Muscle Car Brake Upgrades: How to Design, Select and Install

by Bobby Kimbrough

Overview

Details how to select, install, and calibrate high-performance aftermarket brake systems specifically for your classic muscle car.

Other brake system books cover all cars and all applications, but this book is dedicated to muscle cars only! With this volume, you can follow detailed, thorough, step-by-step procedures to install systems on a variety of popular muscle cars from Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors. As a result, you will have a car with brakes on par with the handling and horsepower of modified cars today.

Many 1960s and 1970s muscle cars still carry the outdated and rudimentary OEM drum or underpowered stock disc/drum brake systems. These hinder handling agility and stopping performance, and they are a subpar safety system. Muscle cars are meant to be driven aggressively, and the brake system needs to match the performance of the drivetrain.

The fundamentals of system design, operation, and component function are clearly explained so you understand all principles, equipment, and available kits. With this knowledge, you can select the best brake system for your car and application. However, selecting the right equipment is just the first step. This book delivers detailed step-by-step instructions and photos so you can confidently install an aftermarket high-performance brake system, such as a kit from Wilwood, Baer, CCP, and others on a variety of muscle cars. Covered are aftermarket brake conversions for factory size 14- to 15-inch wheels as well as installs for 16- to 20-inch wheels. You are shown how to select individual components and install master cylinders, steel-braided brake lines, calipers, rotors, and proportioning valves. Whether you're driving a high-performance street, Pro Touring, autocross, drag racing, or road racing car, these brake system installs dramatically increase performance and safety.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781613255728
Publisher:	CarTech Inc.
Publication date:	10/03/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	71 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

As a senior technical editor at Chevy Hardcore online, Bobby Kimbrough is an authority on Chevy and other muscle cars. Kimbrough proudly served as a helicopter mechanic in the Marine Corps, race car mechanic and builder, and currently serves as editor-in-chief of Street Rod Authority. His strong technical background gives him insight into the comprehensive nuts-and-bolts of the subject.

Table of Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1: The Evolution of Muscle Cars and Brakes

A Brief History of Muscle Cars

Theory of Braking Systems

Stability, Steering, and Stopping Distance

Engineering Details of Braking Performance

Force Conversions

How Upgrades Affect Vehicle Performance

Modern Braking Performance Versus High Performance

Chapter 2: Components and Their Functions

Brake Pedal and Assembly

Brake Fluid and Hydraulics

Master Cylinder

Power Assist

Brake Lines

Brake Valves

Residual Valves

Types of Automotive Hydraulic Brakes

Drum Brakes

Disc Brakes

Brake Lining Materials

Parking Brake

Brake Light Switches

Chapter 3: General Brake Upgrade Overview

OEM Conversions

Aftermarket Conversions

Wheel Fit and Tires

Caliper Types

Brake Rotor Choices

Application Selection

Power or Manual Brakes

Creating Braking Force with Calipers and Master Cylinders

Research

The Final Selection

Chapter 4: GM Brake Conversion: Budget-Friendly Upgrade

Beat the Drums

Discs

Rotors

Calipers

Brake Pads

Rear Disc Upgrades

Rear Brake Install

Front Brake Install

Chapter 5: Ford Disc Brake Conversion: Street/Strip Upgrade

Vehicle Interchanges/Crossovers

Grenada Front Brake Swap on Mustang

Ford Disc Brake Calipers

OEM-Style Front Rotors

OEM Master Cylinders, Power Units, Proportioning Valves

Aftermarket Conversions

High-Performance 1968 Ford Torino Big Brake Upgrade

Rear Axle Brake Kit

Chapter 6: Mopar Brake Conversion: Pro Touring Upgrade

Chrysler’s Muscle Car Brake Systems

The Baer Brakes Upgrade

The Rear Brake System

Don’t Forget the Master Cylinder

Chapter 7: Picking a System and Getting It Done

Deciding on Your Brake System

Research Options

Developing and Executing a Build Strategy

Routine After-Assembly Test

Breaking in the Brake Pads and Rotors

Post Bedding-In Inspection

The Last Word

Source Guide