Looking for recomondations for disk brake conversion kits

[ottawamerc]

Hi Guys

One of this winters projects is to install a new disk brake kit on my 71 Charger. I know many of you have already done this conversion so I was wondering what your recommendations are for the brake kits? My car has a 9 1/4 diff and manual brakes now with a stock disk setup on the front. This combo is pretty poor at best

Thanks in advance

Scott

[Sublime/Sixpack]

Are you sure you don't want to work with the set up you have now? I ask because the stock power discs (front) and drum (rear) on my 1970 Charger work very well!

[Pete in NH]

I have to agree with Sublime/Sixpack, My 71's factory power front disc/ rear drum combination have always been an excellent braking system. The Kelsey Hayes floating caliper discs have always been trouble free. I'm not sure I could ask for anything better.

[2Luke2]

Scott, keep us updated what you end up going with. We are trying to pick a larger diameter front wheel/rim so we can run a 6 piston caliper. We are looking at Wilwood, but also looked at Baer and one other I can't recall atm.

[ottawamerc]

I guess one of my braking issues are that it has manual brakes, I agree that the factory system work well for street cars but I was thinking that since I was going to upgrade my brakes to power I might as well do the rest. Maybe I'm wrong

Scott

[Troy]

I had a 73 Barracuda with factory power discs and it stopped very well. Same with my 70 Mach 1. My 68 R/T with the 11" drums all around would stop - but never felt as consistent or inspired any confidence like the two disc brake cars. All my other (drivable) cars have had 10" drums and I swore I'd never drive another on the street with them. I've not tried manual brakes yet. If you plan on anything more than normal street driving (blasting down back roads, track days, etc.) or if you just need lighter components for race purposes then I'd upgrade. Otherwise I think you are fine.

I have both Dr Diff kits (front and rear) for one of my Chargers. It uses Ford parts (14" 4 piston Mustang front and 12" Explorer rear) and will require bigger wheels. I am happy with everything but haven't yet driven the car. It's probably overkill for what I need but still not big enough for hard racing.

Troy

[maxwellwedge]

I guess one of my braking issues are that it has manual brakes, I agree that the factory system work well for street cars but I was thinking that since I was going to upgrade my brakes to power I might as well do the rest. Maybe I'm wrong

Scott

You had to have power brakes to have disc's in '71. Not sure why you have manual disc's.

http://www.hamtramck-historical.com/images/dealerships/DealershipDataBook/1971/71_Charger0018.jpg

[ACUDANUT]

I have a complete set up for a 71-74 B-body.  (front disk brakes) In live in Kansas though. You might find another set up, closer to you. I think the whole package would weight 70LBS. 

[ottawamerc]

I have a complete set up for a 71-74 B-body.  (front disk brakes) In live in Kansas though. You might find another set up, closer to you. I think the whole package would weight 70LBS. 

I guess what I'm looking for is the brake booster setup?

I guess one of my braking issues are that it has manual brakes, I agree that the factory system work well for street cars but I was thinking that since I was going to upgrade my brakes to power I might as well do the rest. Maybe I'm wrong

Scott

You had to have power brakes to have disc's in '71. Not sure why you have manual disc's.

http://www.hamtramck-historical.com/images/dealerships/DealershipDataBook/1971/71_Charger0018.jpg

Thanks Max I guess along the way the front disks were installed or the manual brakes were installed

Scott

[The Mopar Kid]

You can get a Bendix brake booster /master cylinder kit from AutoZone here for 150.00!! It actually looks pretty close!

[maxwellwedge]

I have a complete set up for a 71-74 B-body.  (front disk brakes) In live in Kansas though. You might find another set up, closer to you. I think the whole package would weight 70LBS. 

I guess what I'm looking for is the brake booster setup?

I guess one of my braking issues are that it has manual brakes, I agree that the factory system work well for street cars but I was thinking that since I was going to upgrade my brakes to power I might as well do the rest. Maybe I'm wrong

Scott

You had to have power brakes to have disc's in '71. Not sure why you have manual disc's.

http://www.hamtramck-historical.com/images/dealerships/DealershipDataBook/1971/71_Charger0018.jpg

Thanks Max I guess along the way the front disks were installed or the manual brakes were installed

Scott

Yes - It would explain why the brakes don't work well for you. Check to see what kind of valves etc. you have after the m/cylinder.

[ACUDANUT]

You can get a Bendix brake booster /master cylinder kit from AutoZone here for 150.00!! It actually looks pretty close!

You might have a core charge, and I THINK you might need a different combination valve ?