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Upgrading my front disc brakes

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Old Jun 15, 2015 | 08:35 AM
  #1  
bryan623's Avatar
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From: Morgantown PA
Car: 89 GTA
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Upgrading my front disc brakes

Hello I was wondering about my front disc brakes.. It seems my 89 GTA Trans Am still has a single cast iron single piston caliper with an pretty small rotor. I had order a set of calipers and rotors that were performance, but clearly they don't match my current spindles. Now I have come to learn it was a 1LE performance package.

My question is do can I just swap out the current spindle for the new ones? Classic Industries has a complete conversion kit for the 1LE package http://www.classicindustries.com/pro...ts/md123b.html. Can I just bolt on these new spindles with the new brackets, rotors, brake line harware... and such? Or is there more I need to get?
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Old Jun 15, 2015 | 11:42 AM
  #2  
greenyone's Avatar
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From: Pittsburgh
Car: 91 G92 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 342
Re: Upgrading my front disc brakes

You can modify/drill your spindles to fit the 1LE caliper brackets. So you'll need to source the brackets to go along with the calipers you bought. Or just get that package deal from classic.

If I were you I'd return those parts and do the LS1 conversion. It's cheaper and arguably better than the 1LE brakes. Try here: http://www.bigbrakeupgrade.com/ls1_complete.html
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Old Jun 15, 2015 | 03:37 PM
  #3  
bryan623's Avatar
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From: Morgantown PA
Car: 89 GTA
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Upgrading my front disc brakes

Looks pretty good! I'll give the LS1 option a go.
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Old Jun 15, 2015 | 09:31 PM
  #4  
TallTim's Avatar
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From: South FL
Car: 1989 Formula T-Top
Engine: 350 TPI, twin turbo
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: Upgrading my front disc brakes

Bryan that's the upgrade I did a couple years ago. Scott is the man. You will happy you did it. Huge difference at the right price.
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Old Jun 15, 2015 | 09:44 PM
  #5  
Thirdgen89GTA's Avatar
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From: Chicagoland Suburbs
Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: LT1, AFR 195cc, 231/239 LE cam.
Transmission: M28 T56
Axle/Gears: 3.23 10bolt waiting to explode.
Re: Upgrading my front disc brakes

Also had a great experience with Scott.

I opted for the C5 Brake swap though. Well worth it, car stops so nice.
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Old Jun 30, 2015 | 04:11 AM
  #6  
bryan623's Avatar
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From: Morgantown PA
Car: 89 GTA
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Upgrading my front disc brakes

One last question though. Will I need to change my master cylinder or the power booster for the new rotors? Or is it as simple as bolting on the new hardware?
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Old Jun 30, 2015 | 04:17 AM
  #7  
peterc005's Avatar
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From: Melbourne, Australia
Car: 1988 IROC Camaro (RHD)
Engine: 350 ci L98 SBC
Transmission: T700
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt BW, Disk, Posi-traction
Re: Upgrading my front disc brakes

I got the LS1 front disk upgrade from Scott at Bigbrakeupgrade too.

Very happy with the choice, it's the best option for the bucks and Scott is good to deal with.
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Old Jun 30, 2015 | 05:57 AM
  #8  
bryan623's Avatar
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From: Morgantown PA
Car: 89 GTA
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Upgrading my front disc brakes

Originally Posted by peterc005
I got the LS1 front disk upgrade from Scott at Bigbrakeupgrade too.

Very happy with the choice, it's the best option for the bucks and Scott is good to deal with.
Wasn't what I was asking. I was asking if I need to change my master cylinder and brake booster because I am changing to these brakes. Or is it just a bolt on job.
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Old Jul 5, 2015 | 02:41 AM
  #9  
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From: Lincoln, Missouri
Car: 1980 Regal
Engine: 383 Superram
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 12 bolt w/ 3.31 posi
Re: Upgrading my front disc brakes

I'm guessing you have 4 wheel disc brakes on your '89 GTA??? If that's the case you should be good to go as most with 4 wheel discs don't change the master cylinder or prop valve unless afterwards they have a problem with the rear brakes locking up. But you won't know that until after you put the ls1's on. Every car is a little different than someone else's. Everyone has different expectations. Hope that helps.
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Old Jul 5, 2015 | 03:37 AM
  #10  
bryan623's Avatar
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From: Morgantown PA
Car: 89 GTA
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Upgrading my front disc brakes

Originally Posted by tpi88camaro
I'm guessing you have 4 wheel disc brakes on your '89 GTA??? If that's the case you should be good to go as most with 4 wheel discs don't change the master cylinder or prop valve unless afterwards they have a problem with the rear brakes locking up. But you won't know that until after you put the ls1's on. Every car is a little different than someone else's. Everyone has different expectations. Hope that helps.
Thanks for the heads up. Heh... guess I'll find out.
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Old Jul 5, 2015 | 08:08 AM
  #11  
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From: Pennsylvania
Car: 91 Firebird Formula
Engine: 5.7
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: Upgrading my front disc brakes

I wouldn't hesitate to ask Scott your question. I have read a few threads concerning his products. It is my understanding that he is forthcoming and responsive. Seems like a standup guy.
I will be purchasing his products when the time comes.
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