Disc brake conversion kit

[andy pilsworth]

Hi Guys..
I have decided to put front disc on my 63 vette.. I usually get my parts through ZIP however they no longer stock them. Has anyone got the kit elsewhere with good sucess??

[Joe L.]

Re: Disc brake conversion kit

Andy------

I don't recommend this change. However, for a kit you can try Stainless Steel Brakes of Clarence, NY (www.stainlesssteelbrakes.com) or Master Power Brakes. Both manufacture high quality kits and parts for disc brake conversions. If neither one have the kit for your car, then no one likely does. In that case, consider yourself fortunate.

[Dave Suesz]

Either of the above...

mentioned companies has what you need, both offer fine quality products. However, unless you are racing the car (or driving the **** out of it) the only change you will notice is the brakes are harder, requiring more pedal effort, due to the high pressure required by disc brakes. You'd save a ton of cash by putting a power booster on your very good drum brakes, and end up with a real nice set of brakes.

[andy pilsworth]

Re: Either of the above...

Actually we are going to be racing the car in Mexico at the La Carrera Panamerica. Thats why I think certain brake upgrades might be prudent. The thought of flying off a cliff at 70 mph... oh no

[Eugene B.]

Re: VBP

Andy,
For full out racing applications, check VBP in St. Petersburg, FL. They specialize in Corvette products for high performance applications.

On page 39 of their 2002 catalogue, they have the complete Front Disc Conversion Kit for 1963-1964. Website address: VBandP.com

Good luck and safe racing.

Regards,
Gene

[Ed Jennings]

Re: Either of the above...

If you're actually going racing, you'd be better off to go with a complete 65-82 4 wheel disc system with a 67 up dual MC.

[mike cobine]

Check previous threads about disc brakes

We went over this about two weeks ago. Check for the information there. Basically:

1. '63 frames are straight and not indented to clear rear calipers so you may have interference
2. rear suspension stop as to be relocated inward for disc brakes
3. front only disc brakes are more headaches than you can imagine
4. questionable if any benefit to front only disc brakes
5. change to better shoe material if you want to use the drum brakes in high performance applications
6. metallic, semi-matallic, carbon-kevlar, and other high performance compounds are available, just not at Pep Boys and such

And not included but good advice - racing is racing and high performance street use is not. As such, the goals of the brakes are very different. Be sure you go with a proven racing technique and not simply the latest fad from some car magazine. since this is a long distance over-the-road event, you should discuss your needs with people who have done such racing as it will differ from circuit track racing.

[Duke W.]

Re: Either of the above...

Designing disk/drum systems is very tricky since you have a linear behaving front brake and a due-servo rear brake. For sure you are going to need a proportioning valve for the rear and careful selection of lining materials.

Few amateur enthusiasts have the skill to engineer a brake system, and I question whether aftermarket bolt on front disk brake kits are properly engineered.

I think your best choices are to completely install a C2 four-wheel disk brake system, or go with the OE drum brakes with a modern high performance lining, and with either choice, an adjustable rear proportional proportioning valve. Actual front/rear proportioning is a function of tire choice and track adhesion conditions, and most race cars have prop. valves to tune the brake system to specific track conditions. As traction increases you need to reduce rear bias to avoid lockup because the greater the deceleration potential, the more weight is tranferred to the front.

Also, be sure to so some requisite testing and start with a conservative bias set up. Locking the fronts is a lot safer because the car will tend to go straight and they can usually be unlocked with some pedal force modulation. Locking the rears often results in a spin before you can unlock the brakes and apply steering correction to reduce the yaw rate.

Talk to Carbotech Engineering about linings for the drum system. The proprieter is an experienced J-65 (metallic brakes) veteran and understands the drum brake system very well.

http://www.carbotecheng.com

Duke