1972corvette454

Calipers with the original style lip seals?

Or Calipers that use the lip seal that came from GM, that utilize the o-ring seals and o-ring pistons?

I was told if you don't drive your corvette all the time the O-Ring seals are better to prevent air getting inside your brakes for lack of use.

Clams Canino

O-ring seals are better "overall" for a few reasons. There's a reason they cost more than lip seals.

They have a few notable and vocal detractors, but the majority that's used them loves them.

-W

72LS1Vette

GM never sold C3 calipers with O-ring seals. The OEM lip seals will collapse from lack of use and leak if the car sits for a while, and they will let air into the lines if the rotor runout is out of spec. O-ring seals are much more forgiving of rotor runout and periods of inactivity. The second time I rebuilt my calipers (in 3 years) I converted to O-ring seals and so far I have had no problems.



Rick B.

vettehardt

The O-ring is not "overall" better than the lip seal. There is a reason Zora went with a lip seal vs an o-ring design, not because they are cheaper. The reason they cost more is the machining needed to make the pistons accept the o-rings.

In general, O-ring is good for a car that hardly ever gets driven. Lip seal is better for a driver or performance applications.

For your reading from the Duntov Motor Company website: http://www.duntovmotors.com/CaliperSchool.htm

Clams Canino

See above for the "notable and vocal detractor".

To date, I've never seen anyone regret switching to O-ring seals. Plase show me a few.

Next tell us that Zora wasn't forced to deal with inverted A-arms because they weren't cheaper? Or why disk brakes were delayed from 63 to 65?

-W

Ironcross

It may sound strange but what kills the calipers no matter what seal or caliper, is water. The brake fluid attracts moisture which then becomes rust and is throughout the whole system and naturally also in the master cylinder. Just look on a can or now plastic bottle reminding to keep the fluid sealed because of water....the rust will cut or damage the seals and stainless calipers will not fair any better....Frequent or annual service with fresh fluid will help prevent the rust. I suppose the trailer queens from inactivity would be the worse candidates for this problem

Peterbuilt

I believe that is true! There are a lot of members that have "O" ring seals and are very happy.
Not sure about the chart Duntov Motors published saying that "O" ring seals could require 1 inch more pedal travel, I think that those with the "O" ring seals would have mentioned that problem if that is true.
I have seen a few post from owners that did install "O" ring but left out the piston springs, what is the reason for doing that?
Last comment: I see that even though Duntov touts lip seals they do offer "O" rings.
Are they burning the candle at both ends?

Letournour 1850

Yes had the lip seals only had problems leak, air ... get the "o" ring seal much better.

HamadUP

I converted mine to o-ring style and had no problems so far (2 years).

jb78L-82

I have had traditional lip seal calipers (VBP SS) since 1985 and have had to replace a piston seal on one (1990) but other than that issue, no problems. I change the fluid every 3 years and drive the car about 500 miles per year. Makes you wonder about the o ring seal calipers superior sealability!

Clams Canino

Doesn't make me wonder....
Like you, I've also had lip seals since 1978 with only 2 replacements.
But I still respect the "preponderance of the evidence" as opposed to my own personal experience. Next brake job I'm switching over.

-W

muskegonbrake

O-rings are becoming the seal of choice for calipers because they have fewer problems overall. If you are using the car year-round regularly and maintaining the brake fluid the lip seals can last a very long time. But for those cars that do see storage or periods of inactivity we seriously recommend the o-ring calipers, and that is why we stock the calipers and the conversion kits.

Andrew
800-442-0335

SuprJames

Wilwoods!

7t2vette

No contest - O ring calipers!

DRIVESHAFT

Did you read the information on Duntov's site?
It ends this way-
"Bottom Line: If your Corvette is a static display show car, O-ring calipers are a good option. If you drive your Corvette, stick with Duntov’s design. If you drive your car only once a month, just depress the brake pedal every couple of weeks, and your lip seals should be leak free for at least a decade."

It sounds like they have justification for carrying both types.

turtlevette

Hell yea,

That's the only way to get brakes you can abuse. Wilwood makes a direct bolt on replacement.

ssenay72

I bought a new set of o-ring ss sleeve calipers from van steel, (delco) give dan a call.