Right now i am looking at dfbrakes- All they have is power disc conversion though-But the price is RIGHT!- still trying to decide between the two and where from- Who's running them? did you go power or manual? where from? JST
I got a hodge podge of parts that work well and were CHEAP! Drop spindles from Heidt's, the master cylinder, and the calipers are the only things I bought new. Power booster from '84 Monte Rotors and calipers from 88-93 (i think) S-10 Proportion valve and master cylinder from '70 Monte Heidt's can tell you what year rotors from what cars will fit their spindles. I could have gotten 78-87 Monte, but the S-10's are only slightly smaller. My car was finished in'01, but at the time I had about $300 in the set up.
Going with power isn't mandatory, I ran my big block 55 with manual front disks for several years with good results. If you do go power, avoid the common mistake of using too small a va*** booster.....a 7" generally doesn't get it done. If clearance to the rocker cover becomes an issue, look at the availble dual diaphram units. Also most disk brake kits reduce turning radius, some more than others. I'm currently running Heidt dropped spindles ( no reduced turning radius) and Willwood calipers. I'd avoid bargain priced packages, buy from one of the many well known Tri Five sources. Just my .02 cents worth.
I'm running manual discs on my 57 wagon for the past 20 yrs, no problems. used a kit from cl***ic chevy club back then
thanks for all the replys guys- this is what i was looking at- https://dfbrakes.com/products.asp?id=31 clearance should not be an issue-I am running 15x4's on the front. I am looking into ball joint spacers and taller springs for a small lift and hope it all jives together.
I"ve had manual disks (two different types) on my 55 for years, not real pleased with the stopping ability...but my car is really heavy. If it's a light car and you don't plan on long road trips or lots of driving in traffic, manual is fine. If it's a heavy car and you'll need to stop a lot then see if you can go power. although having power brakes on a g***er looking car sounds a bit weird.
i bought a kit off ebay. two inch drop spindles, power booster............everything but the brake lines for $450. haven't installed it yet so i can't comment further. it was the best deal i could find.
"although having power brakes on a g***er looking car sounds a bit weird"---squirrel you might be right- I am more concerned with stopping and doing it quick, more than any cool points though! lol The manuals on my old lady's car are fine-but it's a duster so weight is not a problem. Thanks for all the replies fellows--JST
I went with CPP power brakes, with a dual 7" booster. Just finished putting together the front suspension and disc kit. Cars not on the road though, so no reports as to how well they stop. http://www.cl***icperform.com/fullsize.htm
I went with 2" drop spindles and used a manual master cylinder from a 76 1/2 ton chevy truck and used calipers from a s-10 and rotors from a chevelle works awesome and have less than 300 in it
Since its been six years, I was wondering if there are any thoughts on kits that are priced better than others. RIght now I have found a kit on ebay that comes with the 2" drop sprindles for $600 from JPL. Has anyone used anything from this company and hows the quality? Thanks.
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