Front brake upgrade?

by JiMi_DRiX Tue Nov 02, 2010 12:25 am

I need to replace the rotors on the front of the Monte, are there any brake upgrades that can be done? Aside from the thousand dollar type BAER or Wilwood type parts? I just want some slotted or drilled rotors, something different, or better. Brakes and suspension are kind of out of my know-how..

by The Dude Tue Nov 02, 2010 10:03 am

Here's a combo package for the front. Only $215 for it all:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SSB-A2350012/

Cheapest two piston calipers that I've found. Comes with pads, but it's $415....
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-BK185S/

I'm sure there's more out there since 70-81 Camaros & 77-9? Caprices use the same set up. Possibly some 94-96 police package brakes or Impala SS would be an upgrade? Not positive though.

by Limey SE Tue Nov 02, 2010 11:44 am

but remember if you go with caprices your bolt pattern might have to be 5 x 5 on the later yeared ones IE the SS version style

by BlackChevelleSS Tue Nov 02, 2010 12:19 pm

EBC rotors can get slotted and green stuff pads

by pila Tue Nov 02, 2010 3:57 pm

I haven't heard how good the stainless brake rotors work (?) A lot of rotors will warp a bit with a panic high speed stop.

by JiMi_DRiX Tue Nov 02, 2010 9:53 pm

That rotor/pad upgrade from Summit looks like the same one PST has, and its about the same price as well. I dont drive the car a lot anymore, so having some nice brakes would look good and last me a long time. I am real big on quality though, I know there are lots of fancy cheap stuff on eBay, but I'd rather not go near that stuff!

by pila Wed Nov 03, 2010 1:33 am

Good thought. In my opinion, brakes are too important to use cheap parts on. At least the stainless rotors wont rust when a car sits around or in storage.

by JiMi_DRiX Wed Nov 03, 2010 2:30 am

I think I'm going to price a set of good OEM rotors and pads, and compare prices. Does anyone think the stopping power would be any bit significantly different between stock OEM and those slotted rotors? 355+hp might need a little extra stopping power...

by BlackChevelleSS Wed Nov 03, 2010 2:55 am

its not the horsepower but the weight of the ships we all drive. I doubt youd notice a difference between oem and slotted rotors, but the brake pads make a big difference. Also an adjustable proportioning valve would be a good upgrade to get the braking between front and rear where it needs to be.

by The Dude Wed Nov 03, 2010 10:30 am

The slots are actually just for cooling it down. If you like to brake hard & often, then that's the way to go. If you drive like an old lady, then it isn't going to make a difference. The major things you will notice are good pads like Black said & also upgraded calipers.

Not sure if these would work, but I'm hoping to use them on mine if they do. 4 piston Wilwood calipers for $125 each. Someone wanna help out on this one? Jegs has it listed to fit 69-84 GM in their book. Summit is just an easier site to navigate, but says they are universal.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/WIL-120-6818/Application/?prefilter=0

by The Dude Wed Nov 03, 2010 10:31 am

Limey wrote:but remember if you go with caprices your bolt pattern might have to be 5 x 5 on the later yeared ones IE the SS version style

I meant calipers, not rotors.

by JiMi_DRiX Wed Nov 03, 2010 12:56 pm

Yeah, true. The Land-Yacht of a Monte Carlo is a little heavy and hard on the brakes.. I dont know how mine have warped, twice... maybe slotted rotors would help with the cooling some and prevent it from happening again? Or its just this pair of rotors are crap. Those Wilwood calipers are nice! Little upgrades like that also add the cosmetic changes that really clean up the car too. Has anyone swapped their rear drums for discs?

by Bill's 74 Wed Nov 03, 2010 1:09 pm

From what I understand....

If the wheels are properly torqued, the pads and rotors are 'seated-in' properly when new, and after a panic stop you release the brakes as soon as you can, you will reduce the chances of warping rotors.

Bill

by The Dude Wed Nov 03, 2010 2:06 pm

Cheapest & easiest drum to disc swap is the Impala SS/late model Caprice rear as far as I know. Direct bolt in, but you get stuck with 5x5 bolt pattern instead of the 5x4.75 that we have. Main thing to remember here is to buy a proportioning valve if you go this route.

I believe there is a write up on this somewhere. I'll look around.

by Bill's 74 Wed Nov 03, 2010 2:19 pm

Rago wrote:Cheapest & easiest drum to disc swap is the Impala SS/late model Caprice rear as far as I know. Direct bolt in, but you get stuck with 5x5 bolt pattern instead of the 5x4.75 that we have. Main thing to remember here is to buy a proportioning valve if you go this route.

I believe there is a write up on this somewhere. I'll look around.

Rears I assume?

Yes, The P/V and a 4 wheel disc Master too.

Bill

by pila Wed Nov 03, 2010 3:51 pm

The problem with auto parts store OEM type rotors is that It's usually stuff made in China. I have to replace rotors on my old Caddy beater every three years because they are kinda junky.

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