Front Disc Conversion
 

Trying to decide on what to use for a front power disc brake conversion on a 1966 Chevelle. I have enough original GM parts (from later 60's GM) hanging around to restore and do the conversion. Or take the easy way out a buy an aftermarket kit. If I get a kit I have no idea what brand to use, fearing most of the aftermarket stuff is cheap junk? Any suggestions? Thanks

I'm a fan of using restored original pieces. Mike Gibbons can give you some ideas on what might be the best for your conversion.....Joe

You can’t go wrong using genuine GM parts. 2 or 4 piston caliper conversion?

I have '69 single piston calipers and rotors on my '66 Chevelle. I altered the spindles per some instructions on Team Chevelle 12 years ago and don't recall what that entailed. They may have been from a '67 4 piston application to begin with and I only drilled out the bolt holes in my original steering arms... :dunno:
I bought a correct appearing 1967 master and hold off valve/bracket from In-Line Tube and a correct 9" booster with the pre-bent lines. It all looks like it came that way from the factory. If you have all these parts from original cars, use them.
I purchased a kit from CPP first and gave most of it away, as it looked cheap and the CPP cast into the master wasn't going on my car. I think I used the backing plates and maybe the rotors...:grin:

Mitch is on a roll with good advise this morning!! :beers:

I too recommend using single piston calipers.

OK. Thanks for the input. I am pretty much all set with good GM parts and was planning on using the single piston calipers as the 4 piston limit wheel choices due to the size of the calipers. One last question. I have a restored 9" booster done by Mike G ready to go. Have been toying with the idea of using an 11" 67 up style which I would have to buy. Would the 11" perform any better than the 9"? as I am concerned with having enough vacuum? Or just stick with the 9"? I also have good 2 piece rotors that I was going to use which I believe will work with the single piston calipers but not sure about that? Thanks again!

When I first bought the parts from In-Line, I ordered the '67 booster as well, not knowing the '66 should have a 9". I drove the car with that booster for a few years until I swapped it for a correct 9". Never noticed a difference, but it certainly looks better under the hood..:cool2:

Bill. Either booster will work fine.

On my 68 El Camino (since sold) I did the Cheap Big Brake Conversion as described on David Pozzi's site: here: https://www.pozziracing.com/cheap_big_brakes.htm

He called it "theory", but I can attest it works GREAT. My trailer brakes failed one day and I had no trouble stopping even with a 5000 pound load!!!!

Corvete C3 rotors, Truck calipers; all GM parts. I used a factory master and booster from another 68.

I did a write up on Team Chevelle (may have also posted on Camaros.net) with all the GM part numbers. You re-use the drum brake spindles with mods.

Let me know if you want a link to the article. I am sure I can track it down.

Bill, I don’t believe there’s any issue with caliper clearance for any disc brake application. Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t believe a 69 single piston or later disc brake wheel will have any issue clearing a 4 piston.