Thoughts on 4 wheel disc brake kits

[Zach]

Howdy, with the plan of having a very hopped up 351c for the street, I estimate 500ish at the crank at least, I am considering brake upgrade options. Currently it is all stock with power front disc and rear drums in rough shape. Suspension is most likely a small stock upgrade replacement parts across the board, came with the car dissembled everything is from the 2000s brand new never used, thicker sway bar, new leafs, shocks, etc. Essentially it will not handle the best compared to a coil over conversion or such so take that into account with brakes. It also has a 4 speed and I am a fan of down shifting and coasting to slow down slowly, the brakes are mostly only used at slow speeds or in emergencies. My question is should I consider going with a 4 wheel disc brake kit, if so what are some quality kits. Or should I keep rear drum and front disc and just spend the money on quality replacement parts like new lines, rotors, master, etc, etc. I know brakes are the worst area to skimp on but I have heard conversions tend to not be worth it so I am interested to hear yall's opinions. This isn't for autocross applications or anything, purely for emergency and being able to handle the power in worst case scenarios. Thanks.

 

[Sheriff41]

4-wheel disc are nice but not really needed for most of us. The stock disc/drum combination, refreshed with quality parts and pads/linings work well. Unless, of course, you're spending a lot of speed time on the road courses.

 

[giantpune]

There's only a couple reasons I'd say go with 4 discs. Looking cool and ease of maintenance would be the main selling points. Functionally, drums on the back are fine.

 

[Cleveland Crush]

I run oversize 4 wheel disc and like them. BUT I must agree with Sheriff and giantpune, most "street/strip" applications really not needed.

 

[Hemikiller]

Factory discs and drums with performance friction materials, not parts store stuff that fades after the first stop. I'm running Hawk Street compound fronts and a set of NOS HD semi-metallic shoes in the rear drums. Porterfield makes a street compound shoe - R4S in the 152 shoe size for $100.

Hawk Performance HB646F.526 HPS Disc Brake Pad

https://porterfield-brakes.com/product/shoe152/