Complete Brake System Upgrade Options?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 13,515
Likes: 11
From: Fisher, IL
Complete Brake System Upgrade Options?
After years away from my '69 LS1 restomod due to life getting in the way I may have time this summer for one project.
Every time I get in to move the vette around the shed I have no brakes. No fluid under the car so not sure what's the issue. It doesn't matter as I'd like an upgrade for future auto X or just safer/reliable/performance braking.
It's currently manual(no booster). I see willwood mentioned a lot but never saw a complete kit if one exists. What are my options? Budget, all out, smart values? all opinions welcome as I've been away too long to know any better.
I did replace the brake lines when i had the body off the frame so I know those aren't rusty at least.
Master cylinder with proportioning valve built into it?
Master with a remote reservoir?
Are there good upgrades to power brakes if that makes a big difference?
I plan on getting larger rims/tires so I'm not sure if brakes should wait till after that so I can size them properly?
Every time I get in to move the vette around the shed I have no brakes. No fluid under the car so not sure what's the issue. It doesn't matter as I'd like an upgrade for future auto X or just safer/reliable/performance braking.
It's currently manual(no booster). I see willwood mentioned a lot but never saw a complete kit if one exists. What are my options? Budget, all out, smart values? all opinions welcome as I've been away too long to know any better.
I did replace the brake lines when i had the body off the frame so I know those aren't rusty at least.
Master cylinder with proportioning valve built into it?
Master with a remote reservoir?
Are there good upgrades to power brakes if that makes a big difference?
I plan on getting larger rims/tires so I'm not sure if brakes should wait till after that so I can size them properly?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,663
Likes: 1,359
I got my wilwood kit from van steel like 8 years ago. haven't had any problems since. it was on a group buy on this forum. haven't seen another sale since, but here is some info. they've been great for me.
http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...&subgroup=3040
http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...&subgroup=3040
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 343
From: Allenton Wisconsin
The 6t8 got the full Wilwood treatment, slotted rotors, aluminum caliphers, master cylinder, stainless flex brake lines [all 5] and adjustable porportioning valve. Manual brakes are great. T
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,070
Likes: 9,202
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Manual or power you should have a pedal when not running. Most likely just a lot of air in your system. You can use the stock calipers and have great brakes with ceramic pads....if you need more you can add slotted discs. If you upgrade the motor so you increase the speed dramatically between the turns then you can go larger, it’s just a huge expense if you’re not going to use it all the time. I would upgrade what you have and if you need more, then sell what you have
check the rims for fluid, my leak was small and would drip on the rim then wrap around under the tire. I wouldn’t see it until I moved the car
check the rims for fluid, my leak was small and would drip on the rim then wrap around under the tire. I wouldn’t see it until I moved the car
Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Jul 13, 2020 at 07:22 AM.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 13,515
Likes: 11
From: Fisher, IL
Manual or power you should have a pedal when not running. Most likely just a lot of air in your system. You can use the stock calipers and have great brakes with ceramic pads....if you need more you can add slotted discs. If you upgrade the motor so you increase the speed dramatically between the turns then you can go larger, it’s just a huge expense if you’re not going to use it all the time. I would upgrade what you have and if you need more, then sell what you have
check the rims for fluid, my leak was small and would drip on the rim then wrap around under the tire. I wouldn’t see it until I moved the car
check the rims for fluid, my leak was small and would drip on the rim then wrap around under the tire. I wouldn’t see it until I moved the car
I can't imagine it's an air bubble that isn't being bled out. Unless it's an issue with the master cylinder not bleeding correctly. Or it's just a leak that I haven't found. :/
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,070
Likes: 9,202
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
It could be leaking out of the plunger in the master and onto the firewall, inside the car behind the carpet or on the engine side, sounds really slow
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 955
Likes: 50
From: Jersey Shore
The stock brakes are beyond adequate. They work great for autocross, if you’re road racing, then it’s worth upgrading to something that can shed the heat better. Wilwood does make a whole kit that bolts on If you still want to upgrade.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,422
Likes: 955
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 13,515
Likes: 11
From: Fisher, IL
Thanks for the input. I'll keep trying to find the leak and fix the current brakes then. I can always upgrade later if needed.
I have no interior currently so I should be able to spot a master cylinder leak.
Can I lose pedal feel without losing fluid?
I have no interior currently so I should be able to spot a master cylinder leak.
Can I lose pedal feel without losing fluid?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,027
I would look at the master.