I did a search but the results and opinions are inconclusive. :(

Which is the better method for converting a 10/12 bolt to rear disc brakes?
I don't want to buy the complete kit thats available from vendors and online because I already have the SteelTech mounting brackets AND have a pair of LS1 style backing plates with the mini drum brake setup.
Which is the better (read...easier!) system to install?
Which over the counter parts (rotors, calipers) do I use?
Which is the easier system to be able to attach the stock A body e-brake cables to?

Bill

I got the kit from Matts Classic Bowtie's, and it worked really good for a swap from 4 wheel drum. The kit was complete, and I know that you arent looking for that, but just my .02 cents.
Brad

I know my friend used Autozone rear rotors and you can get calipers from there or you can get unstamped pbr calipers from Tobin @ Kore3 (PBR makes the vette etc calipers) and last always ebay or junkyards etc. Give 69boo307 (Brain English) a pm he had a nice setup on his 69 chevelle. I am building a c5 setup right now using GM,Kore3,and Ebay for parts. Got 85% now but I do work for a Dealership that helps!!! Brandon

I did the ls1 rear disk on my car. Swapping the brakes over was pretty easy. Pulling the axles is always a pain but nothing too bad.
The problem is that getting the emergency brake cable to work. Not sure of a simple or easy way to do that one. I made my own mounts and attached it to my old foot pedal system. Works OK thus far...

Still wondering...:confused:

Hey Bill,

I'm kind of in the same boat as you in wondering which is easier... though I don't have 2 sets of brackets... in fact Im pretty sure YOUR Steeltech brackets used to be MINE, haha.

Don't know if you have seen this post from Derek, but here's the link:

http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115940

That posting outlines all the parts you need to gather to complete the Steeltech mounting plate based swap.

Here's the exerpt for the rears:


REAR Disc Brakes for GM 10-bolt & 12-bolt


Brackets from Steeltech Solutions: .....................$89/pr +$10 shipping = $99

Again, the rest can be bought at any Parts Store (Prices & Part #s are from NAPA):

Rotors – Rear 11” rotors for ’80 Trans-Am #85774... $41.16 ea (x2) = $82.32 pr
Loaded Calipers (w/ E-brake)…...………. $127.46 ea + $66 core = $386.92 pr
– 85 Caddy Seville rear disc calipers.
Loaded Calipers (w/o E-brake)……….....$34.75 ea + $22 core = $113.50 pr
– 85 Camaro FRONT calipers. (I think I bought mine for ½ that price from Auto Zone)
Hoses – for ‘85 Camaro front……………………….$13.79 (x2) = $27.58 pr


Sub-Total w/o E-brake……………………...……….………………. $322.40
Sub-Total w/ E-brake: $595.82 -cheaper just to buy the kit from Steeltech: $499.00


Then to make everything work properly, I used:


’68 Corvette manual Master Cylinder (NAPA #101371)….…............$20.69
Power Brake booster – ’69 Chevelle (NAPA #5471105) ………….....$81.87
Wilwood adjustable proportioning valve (Summit Racing)……….......$50.00


Sub-Total:..................…………………………………………………$152.56
My Sub-Total because I used a $25 used booster from a junk-yard:..…… $95.69

The kit I got from Hinshaw's makes use of Cadillac calipers and rotors and included parking brake cables so are a direct bolt-on. They do not include backing plates but I can live with that or could make my own. I think his kit might include backing plates now anyway.

It was really an economical kit that also saves money in that you don't have to buy anything else but a new 4-wheel discs master cylinder and the rotor and caliper parts are typical GM parts that should be easy to find replacements for should the need arrise.

You can see photos of the install on my wagon page.

Thanks Russ. I was wondering where I got those brackets from. ;) And I think I bought the LS style backing plates from Joe Beyer.

Yes, I did see Derek's post...actually have it printed out and is on my desk.
Really my main question is which setup is easier to incorporate an E-brake?? :confused:

Wilwood adjustable proportioning valve (Summit Racing)……….......$50.00



You can also save another $20-$25 and buy the Speedway brand valve which is built by Wilwood but it's just painted purple and says Speedway instead of Wilwood.

Thanks Russ. I was wondering where I got those brackets from. ;) And I think I bought the LS style backing plates from Joe Beyer.

Yes, I did see Derek's post...actually have it printed out and is on my desk.
Really my main question is which setup is easier to incorporate an E-brake?? :confused:

With the Cadillac calipers and the correct e-brake cables, it is a direct bolt in using the typical Chevelle center and front cables.

Sorry, I didn't catch that you already had the brackets.

Thanks Rich.
I guess my next question is...what application is the rear E-brake cable from that is used in the kit.
Like I mentioned...I've got the brackets, I've got a new adjustable prop valve, and have an excellent connection for "over the counter" auto parts.

So my shopping list consists of:
Caddy Seville calipers
rear TA rotors
front Camaro hoses
??? cables

I'd hate to buy a complete kit. :(

Would these do the trick?

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Transmission-Mount-Emergency-Brake-Cables,7320.html

They are a recommended item for the rear calipers sold on that site that seem to be the caddy calipers?

Lunch is over... back to counting beans!

Great information guys
Thanks
:thumbsup:

KORE3 rear brake kit. 650 bucks plus they use a C6 pbr alluminum caliper.