70 vette brakes
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2025
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70 vette brakes
I have a 1970 corvette big block,with a 4 speed.im 3rd owner,and longest owner. 32 years.the 454 is a jack wheeler raveing moter,and moves along quite nicely.but it doesn't stop nicely.bever has.it has no power steering,or brakes.ive heard wildwood was the way to go.so I got a kit for the front,for starters.maybe 6 years ago,and I'm finally trying to install.i was surprised to see the calipers were a fraction of the size,of the stock.at least a third smaller,if not half.the directions are vague at best.but loaded with warnings.more directions and less warnings would be nice.ive had them on and off way to much.the kit is packed with shims& spacers.not a good sign.ive had it with these willwoods.kits good for impalas,& vette.with a name like willwood,I would think that have something,more of a direct fit.im putting stocks back on ,and looking for some kind of power assist master.or just push like he'll and pray.so far it's worked,but I've gotten older,and was really hoping for more stopping power.any tips?
Race Director
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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OK, for starters. The Wilwoods will save you a little unsprung weight. But will not affect stopping distances. Or power for that matter. Sorry to hear if for some reason you thought it would reduce pedal effort. That's not going to happen.
So, power brakes, stock type vacuum booster or hydro boost. Both can be run with your factory or your willwood calipers.
Pick your posion. No easy way out.
And with a big block the factory type vacuum booster requires a undersized booster or a special valve cover.
So, power brakes, stock type vacuum booster or hydro boost. Both can be run with your factory or your willwood calipers.
Pick your posion. No easy way out.
And with a big block the factory type vacuum booster requires a undersized booster or a special valve cover.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
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From: US-PNW
Do you know what type of brake pads you have? Some guys go for metallic pads because they believe these "racing/high performance" pads are the way to go. They don't understand that metallic pads need high heat to operate effectively and that sort of heat is only maintained in a racing application. They are horrible for street use. Organic, semi-metallic, or ceramic are the choices for street use.
Do you know if you have the proper master cylinder? If you have a power brake master, it has a larger bore which will require more pedal effort if used on a non-power car. Your non-power master should have a 1" bore vs. 1.125" for a power master.
Do you know if you have the proper master cylinder? If you have a power brake master, it has a larger bore which will require more pedal effort if used on a non-power car. Your non-power master should have a 1" bore vs. 1.125" for a power master.
