Anyone try the D52 Wilwood conversion? From what i've read the D52 Caliper should just be a swap out and clear perfectly from 15"+ wheels, and should be no problems. In addition is that its a 2 piston and they make from 1~1.25" rotor spacing. I was debating on doing this swap for the front but checking other peoples experience if they've already tried it and how it came out. I thought this might be a nice clean budget upgrade as well, imo. Just some thoughts and pass experience others may of had?

http://www.jegs.com/i/Wilwood/950/140-11291-R/10002/-1

I was thinking of this set, since I believe the stock size is 1" width rotors?... iirc

 

I have no experience with the above, sorry. However, let me throw this question out because I've been somewhat foolish in the past. Will you still be satisfied with this upgrade, say two years from now, or will you look at those 10.5" rotors with disdain and wonder why you didn't bite the bullet and go whole hog the first time--saving time and money?

JamesC

 

The thing is, i can't afford an overhaul and do a full disk brake swap all around that i want too... I want to do a C5 upgrade but can't afford it at all. An since this is cheaper and slightly better than stock, i thought it would be good for now, to last a couple years and then when i have the money do the full swap.

 

Not going to happen. The D52 caliper is huge compared to the stock 3rd gen metric caliper. Just go to Wilwood's site and get the specs. The mounting points of a D52 are 7.06" apart. The 3rd gen metric caliper mounting points are 5.46" apart.

See part # 120-7197

RBob.

 

Wow thanks for the heads up. I asked jegs and they said it would bolt right up.... glad i came to the forum for a second opinion.... So what would be a good option for me then? I'm running 15x7 black window cragar 342 wheels and expect to stick with them. Also i have disk front and was hoping to get a bit more out of them so thought swapping calipers out to a 2 piston would help a bit as well.. Trying to budget myself. I can't afford a full disk swap out like i'd like to do...



EDIT: noticed another thread someone posted and the only direct "bolt-on" calipers that would be an improvement would be the SSBC A181? If so, how do i go about with finding the right brake pads? Also would this be worth it?

 

I posted in another thread about the SSBC calipers. For reference:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/brak...-srtaight.html

There isn't much in the way of upgrades for the stock brake system. Simply because they are lame to begin with. Sticking with the stock 10.5" rotor doesn't allow for much of an upgrade.

If you want a lighter caliper look at the Wilwood part that I provided the number for. It does have a slightly smaller piston area then the stock caliper, but not much (12%).

Generally the best upgrade for the stock brakes are some decent pads. Look into what Hawk's offers. I've also used CarQuest ceramic pads on these brakes with good results.

RBob.

 

So just swapping calipers for stock replacement would be useless. I'd actually have to do a full swap out to gain any improvements?... Are there any good upgrades for a 15" wheel?...

 

You may find the sticky at the top of the page useful.

JamesC