Opinions needed on brake options

[wsutard]

OK, just looking for opinions and thoughts on the following.
I have manual 10" drums at all 4 corners on my '69 Coronet. The current stopping situation is what I would describe as inadequate. I currently augment my braking with engine braking with the 4 speed. I have never owned an older vehicle like this so I'm not sure if this is normal or not.

My master cylinder looks old and quickly contaminates new brake fluid with what I suspect is rust particles. I can say this because I changed the fluid and bled the brakes, each time I needed to refill the clean fluid was noticeably dirty.

I am considering the following:

• Upgrading to 11" drums all around and a new master cylinder
• Upgrading to front disk with new manual master cylinder
• Upgrading to front disk with new master cylinder with a booster.

My cam has been upgraded but I don't know what my vacuum level is. For these purposes, consider it adequate to run a booster. I am getting a gauge.

I am not going to race or drag. It is a street machine that needs to handle well and stop no matter the speed.

I don't want to spend a fortune as I also need to re-do the front suspension and the Sure Grip rear end. My mechanical skills are getting better. I can get stuff done provided enough direction/instruction.

Opinions on 3, 2, 1....GO.

 

[PST]

Personally I would go with a power disc brake conversion kit hands down. The braking is far superior to drum in the front and no more brake fade. The conversion that we offer is a straight bolt in that can be done on a weekend with basic hand tools. If you are concern about vacuum. I would start by seeing what kind of vacuum your engine is producing prior to making a decision. If you have at least 12 inch pounds of vacuum at idle you should be just fine. If not you can always install a manual master.

Please let me know if you have any questions about the products that we offer.

Thanks
James From
PST Marketing
1-800-247-2288
Ext 316

 

[wsutard]

Can you describe the stopping differences between a manual master with front disk vs drum? Either way I go I think I need a new master.

 

[dla4567]

Going from 10" to 11" drums is not much of an upgrade, disc is the way to go.I personally prefer the manual front disc setup. Its not hard to operate, and gives you a better "feel" of the brakes. Plus I think it looks a little cleaner and is one less thing. Also - It was recommended to me to use silicone brake fluid since my brakes where all new. I wasn't sure about silicone and decided to stick with the dot3. Two weeks after the car was on the road some fluid leaked from under the cap and stripped the paint from the frame rail. I spent the next weekend flushing all the dot3 from the system and replaced it with silicone. No problems since, just something to consider. Good luck.

 

[wsutard]

Going from 10" to 11" drums is not much of an upgrade, disc is the way to go.I personally prefer the manual front disc setup. Its not hard to operate, and gives you a better "feel" of the brakes. Plus I think it looks a little cleaner and is one less thing. Also - It was recommended to me to use silicone brake fluid since my brakes where all new. I wasn't sure about silicone and decided to stick with the dot3. Two weeks after the car was on the road some fluid leaked from under the cap and stripped the paint from the frame rail. I spent the next weekend flushing all the dot3 from the system and replaced it with silicone. No problems since, just something to consider. Good luck.

Thanks for the input. This is the way I am leaning as I think it will provide plenty of stopping power, be the easiest install and is economical.

Wouldn't mind hearing from someone who has had both manual and power on their b-body just to confirm.

 

[rrTor-Red]

I had power drums from factory at all four corners. Upgraded the front to 11.75" discs and it's like night and day, IMOP. My engine makes 15 lbs of vacuum so no issues there. I'm sure your engine would be adequate as well if you decide to go with power. It all boils down to preference and what you as the owner wants too as far as originality. The one thing I don't like with these aftermarket power brake conversion kits is that many uses a GM booster and while usually smaller in diameter than factory. To me, the oddity of it sticks out like a fart in church .

One more thing. I replaced all of my brake lines on my car. Since I did, the first "virgin" fluid in it is DOT 5, silicone as dla4567 stated. I don't and didn't want DOT 3 or 4 to come into contact with fresh paint. It might be a little more cost wise but cheaper than paint. If you go with DOT 5, make sure you do a thorough job of bleeding the M/C and the system as a whole. Get as many air bubbles out as you can.

 

[Dennis H]

The 11" Hemi Drums on all 4 corners work great for me. I will never change them.
The difference between 10's and 11's was huge. I have owned both.
www.musclecarbrakes.com.

 

[dla4567]

The 11" Hemi Drums on all 4 corners work great for me. I will never change them.
The difference between 10's and 11's was huge. I have owned both.
www.musclecarbrakes.com.

I stand corrected, been a long time since I had a car with 10" drums. Thanks Dennis.

 

[69clone]

Obviously power disc will stop better but from a visual aspect I can't stand the booster. But that's just me. I am planning on upgrading from manual drums, which I never had a problem with to manual disc just to be safe with the idiots down here in Tennessee who like to pull out into the fast lane 20ft in front of you. Last year I was on a 4lane road in the fast lane doing 70 when a jack a.. Pulled out into my lane causing me to lock them up and had to swerve into the on coming lane.