Real benefit to aluminum drums?

[SS/GNX]

What is the real benefit of the aluminum drums vs. the regular ones.

I know aluminum dissapates heat better, but are any guys having problems warping or damaging the regular drums?

I am sure there is some weight savings too, but its gotta be minimal.

Just trying to figure out if I should waste my time trying to hunt down a set of aluminum drums with some meat left on em, or just buy new regular ones.

Looking for some experienced opinions.

Thanks.

 

[SS/GNX]

Ohh yeah, and if I DO get aluminum drums, do I need to change the hardware at all (shoes, spring kit, anything?)

 

[LBNJWE4]

I would like to know too, i found out a long time ago soomeone swiped put my drums without telling me. I am trying to figure out if its worth replacing because I heard the aluminum warps!

 

[jdpolzin]

Main benefit is weight savings. I've run aluminum drums on every car I have had since my first and never had a warping issue.

 

[turbojd]

I would like to know too, i found out a long time ago soomeone swiped put my drums without telling me. I am trying to figure out if its worth replacing because I heard the aluminum warps!

I swapped my stock cast iron drums out for a pair of aluminum ones and mine warped, bad chatter from the back every time I braked. I bought some new cast iron ones and put em back on. Just my experience.

 

[boostingbuick]

Rotating mass. Its like putting a aluminum drive shaft on. Any rotating weight you can remove will help acceleration. Mine never warped. Now that I have rear disc they are just paper weights now. But I would rather have the stopping power of the rear disc than the weight savings of the drum.

 

[Tony Shoaff]

Aluminum Drums

I have had them crack and warp. All hardware is the same. I use cast drums just for the simple fact SAFETY. Good luck finding them also.

 

[83ttypecooled]

Hi,
Regarding aluminum drums, I don't think there is a lot of difference there. They weigh less. I have them on my car,mostly because I had the option to do so.I don't think other options are realistic. My thoughts only, yours will probably be different. Good luck with your issues.

 

[forcedfedv6]

Main benefit is weight savings. I've run aluminum drums on every car I have had since my first and never had a warping issue.

+1 never had an issue myself.

 

[LBNJWE4]

Thanks for the input guys, if I find them cheap enough I will get them, but only because we4's came with them. I am not concerned with weight.

 

[GSX-PKV]

+1 never had an issue myself.

+2 on for 20 years with no issues. I always ran better MPH than most with my old stock motor combination and I felt part of that was minimizing unsprung weight with lighter wheels, brake drums, aluminum drive shaft, etc... Paul

 

[GNVYUS 1]

You shave off 5lbs a wheel, use the stock hardware and if they have enough meat left you are fine. I would bet that most of the used drums have already been cut and are worn down, then cracking due to brake torquing etc.

 

[LBNJWE4]

Is there plans in the works for someone to start producing them again? I remember Brian Weavy mentioning it as a posibilty. If that happens I will give it a try.

 

[84BuickGNYorkPA]

My 84 came factory with the aluminum drums, after they wore out I went with regular drums. But now that I have a 87 drivetrain and race it occasionally I would buy a set for the rotating weight savings.

Chuck

 

[RTCarlin]

I have been running the aluminum drums for quite a while now. No problems with cracking or warping. I got them fairly cheap too. Off of a 89 or so S-10 pickup. I think I got my wheel cylinders off of the same truck too. They came stock with the lighter, bigger stuff. I don't remember the years we can steal from though. Anyone else remember which were the years? I'm sure it's getting harder to find these trucks too though, as they're just about as old as our cars....

---Ron

 

[rodman99999]

Weight savings add up fast! I go aluminum anywhere I can. Especially when it's "rotating mass." If you buy a set: Be certain they've not already been cut. If the liner gets too thin on these, they'll crack when you torque-brake(expecially with S-10 wheel cylinders like mine). I've owned a lot of Camaros too, most with alum. drums. Never had a problem. Remember- faster cooling means less fade!

 

[GNVYUS 1]

Here are aluminum drums that will fit our cars, from
High performance Pontiac, November 2004, page 54.

Maximum Diameter the drums can be cut is 243.5mm

80-84 Buick LeSabre
78-81 Century
78-87 Regal
81-85 Riviera
82-92 Camaro
86-89 Impala
78-81 Malibu
78-88 Monte Carlo
80-85 Olds Delta 88
78-82 Cutless
83-85 Bonneville
82-92 Firebird

 

[RTCarlin]

Seems to be missing the S-10 references... hmmm... I'm sure they will fit though. I know of many, including myself who have done it.

Good info though.

 

[GNVYUS 1]

Ya there does seem to be a few missing. I bet Turbofish knows which cars, years and options like chrome mirrors and remote trunk releases.

 

[T Spool]

Aluminum drums also have a thicker hub than the steel ones giving you a little less backspace (pushes the wheel out from the frame). I found they can sometimes be the difference of rubbing the frame with GTA fronts and not rubbing. Of course that will vary with different cars, but the point is they will act as a small spacer and save you weight at the same time. A win-win for me!