any cheap ways to improve braking?

[87grandnat]

I could use a little more stopping power, and would like to know if there's affordable ways to do so, thanks for any info.

p.s. I dont have anything done to my brake system now (completely stock)

 

[tim87tr]

I've installed this on two TRs

Rear brakes, Cottons sells S-10 upgraded wheel cylinders and soft rear shoes, about $100 total. Can launch at 10 to 15 psi boost off the foot brake if you want.

Front brakes I really like the Morse Ceramics from Autozone, $45, very little dust also. You can get new calipers after core trade-in for $15 each, and new front rubber brake lines for $11 each. So there's about $100 for the front end. Been a good investment for my cars.

 

[AirBuick]

I don't think you'll really stop the car adequately until you upgrade to 12" rotors. Not cheap but these cars get scary without them. There's not enough mass from the stock 10" rotors and going to vacuum beats the powerba$tard.

 

[Rickracer]

Also, if your rotors are anywhere near the minimum thickness spec, replace them

And I don't mean with the Chinese made "white box" rotors that a lot of parts store carry. Wagner or Raybestos rotors are considerably more expensive, but worth it in the long run for a performance car.

 

[Red Regal T]

Re: I've installed this on two TRs

Originally posted by tim87tr
Rear brakes, Cottons sells S-10 upgraded wheel cylinders and soft rear shoes, about $100 total. Can launch at 10 to 15 psi boost off the foot brake if you want.

Front brakes I really like the Morse Ceramics from Autozone, $45, very little dust also. You can get new calipers after core trade-in for $15 each, and new front rubber brake lines for $11 each. So there's about $100 for the front end. Been a good investment for my cars.

I agree with Tim on the above work. I bought performance brake pads for about $40 at auto zone and organic rear brake shoes. I also replaced my lines with Russell braided lines........$72 for all at Summit.

As far as 12" brakes, most guys aren't going to knock them after they spent $1000 putting them on their cars, but I have read more than once, posts referring to less than exciting results about this upgrade. IMO, good for roadracing or bragging rights, but not necessary for a street car.

 

[turbo nasty]

I have really looked into the B-body 12" brake upgrade w/parts from the salvage and new parts to make a complete system.
I have steered clear do to a drop in ride height on some setups, to much cash for other setups that maintain stock height.

I just rebuit my whole flippin' front end and have the poly control arm bushings(even base/cleared the arms black) so I do not want to tear the front end apart again.

Long story short I went with new rotors and the PG plus Raybestos brake pads and the stopping is much better and does not fade no where like before.
Is it as good as the 12" brakes, I doubt it but, the brake torque of the 12" rotors will of course reign supreme.

Budget with a performance increase ...

 

[ross87t]

Go to Autozone.

Buy the following:
Set of S-10 wheel cylinders (85 S-10 w/ manual brakes).
2 sets of rear brake shoes. (Use all four large shoes.)
1 Set of front brake pads. (Have the rotors turned if needed.)

 

[87grandnat]

thank everyone for there info, ross87t i think i will do as you say, its fast easy and cheap, thanks again.

 

[Roger]

I must agree with Red Regal T Concerning cost.
I would not upgrade to 12" brakes for bragging rights. I was unable to obtain a usuable new rotor from NAPA & the local dealer wanted $200 each. I could get them for a little less than that from GM parts direct.I went for the 12" thru Jack Cotton & they are worth the cost. The PM now has almost an inch higher pedal & the TR really stops now. I'm trying to figure a way for rear disks, but unable to justify the cost.