gta front brake question.
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 446
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From: Smiths Falls
Car: 1988 GTA Trans am 1 owner since new
Engine: 383 built
Transmission: 1995 camaro t56 6 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.24 posi 9 bolt
gta front brake question.
I am wondering what the cheapest front brake upgrade is for a 1988 gta 305 tpi 5 speed...not 1le
I can walk into a part stores and get anything...
can I buy 1le front brakes and they just go on?
can anyone please confirm this my front brakes undersized for sure...
Let me know.
ty.
I can walk into a part stores and get anything...
can I buy 1le front brakes and they just go on?
can anyone please confirm this my front brakes undersized for sure...
Let me know.
ty.
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 19,282
Likes: 103
From: Lawrence, KS
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
Re: gta front brake question.
No. The 1LE requires spindle modification.
JamesC
Last edited by JamesC; Aug 6, 2016 at 01:25 PM. Reason: Clarification
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From: Houston, TX
Car: 1989 GTA
Engine: SuperRam 350
Transmission: Pro Built S/S TH700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: gta front brake question.
- NAPA premium solid rotors. ($60)
- Stillen front brake pads (D-154HD) ($70)
You'll probably have to order the Stillen pads from their website. They are worlds better than the generic no name brand brake pads that auto stores sell.
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From: Ahead of you...
Car: 1984 LG4 Camaro
Engine: 350 Roller Motor
Transmission: Level 10 700R4
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Re: gta front brake question.
I would not consider replacement parts to what you have as an "upgrade" by any means, a new brake system, yes.
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Re: gta front brake question.
I agree w Paul: while better pads are certainly "better", the real shortcoming of that brake system, by modern standards, is the tiny rotor.
Depends on your definition of "just go on"... visit www.bigbrakeupgrade.com for a good look at what it takes. Some of us would consider that "just go on", others might have a bit different opinion. (Is brain surgery "hard"? .... well, are you a brain surgeon? that would lead to a difference of opinion, no?)
I'd recommend the LS1 brake system, not the 1LE. Not so much because it's "better" (although most would say, it is); but more so because, there's HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of those in the world compared to only a few thousand AT THE MOST of the other, it's 20 years newer (20 years longer to go before it becomes so rare on the ground that nobody stocks parts any more), costs basically the same, and requires EXACTLY the same effort to install.
However you may have problems with the factory wheels with ANY upgrades: as I understand it, those wheels you have are somewhat upgrade-hostile, so do your research carefully if you want to keep them. Personally I wouldn't keep them if I were in your place; not only do I not like them (matter of personal taste, you may disagree but I hope not), but mostly because they're so small and narrow. Standards for tires have changed as much as those for brakes over the last 30 years.
can I buy 1le front brakes and they just go on?
I'd recommend the LS1 brake system, not the 1LE. Not so much because it's "better" (although most would say, it is); but more so because, there's HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of those in the world compared to only a few thousand AT THE MOST of the other, it's 20 years newer (20 years longer to go before it becomes so rare on the ground that nobody stocks parts any more), costs basically the same, and requires EXACTLY the same effort to install.
However you may have problems with the factory wheels with ANY upgrades: as I understand it, those wheels you have are somewhat upgrade-hostile, so do your research carefully if you want to keep them. Personally I wouldn't keep them if I were in your place; not only do I not like them (matter of personal taste, you may disagree but I hope not), but mostly because they're so small and narrow. Standards for tires have changed as much as those for brakes over the last 30 years.
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From: Howard Lake, MN
Car: 86 Camaro
Engine: 355- hopefully a 5.3 this summer
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: gta front brake question.
go with the LS1 brakes, with a 3/16" wheel spacer to clear the back of the spokes if you still have the GTA wheels..
it's not a "bolt in" deal since you need to do a little work to the spindles and make your existing rotors into hubs, but it's not that bad if you have more than 3 working brain cells and access to a grinder, drill, and a couple of taps..
it's not a "bolt in" deal since you need to do a little work to the spindles and make your existing rotors into hubs, but it's not that bad if you have more than 3 working brain cells and access to a grinder, drill, and a couple of taps..