The car (91 Camaro with the original drum 10 bolt) currently has one of the "Right Stuff" rear disc conversion kits. It's in good shape, but as I understand uses a pretty outdated caliper design which is prone to issues. Since I'm also making significant power upgrades, I'm contemplating a rear brake upgrade. I already have a suitable (disc/disc) proportioning valve and C4 HD brakes in the front.

I'm eyeing one of the kits from Flynbye - anyone have any thoughts on the LS1 kit versus the PBR 12" kit, given what I'm already running up front? I know I could always go bigger, but I think one of these options would balance nicely with the front brakes. I'm not planning on keeping the drilled and slotted rotors as this is primarily a street car.

I've thought about trying to find the parts I need from a junkyard "LS1" Camaro/Firebird and building my own setup as described here, but if I factor in fuel and drive time I'd be at about 90% of the cost of one of the kits I linked above, and that's with mostly used parts that I still have to clean and prep myself (assuming only one trip to a junkyard to get everything I need). Pass.

In case it's relevant, I've removed quite a bit of weight off the front of the car (complete HVAC delete, tubular front suspension, SMC hood, with a battery relocation planned) and added subframe connectors (more weight down low). I don't think that will change the F/R weight balance enough to warrant a radical brake redesign, but I could be wrong.

Thanks in advance for any input!

 

I had the regular stock PBR set up along with the LS1 front kit on my 383/Iroc and it functioned very well. Keep in mind that for a street car, the rear brakes aren't really doing too much. All the weight shifts forward, and if the rears lock up, they've worked TOO well. You never want the rears locked. ...and locking the rears isn't too hard. I agree with upgrading the crappy cast iron Delco Moraine calipers it that's what you have, but I wouldn't spend any more than necessary. I've never looked too hard at the LS1 REAR kit, but I feel like I've heard of issues adapting the parking brake. Might wanna look at that.

 

Appreciate the feedback, thank you! Yes, I do have the Delco Moraine calipers currently in that "Right Stuff" kit. My front-rear weight distribution is more balanced than stock, so I think I can handle a bit more brake in the back without risk of locking them up. From what I understand (still need to call and confirm), the LS1 rears come with the correct parking brake cable which connects to the existing front cable, so no issues there (although the parking brake mechanism is different between the PBR and LS1 kits, so that might be something to consider).

If there's no substantial difference in performance between the PBR and LS1 setups then I'll just go with the less expensive option. Just wanted to make sure I didn't wind up with too much or not enough brake in the rear.