Well, my brake problem is finally fixed... It turns out, according to the brake shop, that I had a bad booster and master cylinder. The booster was a new dual 8" from Master Power Brakes. The mechanic told me that the booster is a cheap Taiwan version and the tend to fail. My master cylinder was a new rebuilt 15/16 Chevy S10 manual brake MC.

The shop that fixed my brakes is called ABS Brakes (714-771-6549), in Orange, CA. They only do brakes and steering work and they specialize in custom setups.

Here is my final setup:
Front: Corvette C4 HD J55 13" disc brakes

J55 Calipers GM PN#:
LH 12520231
RH 12520232

Front Brackets GM PN#:
LH 10181207
RH 10181208

You can get the GM Brake parts from:
http://www.superchevyperformance.com/brakes/gsbrakes.asp

You can get the Corvette Caliper adaptors from several sources. I contacted the person mentioned in this website:
Corvette Brakes on First Gen Camaro (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/12_corvette_brakes_on_fgen.htm)

I used the Performance Friction Z Rated brake pads on the front. I bought them from AutoZone and they have a lifetime warranty. I suspect that they are a little hard on the rotors but I can live with that, as long as the car stops.

Rear: 1993-97 Z28 Camaro 12" PBR disc Brakes with built-in parking brake.

Calipers Cardone PN#
RH 164540
LH 164541

Rear Brackets GM PN#:
RH 18019858
LH 18019857

The Cardone calipers come complete, except the brackets. The brackets require the removal of the rear axles. I used the pads that came with the calipers. I still have not installed the handbrake cables as I do not have them yet. I have to custom order them.

Combination Valve: disc/disc from ABS Brakes
Master Cylinder: Corvette type (all metal) 1" master
Booster: Dual 9" American Made


The car now stops great! They are a little on the touchy side but they have a very good progressive feel. I am used to BMW M3 brakes with racing pads so, I am a little picky with brakes. Overall, I am very happy with the results. I would have preferred to use the 15/16" MC and a smaller Booster but I am not about to mess with something that works...

Now, I have to figure out how to make my quick ratio steering a little heavier. It is way too light for me.

Theo.
'68 Chevelle.

not to nitpick- but i don't see ANY Cadillac parts listed..

Theo,

Glad to see you have your problem solved. I was really feeling for you when you had the problems before with that setup.

Later this spring (when it is warmed enough) I am going to tackle my 12" corvette conversion.

- John

Theo,

Can you give more details on the failure of the S10 MC? What were your symptoms? Also, what application was it for? I have a rebuilt MC for a 1988 S10 4 cyl. manual drum/drum application and I'm not happy with it. Wondering if it's not working correctly.

What year Vette MC are you using?

Where is your new booster from? Who makes it, etc?

Thanks!

awsome. that sounds like a real nice set up.

Theo - I'm jealous!!

Glad you worked out your problems. What wheels are you running on your car? Stock rallye type? I ask because I'm looking into a similar swap for the rear wheels, but I need it to fit under my 15" wheel.

Way to go!
Ryan

OK. For those who have not followed my brake problem, here is a link to the old thread:

Problem with Front Corvette & Rear Cadillac disc Brakes (http://www.chevelles.com/cgi-bin/forum/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=007020)

John, unless you have the 12" Corvette disc brake parts and you want to stick with 15" or 16" wheels, I would go with the 13" setup. The cost is the same. Check out the SuperChevyPerformance website I mentioned.

Keith, I was getting a very soft pedal with the S10 MC. The car would not stop... The ABS shop mechanic told me that they put a pressure gauge on the combination valve and I was getting very little pressure. It is my understanding that the quick-take-up MC's have a valve which tends to fail. I am not convinced that both the MC and booster were bad but I was desperate and I wanted to have brakes. Regarding the new MC and booster, I did not get the info, yet. I will though as I plan to go back to have them work on my very light power steering problem. Their phone # is 714-771-6549.

Ryan, I am using the 17" American Racing Torque Thrust II wheels. If you want to stay with 15" wheels, do the 12" conversion on the front. You might need some spacers, or grind some of the rallye wheel material on the inside. My rallyes were hitting the 12" calipers. Once you fit the parts it will be obvious what you have to do. On the rear, I never had the calipers installed with the 15" Rallye wheels but they look like they should fit. Believe me, the result is worth it!

Theo

Good to hear Theo graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Joe

Hi you should check out my site at
C5 Brake conversion (http://www.speedtech-performance.com/C5%20brakes.php)

It shows the conversion that will fit TT'2

Take care;

Todd!

Hey Todd,

The C5 conversion looks great! Unfortunately, for me, you are a month too late...

Theo.

Well that is OK Theo I just wanted you to see the part numbers and hopefully help you incase you were deciding on certain parts. Good luck on your swap.

I recently did a 67 Chevelle and it took 2 hours from start to finish to remove the drums and have the disc on.

I'm currently testing other master cylinders

Take care

Todd!

Theo
Was the brackit for the new rear brakes round or c shaped ?? in other words Did you have to remove the axles only to get the old backing plate off ?? Or to get the new brackits on also ?? I was thinking of just cutting the old backing plate off with a torch.

I had to remove the axles in order to get the old backing plate off. The new brackets were "C" shaped so they could go on with the axle in place.

If you are interested, I have the rear setup for sale. I have since switched to Corvette brakes all around. Email me directly.

Theo.