seeking brake recommendations
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 99
Likes: 1
From: Iowa Park TX
seeking brake recommendations
Back in the early 80's, I parked my '70 coupe when the binders went bad and being in my early 20's, didn't have the $$$$ to repair. After 25 plus years sleeping in the garage, I have her among the living again, but still needing binders. I am looking to replace the calipers, and most likely other components. She is a 454 4-speed, and other than lighting up a tire occasionally, will be driven just cruising around, so while looking to upgrade over factory, not really needing ultra high performance. Anybody have any suggestions as to what my options are?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
Unless you're racing or simply like bling there's nothing to be gained by going beyond the stock design. It's an excellent design, but can be considered compromised by using all cast iron parts that can rust. But...GM was concerned with cost and the fact that they didn't expect the cars to last 40+ years.
Use oe spec parts...upgraded to stainless steel sleeves and o-ring pistons and you'll be good to go. Get Delco calipers...some reproduction calipers may be suspect in quality control according to some.
Also...replace all the rubber hoses, no matter how good they might look.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 99
Likes: 1
From: Iowa Park TX
that sounds like what I'm looking for. Any suggestions as to possible sources? I some of the obvious such as Eckler's and Corvette Central, but thought maybe someone had good experience with a lesser known company, such as a sponsor here on the forum?
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 523
Likes: 4
From: Calgary Alberta
Depending what you are after
I went for the red Wilwood D8-4 calipers, they are a direct replacement for the stock calipers but are made of aluminum and stainless steel pistons. Much lighter than stock and in my opinion better overall design with today's technology. Kit came with brake pads and stainless steel flex lines. Not much more money than replacement OEM calipers. These should last a long time without any problems. 
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
There's dozens of retail suppliers all competing in a relatively narrow market. Go with a name brand that will stand behind their product.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 914
Likes: 14
From: Aberdeen, Scotland
One Corvette .... so many brake jobs!
Here is my experience:
I bought a nice standard '71 BB that had been little used. I put OEM stock type replacement brakes from VBP and stock type discs with organic pads; but still used the silicone brake fluid..... the car stopped pretty good and the job was easy. Well other than doing the Parking brakes without pulling the spindle .... but I did that too!!
Then I needed some bling.... I "upgraded" to some drilled and slotted discs and replaced some hard line. No difference!! Of course!
Then ... I wanted still more as the brakes just we're right ... or maybe good enough. I went with a Wilwood set up from Corvette Engineering. Its cool looking, light weight, I got better discs again ... but to be honest I really can't say the braking is improved.
I have now added a hydraboost ..... I have yet to test the set up.
If it was a pure street car and I didn't care too much .. I would go a VBP stock set up and a nice set of power slots. I also like the OEM type Wilwoods in Alum. Add good DOT 4 and organics and it should be very very good for the street.
I use really like messing with my brakes ... sad I guess.
carbster
I bought a nice standard '71 BB that had been little used. I put OEM stock type replacement brakes from VBP and stock type discs with organic pads; but still used the silicone brake fluid..... the car stopped pretty good and the job was easy. Well other than doing the Parking brakes without pulling the spindle .... but I did that too!!
Then I needed some bling.... I "upgraded" to some drilled and slotted discs and replaced some hard line. No difference!! Of course!
Then ... I wanted still more as the brakes just we're right ... or maybe good enough. I went with a Wilwood set up from Corvette Engineering. Its cool looking, light weight, I got better discs again ... but to be honest I really can't say the braking is improved.
I have now added a hydraboost ..... I have yet to test the set up.
If it was a pure street car and I didn't care too much .. I would go a VBP stock set up and a nice set of power slots. I also like the OEM type Wilwoods in Alum. Add good DOT 4 and organics and it should be very very good for the street.
I use really like messing with my brakes ... sad I guess.
carbster
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Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,199
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From: tempe Arizona
Then ... I wanted still more as the brakes just we're right ... or maybe good enough. I went with a Wilwood set up from Corvette Engineering. Its cool looking, light weight, I got better discs again ... but to be honest I really can't say the braking is improved.
I have now added a hydraboost ..... I have yet to test the set up.
I have now added a hydraboost ..... I have yet to test the set up.
The only two items not mentioned that could alter true brake performance are a move to a more aggressive pad compound- which will only increase the bite but not necessarily make for shorter distances and the tires. Tires are the key to shorter stops seeing that they are the contact to the road. More pressure or even race pads will remain limited by the torque the tire can achieve.
Nonetheless....the changes above will enhance the feel and responsiveness of the system as a whole and that's a good thing too.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
advance auto and auto zone have factory calibers that have lifetime warranty.nothing fancy ,but they are a fair price and if you have a problem they will replace them .you also can buy light weight calibers from several vendors.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: Franksville Wisconsin
I did buy one of these and they are a good rebuilt caliper at a good price,I took it apart right after buying it to change to O ring piston. I had one non stainless sleeved caliper and this fixed the problem.
