There is no denying the thrill that comes with driving a muscle car. However, muscle cars were created in a different era, and their braking systems are simply not on the same level as modern cars. As car enthusiasts, we always strive to improve the performance of our beloved machines. Upgrading your muscle car with a modern disk brake system is a wise and much-needed decision. Disk brake conversions not only enhance performance and safety but also increase the overall value of your car. In this blog, we will walk you through seven crucial things that you need to know about disk brake conversion for muscle cars.
Understand the Differences Between Drum and Disk Brakes
Before proceeding with a disk brake conversion, it’s important to understand the differences between drum and disk brakes. Drum brakes are composed of internal parts that expand when you push the brake pedal. On the other hand, disk brakes have a caliper that clamps onto a rotor to produce friction and provide better stopping performance for the car. Additionally, disk brake systems dissipate heat better than drum brakes, which reduces the risk of brake failure from overheating. Lastly, disk brakes offer better resistance to wear and tear, increasing the overall lifespan of your brakes.
Choose the Right Conversion Kit for Your Car
Several aftermarket companies offer different brake conversion kits, like an auto front disc brake conversion kit, for classic muscle cars. It’s important to choose a kit that is specifically designed for your car model and year. Before purchasing a kit, ensure that it includes all the necessary parts, including rotors, calipers, mounting brackets, brake hoses, and hardware. Choosing the right kit will ensure proper fitment and optimal brake performance.
Consider Your Wheels and Tires
Another important factor to consider before doing a disk brake conversion is your wheel and tire setup. Some disk brake kits require larger diameter wheels to fit over the rotor and caliper. It’s also important to ensure that your tire width isn’t too wide for the caliper clearance. Be sure to check the kit’s wheel and tire compatibility before making a purchase.
Check for Compatibility with Your Master Cylinder and Proportioning Valve
If you’re doing a disk brake conversion on the front wheels only, your current master cylinder and proportioning valve may still work. However, if you’re converting all four wheels to disk brakes, you’ll need to ensure that your master cylinder has enough volume and pressure to accommodate the new brakes. You may also need to upgrade your proportioning valve to ensure proper brake bias.
Install the Conversion Kit Properly
When performing a disk brake conversion, it’s important to follow the instructions closely and ensure proper installation. A professional mechanic can also help with the installation if you’re unsure about performing the work yourself. Proper installation will ensure optimal brake performance and safety.
Bleed the Brakes Properly
After installing the disk brake conversion kit, it’s important to bleed the brakes properly to remove any air bubbles. Air in the brake lines can cause decreased brake performance and severe safety issues. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for bleeding the brakes.
Test the Brakes
After completing the conversion and bleeding the brakes, be sure to test the brakes before taking your car on the road. Find an empty parking lot or a quiet street to test your new brakes’ performance and get used to the improved stopping power.
A disk brake conversion is a worthwhile upgrade for classic muscle cars, enhancing performance and safety on the road. By understanding the differences between drum and disk brakes, choosing the right conversion kit, considering your wheel and tire setup, checking compatibility with your master cylinder and proportioning valve, installing the kit properly, bleeding the brakes, and testing the brakes, you can ensure optimal brake performance and enjoy the improved driving experience. Convert your muscle car to disk brakes and feel confident in your stopping power!
