87transam5.7tpi

I'm getting ready to upgrade my brakes just wonderin what everybody is running. I did a search for this and didn't find much and plus I thought it would be fun to see what everybody's using.

onebad82z

iTrader: (7)

Converted to 1LE set up all around from factory J65 setup..for the money it is by far the best safety mod I have done to my car to date.

ebmiller88

iTrader: (7)

Just did the 1LE swap on my J65 '88 Iroc. Like onebad said, the best thing I've done yet. You could always go with Baer, but that's a lot more cash. I also rebuilt my suspension at the same time and the overall difference is amazing.

Check out my rebuild page for pics and hints of the install. Click on the first 2 links:

http://photos.yahoo.com/taramiller72

Good luck!

Ed

87transam5.7tpi

so did both of you use the spohn kit? and was modifing the spindles hard? thanks

ebmiller88

iTrader: (7)

No and no. I was one of the last guys that I know of to get the caliper brackets and hardware from GM at GMpartsdirect.com. Then I just pieced together the rest of the parts: calipers from autozone, earl's braided lines, new prop valve and used M/C from a board member. It was very easy. I would however recommend doing the Spohn kit. He gives you everything you need in one complete package for a reasonable price, adn you won't have to go out and find things therefore wasting time. I'd also buy AndyZ28's 1LE Plus CD. It will show you exactly how to do the whole upgrade.

I modified my own spindles from a wrecked '91 RS with a milwaukee bandsaw. It's not hard at all really. If you have to drive your car, I'd get some used spindles and get the kit so you won't be without wheels.

Ed

onebad82z

iTrader: (7)

Same as Ebmiller88 here..did it myself with all the pieces.Go with the Spohn kit..it will make life easier.

Justins86bird

Me too, did the same as Ebmiller88. Bought from GMpartsdirect 2 years ago. The only way to get all the parts is thru Spohn now.

paul_huryk

Baer Track with drilled rotors (13" rotors) - about $1100 complete. Only fits under 91-92 Z wheels, otherwise must go to 17" wheels.

PF Flyer

I converted to the 1LE package up front. The kit is from SSBS. I couldn't wait for Steves kit to formulate, (sorry Steve) as I was re-doing my front suspension at the time and it was necessary to complete then.
The rear is a 9bolt with the 12" rotors already.

Superman

13 inch Baer Brakes.

iroc2nv

i have been doing alot of research on braking for our cars and the thing that i have found is that baer is the best bang for you buck...yes you will pay alot more but they are better!! im getting 16inchers when i get my new rims...

iroc2nv

bigbrianiroc-z

ebmiller88 how much did u spend on the total upgrade on your suspesion and what all did u put on. im lookin to do some suspension mods and i dont really know were to start. thanx for any advice.

FIRECHICKEN

iTrader: (3)

HeySuperman, if I go crazy can I still call you superman?

It looks like those Baer brakes don't clamp onto the entire rotor?? Also what wheels are those and where did you get them?

Superman

The wheels are ROH Snypers. I got them from www.jdwheels.com , they are great people to deal with and have some damn fast shipping. Only took three days for my wheels to get to me when I ordered them.

89 Iroc Z

Only the high end Baer kits are better then 1LE brakes. Like Baer’s 13 inch brake kit. PBR makes Baer stuff. PBR also makes the 1LE calipers. The low end Baer kits are pretty much the exact same thing as the 1LE brakes just cost more and have Baer written on the caliper.

SSupaNatural

you serious? the track kit clears the rims?! are there any modifications at all? cause I wanted to use 17x9 SSrims/adapters for daily driving and still use my stock 16x8's for the track. Can you post a pic or can anyone confirm this? That would be SO COOL if it was true.

paul_huryk

Here you go...

PF Flyer

The Baer kit requires a core charge for spindles, the SSBS does not. The calipers are all made by PBR.

13" aren't necessary as the pad/caliper doesn't provide that much clamping or 'swept' surface. Notice the picture in Superman's post. All of the rotor is not being used.

Basic 1LE brakes work, no matter where you get them and how much you pay. I just prefer to pay only for what I have to.

Omega

iTrader: (1)

I run the BAER Track system up front and the 91-92 rear disc setup.

I will never own another thirdgen without these brakes on it.

james_85Z28

the 13" kits and the 12" kits use the same pads. Basically the larger rotors act like a larger heat sink to dissapate the heat. That is why they are effective.

pianiy

iTrader: (2)

Neither does the 1LE setup.

FIRECHICKEN

iTrader: (3)

So after all the arguments who has the best but still afordable brake systems?? 1LE Baer Willwood Alcon SSBS

Well!!!!

Hey how bout some prices you guys paid while your at it!

redlineform

The 13" brakes do act as a larger heatsink, but their real advantage is that the calipers are clamping further from the center of the spindle-----superior leverage

redlineform

superior leverage--- try using your 10" ratchet to remove a lug nut, then try a 16" breaker bar.

ebmiller88

iTrader: (7)

Let me give you a quick rundown of what I did:

Brakes:
GM 1 LE brake brackets/hardware: $330 shipped
EBC brake pads: $150 (Tirerack)
Reman front calipers: $55, (Autozone)
Lines: $85 (Earl's)
Prop valve: $55, (Dal at VanDevere Olds)
Master cyl: $20, used
'89 9 bolt rearend W/PBR brakes, complete: $200
New GM e-brake cables: $50 (Liberty Pontiac/GMC, Charlotte, NC)
Rear caliper rebuild kits/seals: $30

Front susp:
ES bushings: @ $200 - A-arm, sway bar/end links, engine mounts, dust boots, etc. (Summit)
Moog suspension parts: @ $300 - Ball joints, center link, all tie rods
Hotchkis tie rod adjusting sleeves: $50 (Jeg's)
Bearings, seals, misc parts: $50
KYB GR-2 struts, (2): $43 ea, (Tirerack)
New GM coil spring isolators: $20

Rear susp:
BMR LCAs and adj. panhard: $170 shipped, group purchase
ES bushings: @ $60-- tranny mount, torque arm, swaybar, end links, etc. (Summit)
KYB Gas-A-Just shocks, (2) : $29 ea, (Tirerack)
New GM coil spring isolators: $25

POR-15 paint for all suspension parts: $30 (PRO-15.com)
Eibach Pro-Kit springs: $210 shipped


That's a rough guess, but it's right at $2000, give or take a few bucks. I did it all at once so if you have more time you can budget a little better. But I think I did pretty good and I love the results. The car is really fun to drive now.

To think all this started when I couldn't get it aligned!!

Ed

FIRECHICKEN

iTrader: (3)

KYB GR-2 struts, (2): $43 ea, (Tirerack)
KYB Gas-A-Just shocks, (2) : $29 ea, (Tirerack)

Which KYBs are the ones to avoid?? The gas adjusts or the GR2s. I heard one is way better than the other. Any idea???

ebmiller88

iTrader: (7)

Get the GR-2 front struts and the Gas-A-Just rears. Don't get the GR-2 rears.

Ed

87WS6

iTrader: (1)

Don't you have to get rid of your AC to do the 1LE conversion?

ebmiller88

iTrader: (7)

87WS6, oh no, no.

The brake system has nothing to do with the A/C. 1LE car just didn't have the A/C drom the factory, that's all.

The 1LE brakes are all that and a box of cookies.


Ed

FIRECHICKEN

iTrader: (3)

Ok, So if I have the PBRs already installed on my 89 does that mean I still have to change prop valve and master cylinder to go to 1LE set up?
Are the auto zone caliper remans any good?

ebmiller88

iTrader: (7)

There's 2 threads on this very topic just a bit below this one.

Read those for the info, but you may have to change the prop valve. The M/C you already have is the right one.

Ed