EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
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Car: 1991 Formula Firebird
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EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
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!
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!
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Car: 1987 Trans Am
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Re: EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
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.
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Car: 1991 Formula Firebird
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Re: EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
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.
Thanks for taking the time to help.
#6
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Re: EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
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
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Re: EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
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.
Thanks for taking the time to help.
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.
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Re: EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
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
-Jim
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Re: EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
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
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
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Re: EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
I think the C4 option sounds good as well...
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Re: EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
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.
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.
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Re: EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
The Hawk pads/fresh rotors/new fluid on my LS1 Trans Am will throw you through the windshield...
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Re: EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
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
Will
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Car: 1991 Formula Firebird
Engine: L98 with headers/exhaust
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Re: EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
Hmmmm. Maybe a pressure-bleed and prop-valve before I spend the $$$ on a brake upgrade.
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Re: EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
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...
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...
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Re: EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
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
http://www.wilwood.com/camaro/index.aspx
this is the one im talking about
http://www.wilwood.com/BrakeKits/Bra...isc+Brake+Rear
Last edited by articwhiteZ; 08-18-2014 at 06:55 PM.
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Re: EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
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
Link to the install = https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/brak...brake-job.html
Last edited by Ron U.S.M.C.; 08-27-2014 at 01:42 AM.
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Re: EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
Look for the most aggressive pads and try that first. a lot cheaper than buying an upgrade kit.
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Car: 91 Firebird, 87 E'LS' Camino
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Re: EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
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
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Re: EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
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
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Re: EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/brak...e-upgrade.html
part numbers are still legit
part numbers are still legit
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Car: '86 Camaro, '94 Camaro, 3 others
Engine: LG4 ->L29, L32->LR4, L36, LG4, L31
Transmission: 700R-4, T5WC, 4L80E, SM465, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.23, WTB/WTT 2.93
Re: EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
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
Will
#30
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Re: EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
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!
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!
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.
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Car: 91 Firebird, 87 E'LS' Camino
Engine: 5.7 TPI, 5.3
Transmission: 700R4,200R4
Axle/Gears: 4.10 Lock Right locker/2.43
Re: EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
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
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Car: '86 Camaro, '94 Camaro, 3 others
Engine: LG4 ->L29, L32->LR4, L36, LG4, L31
Transmission: 700R-4, T5WC, 4L80E, SM465, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.23, WTB/WTT 2.93
Re: EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
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
#33
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Car: '86 Camaro, '94 Camaro, 3 others
Engine: LG4 ->L29, L32->LR4, L36, LG4, L31
Transmission: 700R-4, T5WC, 4L80E, SM465, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.23, WTB/WTT 2.93
Re: EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
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
#35
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Re: EASIEST Front-Brake Upgrade
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...
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...
Last edited by articwhiteZ; 12-03-2016 at 07:52 PM.
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