Ok, I'm trying to get a fix on the best option for upgrading the rear brakes on my 85 IROC (J65 with 1LE fronts, stock rears). As I understand it, I can swap the rotors, calipers, lines, backing plates, etc. from an 89-92 ten bolt to my 10 bolt. Can I do the same thing with the 93-97 LT1 brakes? Also, when I did the front brakes, I purchased the braided steel lines from Spohn. Will the rear lines fit the LT1's?

JamesC

 

Yes to all. PBRs from the years '89-97 are all the "same" with the exception of the round things on the e-brake cable brackets on the '93-97s as seen below. However, you won't be able to use the '93-97 axle hard lines obviously. If the Earl's lines are the "1LE" set, you are fine.


Ed

 

Ed,

Does that mean that I'll have to fab the hard lines or that my stock J65 lines will work (I did purchase the 1LE set of braided lines)?

JamesC

 

The old style J65 lines are a bit different than the '89-92 third gen J65/1LE lines. One of the old style axle lines is hard lined right to the caliper...someone correct me if I'm wrong here, I haven't seen an old style disc rear on over a year. The '89-up style have flex hoses on each end that connect to the caliper. In any case, they are routed just slightly different and you'll have a bit of modding to do to get the old lines to work. At $30/pr, I'd just get new ones.

I forgot to mention in my last post: You can use the '93-97 brakes but you'll need a 3rd gen backing plate. The 4th gen backing plates are different.


Ed

 

98+ "LS1" rear brakes Everything will bolt right up, and everything is avail at a junk yard for cheap. Even new isnt expensive.

 

Is anyone fabing the e-brake cable mechanism for the LS1's?

So long story short, the 93-97 LT1's will bolt up with the thirdgen backing plates, 89-92 hard lines and e-brake cables (first design?).

JamesC

 

Ed is correct. The drivers side has a flex line going to the caliper and the pass. side has a hard line. I bought a set of hard lines from Classic Tube for a 90 T/A when I swapped in the 9 bolt a switched the crap Moraine brakes for the PBRs. They were $45 shipped to my door with the correct fittings and all. I'd stick with the PBRs if I were doing it.

 

Yes. Get e-brake cables for a '91 or '92 Z28 with "Performance package" brakes. While I do like the LS1 rear brakes, the LT1s would be and easier swap and still perform very well.


Ed

 

For sale? I don't know of anyone, but there are at least 3 different ways to hook up the LS1 brake that I've seen outlined on the various posts. I feel that the drum type ebrake setup is much better the the caliper type. And since you have a T5, you'll be using the ebrake quite often. If your running an aggressive rear pad, it will loose it's bite as it sits and cools, and if your on a steep incline, then there is a possiblity of the car slowly rolling. Also the LS1 disc is wider.

 

Dyno Don over in the California board has posted pics of his bracket, his is the only one I've seen. It's not that hard...a piece of metal about 4" long, bent lengthwise, with 2 holes in it for the cables.


Ed

 

Does the LT1 rotor have the same dimensions as the 1LE?

Justin,

So the LS1, with the exception of the parking brake cables, is a 'direct' swap including the backing plates?

ED,

You mention thirdgen backing plate. I assume your reference is to the 89-92 plate.

JamesC

 

Check out the tech articles section and see just what all is involved in swapping the LS1 brakes on. The swap was done on a drum brake 10 bolt. The rear LT1 rotors are the same dimensions I believe but you can still get the 89-92 rotors from the major parts stores (Advance,etc.)

 

Here's the picture:

 

Yep. Only drum rears have to be modded.

 

A final question: Should I be concerned about whether the brakes have 'traction control' or not? Or does it matter one way or another?

Many thanks for your replies, guys,

JamesC

 

Yes, '89-92 style. The traction control stuff won't be an issue since your car has no input for it. Just tie all the wires up and out of the way or just take it all the way off.


Ed

 

Wanna make sure I got the right one. Ordered Earl's SS lines from Spohn for an LT1 rear swapped into my 3rd gen, anyone know what the PN would be?
-Thanks, Efrain.

 

Should be the 28A190, same as the 1LE part.


Ed