65 Belvedere - Work in Progress

[64plybelvwgn]

Hi,
I have a 65 Belvedere, with a 70 440. It was a "kind of" barn find from an elderly gentlemen ( I gotta a lot of nerve saying that since I'm 70yo myself ! ) and I am trying to straighten out some of the issues that were probably ok 15-20 years ago.
It was converted to power disc / drums with something that looks more GM than Mopar. Because the 440 has a "purple cam " of yet unknown spec, I suspect ( and will be checking ) how much vacuum I'm getting for the booster.
However the proportional valve and plumbing are a nightmare ! I was considering taking the whole setup out and going to a Wilwood manual master cylinder ( 7/8 bore ) which would negate booster vacuum issues ( I rarely if ever see power brakes on 1/4 mile cars and they seem to be able to stop with the Wilwood manual system ) , or using the existing setup, however tear out the plumbing and install a Prop valve just in the rear line and re-route the front line into a line-loc then split to the front discs.

Any and all comments and suggestions would be sincerely appeciated.

Thanks and regards, Ted

 

[Tempest 455]

That's what I have on my '65. Wilwood makes nice stuff!

 

[furyus]

What is wrong with the system that's on it? You never said. What vacuum is it pulling? You said the current setup is a nightmare. Have you checked to see if it's plumbed correctly? You said something about drag racing. Is that your goal? You should evaluate your needs, and the problems you're having before throwing money at it.

 

[64plybelvwgn]

That's what I have on my '65. Wilwood makes nice stuff!

That's what I have on my '65. Wilwood makes nice stuff!

Ok. just to clarify for me - you are running a complete Wilwood disc / drum setup or just using a Wilwood proportioning valve ?

Are you using a manual brake set up and if so, are you satisfied with the stopping power ? Or are you also using a power brake booster ?

In advance, thanks for the reply.

 

[64plybelvwgn]

What is wrong with the system that's on it? You never said. What vacuum is it pulling? You said the current setup is a nightmare. Have you checked to see if it's plumbed correctly? You said something about drag racing. Is that your goal? You should evaluate your needs, and the problems you're having before throwing money at it.

Taking a note from the " Ram Man " videos, the Master cylinder is something that appears to be aftermarket and the Prop valve is something that is pre-set and not "tuneable". When I did a power - disc / drum conversion on my previous 64 I plumbed one reservoir for the front discs and the other reservoir thru a SSBC Prop valve, then tune the prop valve so the rear brakes did not lock under heavy stopping. Tried countless time in a safe area to get desired results. Could have connected a pressure gauge, but felt comfortable with the set-up.

The present system is plumbed correctly - for what it is. Two outlets for the front discs. One outlet , thru the internal prop valve to the rear(s). As explained in the Ram Man video the prop valves are preset for something like a 75/25 split.

My comment about drag racing has to do with seeing many Wilwood systems at various drag strips , but none with a power booster. Of course they have likely worked out the bore size , etc. to the nth degree.

Haven't spent any money yet. That's why I appreciate you inputs as well as that of anyone else who would like to offer advice and their experiences.

 

[AMX364]

On the Wilwood 5/8 cylinder it is different from ALL the other sizes. Because it will have a rod already attached, it does not just pop out. Your current master cylinder looks to be a Corvette or GM unit(not that it really matters). It might be the wrong size for your use. The prop valve is a poor choice, other then it was "stock" for something, God knows what.
Pictures are from 65 Barracuda with 4 wheel disc(lighter weight car). Adapter for firewall and adapter for brake pedal needed. Wilwood valve uses spacers for Wilwood lines, I did not want spacers.

 

[64plybelvwgn]

On the Wilwood 5/8 cylinder it is different from ALL the other sizes. Because it will have a rod already attached, it does not just pop out. Your current master cylinder looks to be a Corvette or GM unit(not that it really matters). It might be the wrong size for your use. The prop valve is a poor choice, other then it was "stock" for something, God knows what.
Pictures are from 65 Barracuda with 4 wheel disc(lighter weight car). Adapter for firewall and adapter for brake pedal needed. Wilwood valve uses spacers for Wilwood lines, I did not want spacers.

View attachment 413711 View attachment 413712 View attachment 413713 View attachment 413714

Awesome ! Thank you !

 

[Tempest 455]

Ok. just to clarify for me - you are running a complete Wilwood disc / drum setup or just using a Wilwood proportioning valve ?

Are you using a manual brake set up and if so, are you satisfied with the stopping power ? Or are you also using a power brake booster ?

In advance, thanks for the reply.

Yes manual brakes. It's a Pro Street A990 clone. Wilwood 4 wheel disc, Wilwood Master and proportioning valve.