Brake upgrade - Need info

goaztecs · #1 (**permalink**) 05-24-2004, 04:29 PM

Hi,

I have a 1994 LA exotics, which is nearly identical to a B&B. I have rear discs from a Versailles, and front discs from a Mustang II. I do not know what the Master Cylinder is from, but it appears to be the one that came with the car, and looks pretty similar to the one in my 68 mustang. These are manual brakes. This car is pretty "textbook" and it was probably a turn-key minus, so just assume that the setup is standard.

Now my question: Is there a good BOLT ON brake kit that I can get to upgrade my brakes? Especially the tiny, puny front discs, which look like they came off of a Pinto?

Here are my two requirements: re-use the existing MC, lines, and spindles. BOLT ON rotors and calipers?

Thanks!!!

/Chris

Karl Bebout · #2 (**permalink**) 05-24-2004, 04:45 PM

TCI has a conversion kit for 11" rotors that will fit your Mustang II spindles. I got the adapter from them and then bought calipers rotors, bearings, and pads from a local parts store. They also offer the complete set up if you prefer. I went local just for the easier path if I ever need a replacement. It was an easy swap and I feel much more secure with the larger braking capacity. BTW, you can get a kit for either an 11" Granada rotor with a 4 1/2" bolt pattern, or a 10 1/2" Chevelle, if you happen to have a 4 3/4" bolt pattern. (Making the asumption that you do have five lug wheels)

goaztecs · #3 (**permalink**) 05-24-2004, 04:52 PM

Thanks Karlos,

Yes, I do have 5-lugs, but I am not sure of the bolt pattern off-hand.

You say that you "bought calipers rotors, bearings, and pads from a local parts store."

Do you mean that you bought stock items for a Grenada? Or were they aftermarket items?

Can you supply part info?

OhBuoy · #4 (**permalink**) 05-24-2004, 07:31 PM

I have bought some parts from Heidts, and they have great service. I stripped the fitting for the Banjo bolt on my caliper so had to buy new ones. I will confirm what I purchased fit, but it looks like the 83 Chevy Monte Carlo are a match.

Tom

trularin · #5 (**permalink**) 05-25-2004, 05:28 AM

I have the vesailles brakes on the rear of mine and they work fine. The pad area is good, better than the GM replacement setup most cars end up with.

Your rear rotors should be 11 1/4" and vented for rotation left and right. The fronts are usually where a bigger pad might help.

Just my $0.02

goaztecs · #6 (**permalink**) 05-25-2004, 09:50 AM

Trularin,

You're right. My rear Versailles brakes are a good, large diameter setup. They make the fronts look like somebody mounted CD's on my spindles. This is where I'm looking for an easy, bolt-on upgrade. I've rec'd some good info so far. any more ideas??

justin415 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-26-2004, 06:40 PM

Hi guys, thought I would rehash goaztecs post. As it fit's my app as well to a tee. I am visiting here from CHR, and have been reading the many 11" brake conversion articles on here. Good stuff. Still have lots off Q the more I read through and visit aftermarket conversion mfg sites.

I saw that with the 11" Grenada rotors ECI provides a pad spacer with the GM caliper. They claim no other mfg uses this and it has me a little confused about grenada rotor thickness with GM calipers off the shelf. Also some mfg claim their kit will put each hub 1/2" farther out. I am looking for some peoples experience with 11" conversions.

I too have a Versailles rear and am about to assemble my MII crossmember. I have not bought any rotors, or brakes yet as I really want to get it right the first time, or as close as possible

Cheers, Justin