Brake options needed for 73 project
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,023
Likes: 1,181
From: La Mesa CA
Brake options needed for 73 project
I recently picked up a 73 project. My plans are for weekend canyon carving and autocrossing. I am not trying to restore the car to original condition.
At this point the car needs everything, but first of all it needs brakes. (It was a thrill trying to get the car up on a car trailer with an engine that barely ran and essentially no brakes
)
The other thing is that I am on a budget. (I know, a budget vette is a ridiculous concept. This is my 7th Vette, so I know that all too well)
The first order of business is to get the car to stop. I am assuming I am going to need to replace all four calipers and rotors.
My question is, what do I replace them with? Stock? What upgrades are available and are they worth it performance wise?
Recently I read an article where they upgraded the brakes of an early 70's Jaguar XKE. They tested the stopping after each mod. For them, the best bang for the buck was getting the stock system in excellent condition. The aftermarket brakes did inprove the stopping power, but not very much, especially in comparison to how much the aftermarket brakes cost.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Glenn in San Diego
At this point the car needs everything, but first of all it needs brakes. (It was a thrill trying to get the car up on a car trailer with an engine that barely ran and essentially no brakes
)The other thing is that I am on a budget. (I know, a budget vette is a ridiculous concept. This is my 7th Vette, so I know that all too well)
The first order of business is to get the car to stop. I am assuming I am going to need to replace all four calipers and rotors.
My question is, what do I replace them with? Stock? What upgrades are available and are they worth it performance wise?
Recently I read an article where they upgraded the brakes of an early 70's Jaguar XKE. They tested the stopping after each mod. For them, the best bang for the buck was getting the stock system in excellent condition. The aftermarket brakes did inprove the stopping power, but not very much, especially in comparison to how much the aftermarket brakes cost.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Glenn in San Diego
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 7
From: Brazos TX
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
I think most of the aftermarket brake kits aren't that great of a value. If in top shape the stock brakes are pretty good but with all that said I would have a look at Corvette Engineering. He sells a pretty inexpensive upgrade kit. http://www.store.corvettengineering....38ea7c6abdf781
If you really want to go low buck just rebuild the calipers yourself. New seals are about $10 a caliper and a brake hone is probably $15 or 20. I would disassemble the calipers and determine if they are stainless steel sleeved. Don't bother rebuilding non sleeved calipers because the bores will probably be pitted beyond repair. Get some aggressive pads like hawk HP plus and turn the rotors, check the runout and you should be good.
If you really want to go low buck just rebuild the calipers yourself. New seals are about $10 a caliper and a brake hone is probably $15 or 20. I would disassemble the calipers and determine if they are stainless steel sleeved. Don't bother rebuilding non sleeved calipers because the bores will probably be pitted beyond repair. Get some aggressive pads like hawk HP plus and turn the rotors, check the runout and you should be good.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,357
Likes: 427
From: Seattle Area WA
Since you said budget, my vote is a rebuilt stock system. Open up a caliper and see if it is sleeved, if so rebuild assuming the pistons aren't all corroded etc. Mic your rotors and turn or replace as required. Organic pads are fine but since you mentioned autocross, a set of semi-metallics might be a better choice.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
Provided that you have stainless sleeved calipers, a rebuild with VB&P O-ring pistons should stop you as well as anything else. Stock rebuild kits are inexpensive and can be had at any Autozone, but the VB&P kits are less prone to sucking in air. The stock calipers are heavier than aftermarket aluminum ones but unless you are obsessed with weight reduction they should work fine.
Rick B.
Rick B.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Seattle Area WA
Just measure them before you make any decisions. If they are within spec I wouldn't turn them either, just take some fine sandpaper and clean them up. No sense in cutting away good metal if they aren't warped. The rears are almost always within spec.
Corvettes were way ahead of their time as far as bracking systems go.
Someone mentioned "O" ring calipers, I agree that they are the cats meow.
Corvettes were way ahead of their time as far as bracking systems go.
Someone mentioned "O" ring calipers, I agree that they are the cats meow.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
My .02:
SS sleeved OEM calipers-hopefully yours are already SS sleeved
VBP Oring pistons -get them as a conversion kit for ~$150 for all 4 calipers
Braided stainless flex lines
Hydroboost power assist preferred -Its on my list
OEM rotors and high quality Ceramic pads
Slotted rotors and Hawk pads if your feeling rich.
Brent......
SS sleeved OEM calipers-hopefully yours are already SS sleeved
VBP Oring pistons -get them as a conversion kit for ~$150 for all 4 calipers
Braided stainless flex lines
Hydroboost power assist preferred -Its on my list
OEM rotors and high quality Ceramic pads
Slotted rotors and Hawk pads if your feeling rich.
Brent......