best front disc brake kit

[Al]

After a dangerous braking situation with my Charger's drum brakes last summer I decided to replace the front drums with disc brakes.  I would like to go for power front discs.

There are a lot of posts on disc brake kits and I have read most of them. However I cannot make up my mind on choosing one particular kit. Often the appreciation of some of them is quite contradictory. Because good brakes are so important, I want to make the right choice and not regret it later.

So far from what I have read here, MP Brakes seems to be a good choice. Is that correct?

Or are there other suggestions?

Any Feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Al

[Mopar Nut]

What size wheels are you using? Some disc brake kits don't work with smaller wheels.

[Al]

15 inches

[Silver R/T]

This guy used to have a kit that has brackets which just bolt onto your factory spindles (supposed to keep same height)
Pricewise it was $360 + shipping, of course it was a while ago. This is kit that I'll be ordering for my charger. It works with 15" wheels. You'll have to contact him to see if he can get you a kit for your Charger.
http://www.ebay.com/usr/mgchevyparts

[Lord Warlock]

MP makes a nice kit, based on 76 aspen single piston caliper brakes.  I bought one of them, but never installed it, chose to rebuild the stock brakes instead.  One of these days I'll box it all up and sell it off.  There seems to be quite a few companies that do brake kits these days. 

[Al]

Is there anyone who has used the MP front disc kit for more than a year and willing to share his experience?

greets
Al

[Al]

 

[Brass]

I can't weigh in on the one you're asking about but I have had my eye on the Baer Front SS4+ system:

http://www.baer.com/shop/ymm/1968/dodge2013-03-29-12-44-49614742211/charger2013-03-29-12-44-491623510322/all2013-03-29-12-44-491530536090/front2013-03-29-12-44-49507737579/stock2013-03-29-12-44-491798621522/ss42013-03-29-12-44-49686686028

[Mr. Lee]

If I can hop in on this topic, wich disc brake kitt will work for the 14x7 Vector wheels?

Thanks 

[el dub]

I have the MP disc brake setup on my car. Stops better than it did with drums by a long shot. I did put an adjustable proportioning valve in the circuit as my rear drum brakes were locking up first. lw

[NHCharger]

I bought a front disc brake kit from Fine Lines at Carlisle last year. Still haven't got my car on the road yet but I have to say their customer service has been top notch. they promptly answered any question I had during the install and shipped me out some new brake lines  when the ones that came with the kit were 4" too short.

[Mike DC]

   
As far as I know there's nothing other than the stock 1960's factory discs that clear 14" wheels.  The aftermarket & hi-po world already regards 15" wheels as ridiculously small these days.

[Mopar Nut]

If I can hop in on this topic, wich disc brake kitt will work for the 14x7 Vector wheels?

Thanks 

I have Baer disc up front with 14" wheels now, i'll look to see the model.

[Al]

I have the MP disc brake setup on my car. Stops better than it did with drums by a long shot. I did put an adjustable proportioning valve in the circuit as my rear drum brakes were locking up first. lw

Where did you install the adjustable proportioning valve? After the factory proportioning valve i.e. on the brake line to the rear Brakes?

[Bob T]

   
As far as I know there's nothing other than the stock 1960's factory discs that clear 14" wheels.  The aftermarket & hi-po world already regards 15" wheels as ridiculously small these days.

Maybe the 74 Dart? I was talking to a mate at the drags today, he upgraded his 68 440 drum Coronet a while back, I'm sure he said 74 just bolt on, didn't have any problems with the valve too , I seem to recall, it was a while ago though...

[NHCharger]

I have the MP disc brake setup on my car. Stops better than it did with drums by a long shot. I did put an adjustable proportioning valve in the circuit as my rear drum brakes were locking up first. lw

Where did you install the adjustable proportioning valve? After the factory proportioning valve i.e. on the brake line to the rear Brakes?

Yes. On the kit I got they supply you with a 12" brake line the goes from the factory prop valve to the new prop valve for the rear brakes. I bought all new SS brake lines also, cheap insurance.

[b5blue]

If I can hop in on this topic, wich disc brake kitt will work for the 14x7 Vector wheels?

Thanks 

Read through this: http://www.moparaction.com/Tech/archive/disc-main.html

[bill440rt]

I've had an MP manual front disc kit on my '68 going on 3 years now. Easy to install.
I did experience rear brake lockup at first, however the pads on the front need to be properly embedded & broken in. After a series of test panic stops (back roads, open areas here), the rears do not lock up anymore. I merely had to install a repro disc prop valve in. You can either modify the front/rear line, or get a new front/rear disc line.
Only problem I had was a pesky leak at the fitting where the hose attached to the driver's side caliper. MP swapped them twice, last caliper just had the teeniest leak. Doubling up on the copper washer did the trick. MP said they had seen this problem before, only with the driver's caliper. So, if you go this route just keep a close eye on leaks when bleeding.
Car stops MUCH better compared to the drums. I'm happy with the kit.

[Al]

I've had an MP manual front disc kit on my '68 going on 3 years now. Easy to install.
I did experience rear brake lockup at first, however the pads on the front need to be properly embedded & broken in. After a series of test panic stops (back roads, open areas here), the rears do not lock up anymore. I merely had to install a repro disc prop valve in. You can either modify the front/rear line, or get a new front/rear disc line.
Only problem I had was a pesky leak at the fitting where the hose attached to the driver's side caliper. MP swapped them twice, last caliper just had the teeniest leak. Doubling up on the copper washer did the trick. MP said they had seen this problem before, only with the driver's caliper. So, if you go this route just keep a close eye on leaks when bleeding.
Car stops MUCH better compared to the drums. I'm happy with the kit.

Do your MP Manual front discs stop significantly better than the original drum Brakes?

[bill440rt]

It is a noticeable improvement. It is on par with factory discs, as the MP kit is based on stock parts. Parts are new also, not refurbished which also appealed to me.
You'll have to run a 15" wheel. I have 15" Centerlines, and also had 14" Magnums for the car. I sold off the 14" Magnums & bought a 15" set which are on the car now.

[Al]

It is a noticeable improvement. It is on par with factory discs, as the MP kit is based on stock parts. Parts are new also, not refurbished which also appealed to me.
You'll have to run a 15" wheel. I have 15" Centerlines, and also had 14" Magnums for the car. I sold off the 14" Magnums & bought a 15" set which are on the car now.

Do manual disc brakes give enough breaking power as compared to power discs ?

[el dub]

What does your first post say?

[Al]

What does your first post say?

I initially planned to change from manual drum brakes to power discs. But Bill seems to be saying that manual discs are great too. So my thought is: maybe manual discs are enough, cheaper and no there is no need to replace the mastercylinder and install a power booster. Hence my question. In other words are power disc brakes necessary ?

[el dub]

Sorry, my fault. I wasn't reading correctly, I've got power disc brakes.

[bill440rt]

I should have been more specific as well.
The car is a manual brake car, I kept manual brakes due to the low vacuum producing cam that's in it. I also did not want to install a hydroboost, as the engine compartment is very stock appearing.
The manual disc brakes perform MUCH better than the manual drum brakes. The six-piston Wilwoods I have on my '69 with the hydroboost perform MUCH better than the manual discs, which is no surprise.
In short, yes it's an improvement. I don't mind the manual disc brakes. The car stops easily to me. I see no reason to put in a booster.
If you feel you need one, you can always install a booster. MP sells them separately.

[Al]

Sorry, my fault. I wasn't reading correctly, I've got power disc brakes.

no problem 

[Al]

I should have been more specific as well.
The car is a manual brake car, I kept manual brakes due to the low vacuum producing cam that's in it. I also did not want to install a hydroboost, as the engine compartment is very stock appearing.
The manual disc brakes perform MUCH better than the manual drum brakes. The six-piston Wilwoods I have on my '69 with the hydroboost perform MUCH better than the manual discs, which is no surprise.
In short, yes it's an improvement. I don't mind the manual disc brakes. The car stops easily to me. I see no reason to put in a booster.
If you feel you need one, you can always install a booster. MP sells them separately.

Thanks for this clear reply.

By the way, did you keep your original master cylinder when you installed the disc brakes?

Al

[bill440rt]

No, Al. You must swap the drum/drum MC for a disc/drum MC, which is supplied in the kit.

I found the thread where I did the swap, it starts on pg 2 about halfway down. 

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,84534.25.html

[Al]

No, Al. You must swap the drum/drum MC for a disc/drum MC, which is supplied in the kit.

I found the thread where I did the swap, it starts on pg 2 about halfway down. 

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,84534.25.html

Thanks for sharing 

[six-tee-nine]

What about the Dr. diff kits?

Anybody tried these yet or knows someone who has them.

[Mr. Lee]

If I can hop in on this topic, wich disc brake kitt will work for the 14x7 Vector wheels?

Thanks 

I have Baer disc up front with 14" wheels now, i'll look to see the model.

Did you perhaps look at the model already?

[Troy]

What about the Dr. diff kits?

Anybody tried these yet or knows someone who has them.

I have Dr Diff kits on the front and rear but the car isn't on the road. They are also original factory equipment - they just happen to be for Fords (2000+ Mustang Cobra front and Explorer rear).

Troy

[Skull-1]

If I can hop in on this topic, wich disc brake kitt will work for the 14x7 Vector wheels?

Thanks 

I have Baer disc up front with 14" wheels now, i'll look to see the model.

I would love to know.  I don't want to give up my stock hubcaps. 

[Mopar Nut]

If I can hop in on this topic, wich disc brake kitt will work for the 14x7 Vector wheels?

Thanks 

I have Baer disc up front with 14" wheels now, i'll look to see the model.

Did you perhaps look at the model already?

Yes, they're Baer BAE-4141046

[Skull-1]

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BAE-4141046/

So now the question is....   Can I use my existing booster and master cylinder with a proportioning valve along with this kit?

[b5blue]

Disk brakes require a larger volume of fluid than drums do. You must have the correct master.

[Skull-1]

Disk brakes require a larger volume of fluid than drums do. You must have the correct master.

Hmmmm.....   I don't suppose the right one is intuitively obvious then?   Any suggestions for use with the 14" kit above?

[b5blue]

That kit is N/A...not available. 

[Skull-1]

That kit is N/A...not available. 

Failed to note that in my excitement.   

[Mopar Nut]

That kit is N/A...not available. 

Failed to note that in my excitement.   

I checked with Baer today on that, the reason is the brake calipers is not available new. You still can buy the brackets, SS brakes lines and rotors through Baer and brake calipers through a local parts place.



 

[Al]

By the way, are MP Brakes still in business or are they closed?

I've been send them mails for 2 weeks but I get no reply.

Al

[TXcharger70]

This is the kit I just used and sourced the other parts. So far I like the kit and was easy
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Charger-R-T-66-67-68-69-70-71-72-front-disc-brake-/390264358744?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5add918758&vxp=mtr

[Skull-1]

That kit is N/A...not available. 

Failed to note that in my excitement.   

I checked with Baer today on that, the reason is the brake calipers is not available new. You still can buy the brackets, SS brakes lines and rotors through Baer and brake calipers through a local parts place.
 

Exxxxxxxxxxxxcellent.   Thanks.   

[Skull-1]

This is the kit I just used and sourced the other parts. So far I like the kit and was easy
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Charger-R-T-66-67-68-69-70-71-72-front-disc-brake-/390264358744?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5add918758&vxp=mtr

I have 14" wheels.  Dagnabit!

[Al]

Just for information:

MP brakes is either out of business or doesn't care to reply to mails send them from overseas.

If they don't even care to reply to potentiel customers, I wonder what would be their technical support if you buy their disc brake kits in a country outside the US.

Considering that such a kit is not cheap and costs quite some $, I find this attitude despicable. 

[Mopar Nut]

Just for information:

MP brakes is either out of business or doesn't care to reply to mails send them from overseas.

If they don't even care to reply to potentiel customers, I wonder what would be their technical support if you buy their disc brake kits in a country outside the US.

Considering that such a kit is not cheap and costs quite some $, I find this attitude despicable. 

[chargerboy69]

I have the front power disc brake kit from Cass (Dr. Diff).  It is absolutely fantastic. Booster, master cylinder, lines, spindles, drilled and slotted rotors, Cobra calipers and all hardware for $1050.00 shipped to my door.  A non power set up is about $650.00.

Fantastic customer service.  Many times I e-mailed him, I had a response within five minutes or pick up the phone and give him a call. I highly recommend his kits. 

http://www.doctordiff.com/

[twodko]

Bad news about MP brakes. They were always very good across the board......sad to hear.

[Al]

I have the front power disc brake kit from Cass (Dr. Diff).  It is absolutely fantastic. Booster, master cylinder, lines, spindles, drilled and slotted rotors, Cobra calipers and all hardware for $1050.00 shipped to my door.  A non power set up is about $650.00.

Fantastic customer service.  Many times I e-mailed him, I had a response within five minutes or pick up the phone and give him a call. I highly recommend his kits. 

http://www.doctordiff.com/

Thx for the link. I've sent him a mail.

[Skull-1]

Is anyone doing them for 14" wheels?   I don't want to ditch my stock setup. 

[Al]

By the way, a very good read on the subject of drum/disc swaps and other subjects as well is this book by Andy Finkbeiner:

http://www.amazon.com/B-Body-Performance-Upgrades-1962-79-Design/dp/1934709301/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1390730314&sr=1-1&keywords=b-body+performance+upgrades

There are 30 pages devoted to Mopar brake system fundamentals, brake upgrades with factory parts, aftermarket brake systems, etc.

Having been published in 2012, this book is up to date on newer stuff available today.

greets
Al

[Skull-1]

Okay I think  I am getting this one.   

http://www.doctordiff.com/10.95-front-disc-brake-kit.html

Question: What if I replaced a factory sway bar with an aftermarket?   Do I still use rear facing calipers?

[JB400]

Never mind

[Mopar Nut]

Okay I think  I am getting this one.   

http://www.doctordiff.com/10.95-front-disc-brake-kit.html

Question: What if I replaced a factory sway bar with an aftermarket?   Do I still use rear facing calipers?

I would call them to make sure on which sway bar you want to use, great bunch of people. It does state using factory sway bar "Install calipers facing the rear on '69 and older B-bodies equipped with factory sway bar".

[b5blue]

It's where the sway bar links attach, in 70 the factory moved the bracket for them inboard on the LCA's. (So 70 up sway bar is not as wide, it also is routed different.)

Okay I think  I am getting this one.   

http://www.doctordiff.com/10.95-front-disc-brake-kit.html

Question: What if I replaced a factory sway bar with an aftermarket?   Do I still use rear facing calipers?

[Dino]

Okay I think  I am getting this one.   

http://www.doctordiff.com/10.95-front-disc-brake-kit.html

Question: What if I replaced a factory sway bar with an aftermarket?   Do I still use rear facing calipers?

Yes   

[Skull-1]

Thanks.  I bottomed the car out on a concrete drainage pipe as a teenager after going part way off the road at night.    I bent the mess out of the sway bar and tore up the radiator and other stuff.   No idea how I didn't tear up more.  In any event we had to ditch that sway bar for another one (forget who made it) and they were not quite the same diameter or layout.

[Skull-1]

Never mind

Sorry.  The aftermarket sway bar I replaced my factory one with is a lot different, but I assumed not different enough to change the need for rear calipers.  Was just making sure.   I guess a true aftermarket sway bar on a car without one sits in a different spot else they wouldn't make the distinction, right?

Will call them now.  Will be glad to ditch these drums.

[Mopar Nut]

Will be glad to ditch these drums.

Me too.

[bill440rt]

Just for information:

MP brakes is either out of business or doesn't care to reply to mails send them from overseas.

If they don't even care to reply to potentiel customers, I wonder what would be their technical support if you buy their disc brake kits in a country outside the US.

Considering that such a kit is not cheap and costs quite some $, I find this attitude despicable. 

MP Brakes is in business. I'm on their mailing list, just got a newsletter email from them today. 1-888-356-7295.
My tech support/customer service experience with them was excellent, FWIW.

[2Luke2]

Anyone have any info on MPs piston sizes, it's pretty crazy they fail to mention it anywhere on their site.

[twodko]

Thanks for that info Bill. I was hoping MPB was still in the game. They make very good products.

[Skull-1]

I am working my way through this disc swap.  I am stuck on which Master Cylinder bore to use. 

1 1/32" bore iron master cylinder for solid pedal feel (+$75.00)
15/16" bore iron master cylinder for maximum line pressure (+$75.00)

I am not a fan of a super stiff pedal but it can't be worse than the one I have now.   Any thoughts?

[1974dodgecharger]

Wilwood with 18 inch rims would be my dream...then no complaining of not ale to stop, hopefully.