HEllo again, i'm going to be doing a overhaul on my 1978 vette and i need all of your oppinions. I will be replacing all of the bleeder valves, rotors, and calipers. I would like your oppinion on what specific brand and part/style to get. I heard stainless was the best, and i dont wanna skimp on the brakes, but i dont wanna spend a huge amount either. Thanks a lot :seeya

 

bumpy, any ideas? :flag

 

I'm very fond of the Vette Brakes products. There's a guy on here, a sponsor too, named Tony, I believe his username is VetteBrakes, or similar.
There's also VanSteel, I believe they can do as well as anybody else on their products.

Either way you go, they'll give you a great price!

hth

 

Personally i went with the Willwood Superlyte forged aluminum 4 piston calipers. They provide INSANE stoping power and are twice as light as the stock iron ones. The only problem is that you'll need an adapter bracket to fit them on. I think 427v8 makes them. and you'll need custom brake lines to fit the calipers. But i think its worth it, they look GREAT and provide the best performance. My .02 :cool:

 

You didn't say why you have to work on your brakes, so I'm assuming they don't feel right. Maybe they are making noise?

If money is a concern (isn't it always?), do yourself a favor. While it's complete and easy to replace everything at once and start fresh, you run the risk of spending a lot more than you have to, by replacing perfectly good parts. So...

You need to pull the components, first. I'd start with your calipers. Because of the age of your car, the calipers have probably already been sleeved (with stainless steel liners). You can tell by looking at them. The piston bores will be nice and shiney and you'll clearly see where the sleeve starts and the rest of the caliper ends.

Call up Vette Brakes, or go to their website, and order an O-ring kit. O-ringing your pistons will go a long way toward preventing your calipers from pumping air into the system. And this will make rotor runout less crucial. Obviously, if your rotors are shot, replace them. Otherwise, hang onto them and save youself some dough. In the very least, O-ring do your rear wheels, as it's your rears that will pump the air. Still, I suggest doing all four.

Then, assuming your pads and lines are in good shape, flush out your old brake fluid and bleed the system.

Drive your car and see how you like it. You may find that your brakes have never felt better. And, you won't have spent a ton of money. In fact, doing the above will barely scratch $50.00.

A lot better than spending $400.00+ for a brand new system. Long story short, don't replace stuff unless it's needed.

Check out my website at the link below. I have a complete walk through of the O-ring job, along with links that can help you out.

:cheers:


[Modified by joeveto, 8:37 PM 1/30/2004]

 

Thanks for the replies, but i think there is a problem with the brakes. I posted about this before and people told me that it sounded like i had a leak in the caliper. Im leaning towards this notion. While i have some money and to prevent future wear and tear, i hope to replace the whole system in order to gain life for the brakes, or maybe im wrong. Should i just replace the lipseal, cause it doesnt have orings, or should i replace the whole system?

 

The sleved calipers are the best route.
No more leaks, I trust these guys. I havent been miss lead here at all.
And Jim Shea, well he knows his stuff:)

 

actually i am sold on the VBP Oring piston calipers...
heres a link... http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=279

 

Killerbulldoggy,
Hello, Tony here from VBP. Looks like you may need our assisstence, If you have any questions or need any product information I'll be happy to help you out. We have several kits and options to choose from. I can be reached at tony@vettebrakes.com or 800-237-9991. I'm here till noon today.

Tony
VBP