Disc brake upgrade/modernize

[tony-muscle]

I have been quiet for sometime doing small fixes and tuning of my '71 Mach 1. I am planing my winter upgrades so today's focus are brakes. I will eventually post my list of wants, but for now let's talk brakes.

I have read many threads about disc brake upgrades but can't decide. I have 15" wheels with OEM front disc brakes and power brakes. I would like to modernize my system - stopping is extremely important! I have read a lot about Wildwood, Cobra upgrade, SSBC, etc.

FRONT:

The Wilwood 11" looks good in paper but I have not heard good things about it in this board. Also, i would like to find a lower priced alternative.

http://autoplicity.com/products/1641647-wilwood_140_11073_d_fdl_front_kit_11_00_drilled.aspx

$770

This alternative cost less, any experience with it?

Power Slot 11.3" brakes: http://autoplicity.com/products/195228-power_slot_126_61002csr_brake_rotor_cryo_slot.aspx

SSBC Calipers: http://autoplicity.com/products/4614662-ssbc_a213_quick_change_caliper_upgrade_kits.aspx

$578

Besides hoses, would I need anything else to isntall the SSBC/Power Slot combo?

REAR DISC BRAKE CONVERSION:

This SSBC kit looks sweet, thoughts?

http://autoplicity.com/products/249709-ssbc_a111_2_standard_drum_to_disc_brake_kit_cast_iron_1_piston_calipers.aspx

$539

Would like to go for less $$$ on rear, but can't find anything else suitable.

 

[Don C]

There's really nothing wrong with the stock front disk brakes. Rebuild or replace the calipers and upgrade to slotted rotors and good quality pads.

To save money on the rear brakes you might consider using the rear brakes from Explorers that have 8.8 inch rear axles and discs. There are some threads in this forum that discus them.

 

[wwhite72]

Also a SSBC proportioning valve is cheap and quality replacement part that is well worth the time. Doesnt matter how good yer fronts are if your backs lock up early and physics takes over.

 

[tony-muscle]

There's really nothing wrong with the stock front disk brakes. Rebuild or replace the calipers and upgrade to slotted rotors and good quality pads.

Don, good point. So you suggest using the OEM calipers with new rotors. Can I use the OEM calipers with the rotors in the link? I assume the OEM brake caliper is a two piston system, right?

What about this SSBC rotors?

http://ssbrakes.com/i-10093525-rotor-turbo-slotted-stock-replacement-right-front.html

Unfortunately they don't say what diameter rotors they are, anyone knows?

Also a SSBC proportioning valve is cheap and quality replacement part that is well worth the time. Doesnt matter how good yer fronts are if your backs lock up early and physics takes over.

Yeah, that's already happening. What about this one from Ford Racing?

http://www.jegs.com/i/Ford-Racing/397/M-2328-C/10002/-1

 

[Don C]

Those SSBC rotors will work fine. NPD also sells various upgrades:

http://www.nationalpartsdepot.com/store/catalog/Mustang_Disc_Brake_Upgrade-351-1.html

They also have combination proportioning valves/distribution blocks for front/rear discs.

 

[csgt428]

There's really nothing wrong with the stock front disk brakes. Rebuild or replace the calipers and upgrade to slotted rotors and good quality pads.

To save money on the rear brakes you might consider using the rear brakes from Explorers that have 8.8 inch rear axles and discs. There are some threads in this forum that discus them.

True enough if you are not pushing them (the factory front discs), but I can tell you from experience that the stock single piston caliper (68 +)disc brakes fade rapidly (HEAT) in any kind of "spirited" driving. If you are putting aftermarket on the rear I would seriously consider doing the same to the front! I bought a complete set of 12.19" Willwoods front and back for my 68FB from Mustangs Plus. They were actually cheaper than the SSBC's.

BY the way, I had 4 wheel disc brakes already w a 78 Granada 9" rear w discs which probably would have been a good match for the stock single piston discs up front I had. (never drove it that way so don't really know) If you would like to stay all (matched, sort of ) Ford I'd do something like that. Granada was similar in weight....

Grant

PS...I have my old 9" stuff I'd get rid of.... you'd need a BIG bearing 9" (I think) for the Granada stuff to fit on it. Lots cheaper than the aftermarket stuff.. I'd sell mine for $100? plus the ride... Just took them off a couple hours ago... Hoo HA!

 

[cazsper]

I can't tell what is better or not. I spent the money for a set of Baer Brakes. I ended up using the Wilwood rear brakes due to cost. They don't match visually but they work well.

However, I have heard if a company that uses a set of '94+ cobra brakes on the older cars. I believe it's Vintage Venom. I have a set of brand new Cobra calipers I never used if you are interested in going that route.

 

[tony-muscle]

What about this option, https://www.performanceonline.com/1968-73-fod-mustang-disc-brake-conversion-kit-v-8-drum/

If I wanted to replace the master cylinder and booster the price isn't that bad when compared to the Wilwood.

The kit is meant for drum to disc conversion. Does anyone know if this kit would work if I already had disc in front?

I also wonder if the brake pedal replacement is needed if you already had a booster pump.

Another option is https://www.performanceonline.com/1968-73-FORD-MUSTANG-DISC-BRAKE-CONVERSION-KIT/

without the booster and cylinder for $530 or $610 with x-drilled & slotted rotors.

 

[tony-muscle]

True enough if you are not pushing them (the factory front discs), but I can tell you from experience that the stock single piston caliper (68 +)disc brakes fade rapidly (HEAT) in any kind of "spirited" driving. If you are putting aftermarket on the rear I would seriously consider doing the same to the front! I bought a complete set of 12.19" Willwoods front and back for my 68FB from Mustangs Plus. They were actually cheaper than the SSBC's.

Did you use the stock master cylinder and booster with the Willwood kit?

 

[csgt428]

True enough if you are not pushing them (the factory front discs), but I can tell you from experience that the stock single piston caliper (68 +)disc brakes fade rapidly (HEAT) in any kind of "spirited" driving. If you are putting aftermarket on the rear I would seriously consider doing the same to the front! I bought a complete set of 12.19" Willwoods front and back for my 68FB from Mustangs Plus. They were actually cheaper than the SSBC's.

Did you use the stock master cylinder and booster with the Willwood kit?

My car doesn't have a booster. If I leave it that way it was recommended that I use a master cyl that Mustangs Plus sells for that combo. It has a small bore... less than 1" since the smaller bore actually lessens pedal effort. I probably won't use a booster because of my cam specs. If you have a booster I'd use your stock master and just add an adjustable proportioning valve since a stock pv is set for drums in the back.

Grant

 

[tony-muscle]

My car doesn't have a booster. If I leave it that way it was recommended that I use a master cyl that Mustangs Plus sells for that combo. It has a small bore... less than 1" since the smaller bore actually lessens pedal effort. I probably won't use a booster because of my cam specs. If you have a booster I'd use your stock master and just add an adjustable proportioning valve since a stock pv is set for drums in the back.

Grant

Thanks.

 

[mustang7173]

Tony-muscle,

Here are several options to look at and ponder the best direction that fits your modernization process. As the members stated, there are lots of great threads available to help you make a good decision.

Master Power Brake

1971 Ford Mustang Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit - Legend Series $599.00

http://www.mpbrakes.com/1971-ford-mustang-rear-disc-brake-conversion-kit-legend-series?filter_name=

1971 Ford Mustang Rear Drum Brake - Legend Series $559.00

http://www.mpbrakes.com/1971-ford-mustang-rear-drum-brake-legend-series?filter_name=

SSBC

SSBC Caliper Set - Comp S Quick Change Aluminum Caliper Upgrade Kit >>> $554.99

http://ssbrakes.com/i-10093002-caliper-set-comp-s-quick-change-aluminum-caliper-upgrade-kit.html

I have a friend of mine who just installed the Master Power Legends power front disc conversion and the Big Drum kit on 1968 Mustang that had all drums. He states that it will almost make your teeth come out of your mouth due to the stopping power. Man, what a difference the upgrade kits made. The advantage of the Big Drum kit is it is a direct bolt on with no modifications.

Here is my thread of the Master Power Big Brake kit. You will see that several members suggested the Rear Disc Brakes instead of the Big Drum Kit. I tend to agree with them. My main reason behind the Big Drum kit was it's simplicity. It is a direct bolt kit, everything hooks up, adjust, bleed system and away you good.

http://www.7173mustangs.com/thread-big-ford-11-inch-brake-kit?highlight=Master+Power

mustang7173