Brake proportioning

[tblackgt350]

I just installed a new Wilwood proportioning valve; knowing that the car weighs 2900 lb and has disc fronts/drum rears, does anybody have any idea how far open the valve should be to start? I know that ideally the fronts will lock just a little quicker than the rears, but I don't have any idea where to set the thing; 1/2 way open? 3/4 way open? Any ideas?

Thanks Tim

[Ron61]

Tim,

I am not a brake expert by any stretch but since no one else has answered your post I will try to get you started. First off is your proportoning valve adjustable from the cockpit ? In other words do you have a small knob that you can turn or do you have to do it with a wrench or screwdriver ? You are correct about wanting the front brakes to have more bias. If you have a parking lot you can test in, set it whichever way it will give you a little more front bias. The papers that came with the valve should tell you which way does what. Drums don't take as much pressure as Disks so you won't need as much in the back. Set the valve and then drive the car slowly and step on the brakes to see how much front brake you have and just go from there until you get it the way you like it.

Ron

[tblackgt350]

The valve is adjustable with a knob that is easily turned, but is under the hood near the master cylinder like the original. All the paper work says is that opening increases bias and closing decreases; does increasing bias mean putting more pressure to the fronts??

Tim

[Hotfingrs]

Here's a tip to get you started. Jack the car up, all 4 wheels off the ground. Start with the valve adjustment in the middle, working towards front bias. Have someone gently push the brake pedal until you can't turn the front wheels by hand, then holding the pedal there, see if you can turn the rear wheel. If you can't then more front bias. You should be able to turn the rear wheel with the same pressure and the front wheel should not turn.....this will get you fairly close. Then just fine tune it from there.