Worth the effort?
 

Is it worth my time to do this upgrade?
Currently I have rear drum. I got a complete rearend/MC from an 86 TA rear disc. I was going to just swap to the rear disc but i read that they are not really that good performance wise. I was looking into 1le and seems costly and alot of work...i want to get rid of the drums but and kind of clueless what to do...breaking is not my depratment...thats why im asking you.

Just another question....why does GM have the passenger caliper in the front and the driver in the rear on the axle....atleast this is what my service manual shows......is LT1 a direct bolt on if you get plates and all from a donor car? I have the 7.5 10bolt rear and the 16x8 formula wheels?

1. IMHO, no. If you want an actual upgrade that actually works better than your drums reliably, and not just something for looks so that you see crotors instead of drums, you want the 89-92 rear discs. There's a reason you can pick up those old Saginaw brakes so cheap; and it ISN'T because they're so great that everybody's jumping all over them.

2a. Because that way, the same caliper fits both sides.

2b. Yes, if you start out with a 89-92 disc rear. Not if you start out with ANY OTHER axle housing. But then there wouldn't be much point in it, because they're not really significantly different from the 89-92 brakes.

I have an 86 disk rear and an 88 drum...both complete. both MC's and prop valves...What would be the best way for me to go? Scrap both rears and get and 89+?

Here's what I did to my 85 IROC's rear discs:

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=246768

JamesC

The 89+ backingplates wont fit an eairlier year? I have access to a machine shop so if thats the only setback i can machine custom plates.

The 89+ will fit earlier rear disc brake rear ends. Take another look at the link. You might also consider a search as this is a common topic.

JamesC