I have searched this with no avail. Is there a way to convert rear drums to disks without changing the whole rear end?

 

im in the same boat, it is much easyer to just swap the rear, but there is a tech article on how to convert to discs on this page somewhere..

 

This is the general idea: https://www.thirdgen.org/ls1reardisc

JamesC

 

I'm working a backing plate that will require no axle flange mods at all but until then you will have to cut a bit off the top of the flange as described above, no biggie.

Ed

 

Way cool. Keep us posted.

JamesC

 

Ed YOU are the man. keep up the awesome work i want a set of those backing plates. it would make things so much easier.
matt

 

i am not an expert by anymeans on rear disc brakes, but why could i not just purchase a rear brake kit for a similar axle, make an adapter plate to bolt to the axle flange and bolt everything elso to it? ive always wondered about this, am i missing something? or is this the idea?

 

If you modifiy the axel flange on a drum rear, you can (see the link I provide above).

JamesC

 

Nope, that's the idea..as I mentioned above I'm working on the plate. It's not just a cut and drill thing, there's a few key measurements that must be right on or there will be clearance issues.

 

i've been told you have to change the proportioning valve too when going from drum to disc.

 

Ok does anyone make a kit you can buy instead of going to the junk yard. Which won't have any 4th gen's where I live.

 

I just bought a complete Ls1 brake setup off of eBay (complete except for the caliper to backing plate bolts!). Just came here to see what to do next, and the link above answered all my questions. So where do I find an ISO bubble flaring tool? Still waiting for my 16" wheels, so this project is on hold temporarily, but I'd like to get everything lined up and on hand.

 

Hey redbird Is the setup you got off of ebay new or used?

 

It was used, but rotors and calipers have been powder coated, and the calipers were then painted "arrest me red", so they match the car. Pretty complete setup, minus the 4 bolts previously mentioned. It was pricy, and could probably be found cheaper, but I mainly bought it because everything looked good, and everything was there. I will probably turn the rotors before install, as they look like they were sandblasted before powder coating. The whole setup was $300 on a buy-it-now deal, plus $51 shipping from Florida to Arizona.

 

Ed- Keep me updated as well.

 

I should be sending the bracket template off this week.

Ed

 

How does this bracket work Ed?

 

Any news on the brackets?

 

The template is at my machinist, I'll keep you posted. This plate will work just like other disc conversion plates except there will no longer be any need to cut the top of the axle flange off or drill the upper holes. Just pull the axles and remove the drum flange parts, install this plate and bolt it up, reinstall the axles and brake parts and go.

Ed

 

I guess I'm a little confused Ed....are you saying that this plate will work for converting to Ls1 98-02 brakes, or
just regular disc brakes. If it will work for Ls1 stuff, lemme know-I'm in!

 

Sorry to bust your bubble but this plate is for the 1LE/LT1 rear brakes. The LS1 plate has the brake shoes attached to it so I can't make one of those.

Ed

 

Cool ED!
Sign me up for one when you get them going.

 

Dang....let me ask you this then....I may have access to an 86 disc brake rear, do you know if the o.e. bolt pattern is the same on this one as the donor e-brake/backing plate assembly from the 98-02?

 

Damn! I was looking forward to it being for the LS1 upgrade as well.
Hey Ed! You wouldn't happen to sell parts/kits for the LS1 rear brake upgrade? I need everything but, the rotors and pads. I believe I need ebrake cables from a rear disced thirdgen, prop valve,etc. Thanks.

 

Yes, as long as it's a 10 bolt rear bolt patterns are the same.

Ed

 

I do have one complete LS1 rear setup on hand, PM me with what you need. I am also working on a new LS1 rear disc e-brake cable that will also be bolt on and make the whole setup completely bolt on, no mods necessary.

Ed

 

Oh man, how far off is this cable?

 

?

 

Hopefully not too far off, I've got a lot on my plate but I'm making progress on most of it.

Ed

 

O.k.....I'll wait with baited breath....or maybe I'll brush.....

 

Any news on the revised backing plate? I'm interested in a rear 1LE kit with this backing plate.

Thanks!

 

Hi Greg, I kinda forgot about this plate. It's done and I have 5 sets in stock but the one I did is for 12" rear rotors so I need to revise it just a bit for the stock 11.7" rear discs. Other than Baer replacements or a two piece rotor, I can't find a full 12" replacement. Revising it won't take a whole lot to do. I do have one full 12" rear conversion with these plates available, if you'd like it shoot me a PM.

Ed