Joined: Sat Dec 10 2005, 04:28PM
Location: United States
Posts: 4954
Scott
Then the AAJ and your kit are in the same catagory. AAJ uses the Z28 Calipers for with and without parking brake. And you are right, Caddy calipers are a PITA when it comes to getting them adjusted, but they do work if done right. I forget what rotors are used in the AAJ kit, seems to me they were a Dorf Rotor also.
Like yours, installation was a snap. Mine were a bit harder as I had to convert a tapered hub to studs.
Joined: Thu Oct 20 2005, 12:31PM
Location: Mountain View, CA
Posts: 40
Ok, for normal day to day driving, what is a better setup? I picked up a complete '73 C body front setup a while back. I know that rear discs aren't absolutely necessary, but I like the idea of 4 wheel discs. SSBrakes, etc are certainly nice, but are they functionally better? I'd like to keep the original 15" wheels and the car looking stock. But also have the best performing brakes without getting extremely high performance or expensive. I't's a '69 Monaco 4dr. TP
I talked to SSBrakes before I put on my 73 fronts because I was curious about the performance difference as well. All they would tell me was that their setup was dramitcally better than drums. I already knew that. But when asked specifically about the factory discs, they didn't have an answer.
I am not a brake expert, but from what I have read, I think you need to go for bigger rotors to really make a big difference over the stock pieces. Some of those kits barely fit over 17" wheels, so I would say stick with the 73's up front. Cheap, proven reliable, and you can get parts cheaply and at any parts store. I have heard a replacement rotor for some of those big name setups can cost as much as I have in my whole 73 kit.
Joined: Sat Oct 22 2005, 07:55PM
Location: ILLINOIS
Posts: 63
I AGREE GO WITH THE 73 FACTORY FRONT STUFF. MY OPINION STAY WITH REAR DRUMS, REAR DISC OFFER LITTLE BANG FOR THE BUCK.ADDED HASSLES, SAVE THE MONEY FOR SOME ADDED POWER MODS. OR YOU COULD GET THAT GREG OF AKRON CUSTOM MURAL OR LACE PAINT YOU ALWAYS WANTED.
Joined: Thu Oct 20 2005, 12:31PM
Location: Mountain View, CA
Posts: 40
I have been thinking of the chihuahua with the bouncing head for the rear package shelf, and some dingle balls from JC Whitney...
Actually, unless I get a huge difference with the SS kit, I'm going with the '73 setup. I've got a great AR Engineering front disc setup on my '65 Coronet 'vert. 13" rotors with Viper cailipers. Amazing difference. But it takes 17" wheels. Nothing for real size cars yet, though...
Tony, The SSBC front disk kit is both smaller DIA and thinner (rotor thickness) than the OEM 73+ setup. Obviously, any rear disk kit would be an improvement (of sorts) over rear drums. Until the NEED for rear disks is quantified, it's mostly a "want" thing, IMHO. I want them, but I sure haven't exceeded the capacity of my existing drums.
I wouldn't use the SSBC fronts on a C-body that was used in anything more than parades...
BTW, do you know Max with the copper 67 Barracuda there in Mountain View?
Joined: Mon Oct 10 2005, 10:29AM
Location: Metamora, MI 48455
Posts: 43
I fail to see why you people knock the SSBC kits when you've never used them. I have the SSBC kit on my '65 880 and have not had a single problem with it. The install was easy and the parts of excellent quality. Plus, it's new vs. old, and if I need parts, they're readily available. I had to turn the rotors after about 28000 miles for general maintenance and the rotors were still well within spec for thickness. They have been more than adequate for stops from well over 120mph and I've experienced no issues with fade, lack of stopping power, etc. A much needed improvement over the factory drums. Only complaint is that it takes a good strong leg since the discs are manual, but that will be solved when I get the power booster kit installed here in a few weeks. I urge you to not dismiss the kit right off the bat - heck, come put my car through its paces if you don't believe the kit works.
Joined: Thu Oct 20 2005, 12:31PM
Location: Mountain View, CA
Posts: 40
Not trying to knock SSBC kits, just asking for a real world comparison. As stated, either disc kit will be a vast improvement over drums. What I was specifically asking, is the SSBC kit better than the '73 C body swap, fronts only? I've spoken to the SSBC folks and have been to their place. Great folks. But in my case, I want to keep 15" wheels and get the best bang for the buck. TP