Currently have 14x7 ss wheels on my 1964 chevelle (396 700-r4) with the factory single reservoir non-power master cylinder with stock four wheel drum brakes. It scares me how poorly (and slowly) it stops. I guess driving new cars for the last 20 years has spoiled me to expect better braking performance.

I plan to upgrade to front disc/drum rear. Would like to keep the 14" wheels currently on the car. If I have to change wheels it will cost me an extra $1200-$1400 for wheels and tires on top of the expected $400-$600 for the brake upgrade.

Is it possible that I could put 11" rotors/calipers in these wheels? I was looking at doing the 10.5" 1978 monte carlo brake swap using the Scarebird brackets and my drum spindles becuase they will fit in the 14" wheels. Are the 11" brakes really that much better than the 10.5". Only doing cruising, no racing.

Also not sure if I should do manual or power master cylinder. Anyone suggest a good master cylinder for manual front disc/drum rear? Would the proportioning valve be the same for manual or power master cylinder, would it be the same for 11" or 10.5" disc? I only have about 15-16 inches of vacuum on the manifold, thats why I think the manual might be better for me.

I would think the 10.5 disc upgrade would show much improvement over the 4 wheel drum, or would the improvement not be very noticeable?

I know its a lot of questions, been looking at the forums for weeks now and cannot seem to figure out what to do.

What wheels are on your car now? If they are the 69-70 style "SS" wheels, stock 69-72 Chevelle single-piston 11" discs will fit without any problems. :)

I'd avoid going with G-body rotors, as they are too small (they were too small for a G-body as well. :o ) and will fade quickly with moderate use.

Yes they are the 14" 69-70 chevelle SS wheels.

Thanks for the response, looks like I will be going 11" stock 69-72 Chevelle single-piston 11" front discs.

Got any suggestions for master cylinder/proportioning valve?