4 wheel manual disc brakes?

[Northeast Rod Run]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Good response Tobin -- Thanks for jumping in there and adding your masterful thoughts!

I'm not "technical" enough and didn't want to get into the whole "volume" discussion... figured he'd get that info if he starts researching... I wanted to toss in "food to think about"... and you've done a great job (as usual) in discussing the various systems.

you've given me plenty more to think about, than I thought I ever would, but that's exactly why I figured I'd ask first. I hate doing something wrong, just because it was "easier" to do it another way, and I was too ignorant to listen to other's advice.

seriously though, I would have never given that much thought into going from stock power disc/drum, to manual disc/disc. I just figured a simple master and adjustable proportioning valve change would do it. all this info overload almost makes me think I want to stay with my current set-up, but I guess I have all winter to research more details before I finally make up my mind

thanks

[GregWeld]

That my friend.... is why we're all here! This is a community... with all the support systems you've ever wanted... and some you probably don't...

Seriously though --- we might have made it info overload for you - but that's why you can just keep posting questions here until you've got it all figured out.

It's all pretty simple really - and like most things - only seems complicated until you "do it" or learn about it...

And by the way -- you don't have to do $12,000 carbon fiber brakes to have "decent" braking - and you don't have to do Wilwood or Baer to be a part of Many of our cars have a real nice set of GM discs up front and they will throw you thru the front window when you hammer 'em...

[GregWeld]

One last thought -- because I just re-read your original post.

Your vacuum is low because of your cam profile... thus you probably have a "hard pedal" and feel like the effort it takes to apply the brakes isn't translating into stopping power?

So -- have you thought about installing a vacuum pump and resevoir... to help with your low vacuum condition? Are you aware of this kind of thing for your brakes? Something simple like this might be all you're looking for - and would make a world of difference.

[Northeast Rod Run]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

One last thought -- because I just re-read your original post.

Your vacuum is low because of your cam profile... thus you probably have a "hard pedal" and feel like the effort it takes to apply the brakes isn't translating into stopping power?

my pedal isn't a "hard pedal". I can't really explain it, but I guess I would say that it has always had a "dead spot" where you can feel the vacuum is missing and you have to wait for it to come back. I did install a canister when I built the car 10 years ago, because I used to have a highrise and dual quads and it really sucked then. the entire brake system was brand new stock. the car still has under 10k since it was built

back when I originally put the car together, there wasn't much aftermarket support, I didn't know anything, and I didn't have much money. now the aftermarket is great, I know enough to get myself in trouble, and I have a little bit of play money, so I think it's time to do some small upgrades, and rims, tires, brakes, and overdrive (I'm currently only getting about 8MPG on the highway) are at the top of the list

[GregWeld]

Well the pic you posted of that bb certainly looks nice!

Yes -- the cannister will "help" and will give you maybe one or two brake applications before it's drained...

Here's something that people kind of forget about the canister. If your motor only makes 14 inches of vacuum -- that is ALL the canister will be - it can't be HIGHER -- and is lower after just one application of the brakes. It will help but they're so small - they just can't smooth out the lack of vacuum.

GOOD power brakes need vacuum in the 17 inches or MORE.... of vacuum. Do you know what your vacuum is? Because that would really help you to design a solution. If you're making 12" -- there's just no way you're going to run P/B's off the motor. This is why people have gone to the (IMHO way too complicated - and UGLY) Hydroboost hydraulic systems... if they want power brakes. The vacuum pumps are noisy and slow to recover in stop and go traffic... I finally just gave up on mine and went with manual and have been so damn happy I did. I have less plumbing - less clutter under the hood.. less equipment to 'fail' etc. BUT each person has his or her own agenda and desires. I totally get that.