Brake upgrade dilemma

[Thedeputy]

Hi guys,

I would like to upgrade the braking system on my 66 coronet 2dr sedan. Because of the power of the 440 and four speed I don't feel confident driving it with the stock 10" drums and single MC.

I have a few options of which I would like to choose the best (reliability, driveability, safety and stopping power).
First I have a complete front disc brake kit from a 72 b-body with spindles, 10,75" rotors and pin type calipers.
The second kit I have is the big brake disc brake kit from a 78 cordoba, including the taller f,m,j-body spindle 11,75" rotors and pin type calipers.
I also have choice between 10" rear drums and 11" rear drums. so partswise there are no limits.

Now to make the right decision.
1, use the smaller disc brake kit with the geometry correct spindles.
2, use the big brake disc brakes with the 'incorrect' taller spindles
3, use the correct spindle with an inner bearing spacer to install the bigger rotors

And also which rear drums? 10" or 11"?
Another thing to mention is that I plan to drive it without brake assist.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Antoon

 

[Rick62]

Hi guys,

I would like to upgrade the braking system on my 66 coronet 2dr sedan. Because of the power of the 440 and four speed I don't feel confident driving it with the stock 10" drums and single MC.

I have a few options of which I would like to choose the best (reliability, driveability, safety and stopping power).
First I have a complete front disc brake kit from a 72 b-body with spindles, 10,75" rotors and pin type calipers.
The second kit I have is the big brake disc brake kit from a 78 cordoba, including the taller f,m,j-body spindle 11,75" rotors and pin type calipers.
I also have choice between 10" rear drums and 11" rear drums. so partswise there are no limits.

Now to make the right decision.
1, use the smaller disc brake kit with the geometry correct spindles.
2, use the big brake disc brakes with the 'incorrect' taller spindles
3, use the correct spindle with an inner bearing spacer to install the bigger rotors

And also which rear drums? 10" or 11"?
Another thing to mention is that I plan to drive it without brake assist.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Antoon

The debate regarding the geometry of the F, M, J-body spindles is on-going. However those are the parts I used on my '62 and I am quite happy with the results. I don't have power assist and the peddle is pretty stiff. But if I stand on the brakes they lock up. All four wheels. I guess my opinion is without adding anti-lock if you can lock up all four that's as good as you're going to get. Perhaps if you intended to auto-cross your car you might think otherwise. When I did my car years ago the parts were readily available in every junk yard. Today maybe a kit would be more simple. I stayed with the stock 10" rear drums. But if I had access to the 11" drums at the time I probably would have used them. I'm not sure but I think if you can find the spindles the rest of the parts will be cheaper at the parts store than with the kit. The challenge will be making sure everything you use is properly matched. Master cylinder bore diameter etc.

 

[Thedeputy]

Thanks for your reply. I used a similar set-up with m-body spindles, 10,75" rotors and rear 10" drums with a 1" MC on my old valiant 2dr sedan. The pedal was not too hard and feedback was good. braking deceleration was around 7,5 m/s2.
I would like to achieve the same result with my current mopar, but being a heavier b-body with a bigger motor I feel it needs bigger brakes.
Like I said, the kits I have are complete and just need some cleaning up. In my area ther are no wrecked 73-76 a-bodies. So finding the 'correct' spindels locally is out of the question.

After reading some more I think the taller spindles are not a dramatic decision and are better than the smaller spindles with a bushing to mount the big rotors.

Any advise on which brake hoses to use with rear hung pin type slider calipers?

Thanks,

Antoon

 

[Thedeputy]

I forgot to mention that I don't plan any autocross or other type of racing. I just want a fun reliable good handeling car.

Thanks.

 

[Rick62]

If you post a parts wanted for the spindles here my guess is you'll find some. It's been a while but I think I used the same hoses that would have been used on the New Yorker I got my parts from.

 

[Thedeputy]

Thanks for the tip, but including shipping and taxes they will be around 250 euro's which is more than I paid for the full kit. I have other upgrades planned and would like to keep costs as low as possible.

 

[Rick62]

OOOOps. I missed the fact that you are not exactly local!! Sorry about that!

 

[Thedeputy]

No problem