have to swap the master cylinder too? I need more brakes I have to stand on them to keep it from moving at a light. the wilwood front brake kits looks like the same thing we have just painted red do they really help that much? I was told to stay with drum in rear for best breaking and I already have axle retention devices so I don't really car to swap to rear disk unless it'll really help bang for buck wise

cosmick

I first learned about the S-10 booster on the Fiero forums, but Google found other good write-ups too. Bolting a late-'80s WS6 T/A master cylinder to one is a direct match, I haven't tried any others myself. Rear brakes are widely quoted as being good for a 30% improvement in braking, plus they're easier than drums, and big rotors look better behind most wheels. If you do them, go vented front and rear, not solid. Multi-piston fixed calipers beat single-piston floating calipers.

cosmick

I first learned about the S-10 booster on the Fiero forums, but Google found other good write-ups too. Bolting a late-'80s WS6 T/A master cylinder to one is a direct match, I haven't tried any others myself.

JRobling

This is what I did:

articwhiteZ

iTrader: (56)

wildwood makes a bolt on set.. go to there web site,, buy from jegs or summit under $400
you can get 1 piston or 2 piston. red/ black/or polished.. bolt on no mods..duel piston.


they make a better upgrade but;;it takes mods to your spindles and cost a bit more..$750

yes Vented rotors..for the street or sport...