Quick basic question regarding GS Brake upgrade
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: Stafford VA
Quick basic question regarding GS Brake upgrade
Hi all.
Well after a bit of coaxing and alot of advice from Bogus, I am going to start doing some of my own work on my ride. One of my projects is the GS brake upgrade (this is on a 95 coupe). My other project is doing the plugs and wires, but I am looking at that more as a right of passage
My question is what tools will I need to do this upgrade? I would assume flare wrenches will be needed, but looking through my Helms manual I am not seeing a list of tools needed.
While I have the helms manuals here I am open to any tips or tricks any of ya all may have on this project. Havent done any auto type work in 16 years so I am all
Thanks!
Well after a bit of coaxing and alot of advice from Bogus, I am going to start doing some of my own work on my ride. One of my projects is the GS brake upgrade (this is on a 95 coupe). My other project is doing the plugs and wires, but I am looking at that more as a right of passage
My question is what tools will I need to do this upgrade? I would assume flare wrenches will be needed, but looking through my Helms manual I am not seeing a list of tools needed.
While I have the helms manuals here I am open to any tips or tricks any of ya all may have on this project. Havent done any auto type work in 16 years so I am all
Thanks!
Racer
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
Brake upgrade
Nothing special. Just a normal line wrench and a screw driver to remove the circlip on the guide rod. The project is a direct bolt-in.
All you have to do is remove the circlip from the guide rod and pull the rod out and the brake line from the caliper (use a line wrench for this you don't want to strip the line nut). Assemble in reverse order with the new calipers, bleed the brakes and you should be ready to go.
Test the brakes by pressing the peddel a few times before you actually drive the car.
All you have to do is remove the circlip from the guide rod and pull the rod out and the brake line from the caliper (use a line wrench for this you don't want to strip the line nut). Assemble in reverse order with the new calipers, bleed the brakes and you should be ready to go.
Test the brakes by pressing the peddel a few times before you actually drive the car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,424
Likes: 1
From: Tucson Az
St. Jude Contributor
Originally Posted by mik
Nothing special. Just a normal line wrench and a screw driver to remove the circlip on the guide rod. The project is a direct bolt-in.
All you have to do is remove the circlip from the guide rod and pull the rod out and the brake line from the caliper (use a line wrench for this you don't want to strip the line nut). Assemble in reverse order with the new calipers, bleed the brakes and you should be ready to go.
Test the brakes by pressing the peddel a few times before you actually drive the car.
All you have to do is remove the circlip from the guide rod and pull the rod out and the brake line from the caliper (use a line wrench for this you don't want to strip the line nut). Assemble in reverse order with the new calipers, bleed the brakes and you should be ready to go.
Test the brakes by pressing the peddel a few times before you actually drive the car.
Do you have a good floor jack and some jack stands? Harbor frieght has them on sale (stands only) from time to time. I wouldn't trust a jack from them though. Spend the $$ for a good floor jack and then get used to it so it doesn't suprise you!!!
Good luck...
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
I'm no GS expert but I recall seeing something in a thread yesterday that said a Motor Trend test quoted the GS stopping one foot shorter than a standard C4 in a 100 (120?)to 0 brake test.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
The GS caliper will do that stop 2 or 3 times, whereas the stock caliper more then likely won't. They are both prone to spreading, due to miserably poor heat releasing properties, but sure does look good!
Oh, 1995 was the first year for J55 standard, so all you should need is the calipers.
Oh, 1995 was the first year for J55 standard, so all you should need is the calipers.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 9
From: VA
Originally Posted by cuisinartvette
I'm no GS expert but I recall seeing something in a thread yesterday that said a Motor Trend test quoted the GS stopping one foot shorter than a standard C4 in a 100 (120?)to 0 brake test.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: Stafford VA
In regards to the jack, I was all set to get one from Harbor but Bogus convinced me otherwise. I will get myself a nice one... though probably not as nice as the one Andy has. I hear you could jack a house up with it!
So Bogus, to do the upgrade I just need the Calipers huh? Its just a straight 13" to 13"? Heck thats great seeing how I was going to buy what I guess would be several uneeded parts.
Now to call Chris May at Superior and get this project rollin!
Steve, I am far from an expert on these things so perhaps yes this is only a cosmetic thing like you say. However, aside from the GS having a nice look this is going to be a great basic project for me to cut my chops on so to speak. For years been taking my cars to shops... would sorta like to learn to do this stuff myself and this along with the plug and wire changes seems like a good learning experience
So Bogus, to do the upgrade I just need the Calipers huh? Its just a straight 13" to 13"? Heck thats great seeing how I was going to buy what I guess would be several uneeded parts.
Now to call Chris May at Superior and get this project rollin!
Steve, I am far from an expert on these things so perhaps yes this is only a cosmetic thing like you say. However, aside from the GS having a nice look this is going to be a great basic project for me to cut my chops on so to speak. For years been taking my cars to shops... would sorta like to learn to do this stuff myself and this along with the plug and wire changes seems like a good learning experience
Last edited by Larzus; Jul 16, 2005 at 05:12 PM. Reason: added comment
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
I don't mean to hi jack this thread, but, on my 92, would the GS brake upgrade be just replacing the calipers and rotors (12 to 13")? How about the rear? Is it an upgrade too? Would I lose my emergency brake like the C5 upgrade?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 322
Likes: 1
From: Los Gatos, CA
GS brakes (aka pbr calipers with stock 13 in rotors) aren't really much of a benefit for a street car. If you road race your car then better calipers, thicker rotors and a good air supply to the rotors will help brake fade.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 9
From: VA
Originally Posted by Strick
I don't mean to hi jack this thread, but, on my 92, would the GS brake upgrade be just replacing the calipers and rotors (12 to 13")?
How about the rear? Is it an upgrade too?
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 9
From: VA
Originally Posted by 2manyfuncars
GS brakes (aka pbr calipers with stock 13 in rotors)