Classic Chevy Disc Brakes - Brake Kit Installation

The CPP caliper bracket installs between the metal spacer ring and the axle. The caliper bracket was sandwiched between our axle assembly before attempting to install the assembly. Once the axle is installed and all bolt holes are lined up, the caliper bracket mounting bolts were torqued to 50 ft-lbs.
The CPP caliper bracket installs between the metal spacer ring and the axle. The caliper b
Before installing the rotor, the boss that sticks out from the face of the axle was cleaned up so the rotor could easily slip on. We pre-installed the brake pads on our caliper, slid it over the rotor, lined up the holes, and bolted it up. This photo shows one of the most common mistakes with this kit-installing the caliper on the wrong side.
Before installing the rotor, the boss that sticks out from the face of the axle was cleane
With the major work out of the way (and the calipers on the correct sides), it was time for the final details. The CPP kit includes mounting tabs for the rubber brake lines. For our installation we welded the tabs in place, but you can choose to bolt them in.
With the major work out of the way (and the calipers on the correct sides), it was time fo

For a clean installation, Chris installed the optional hard brake line kit. With all the pre-bending done for us, the installation was very straightforward, resulting in a perfect fit.
For a clean installation, Chris installed the optional hard brake line kit. With all the p
Having all new brake hardware made installing the new rubber brake lines a snap. To be sure that the emergency brake cables were long enough (or short enough), they were test fit on the car. We determined that the cables were the lengths necessary to operate properly, so we installed them, starting at the caliper side and working our way towards the front.
Having all new brake hardware made installing the new rubber brake lines a snap. To be sur
To finish off the package, a CPP booster with a Corvette master cylinder was installed. This was a simple installation, requiring the removal of the old brake booster, brake-lines, and proportioning valve. The CPP booster comes ready to mount with the proportioning valve mounted and brake warning light switch installed.
To finish off the package, a CPP booster with a Corvette master cylinder was installed. Th

Eye-Poppin' Stoppin
A seat-of-the-pants comparison between drum brake and disc brake stopping power

When we completed Chris Basset's disc brake conversion, no conclusions in the stopping power department could be made because the wagon was in the process of a major restoration. I took it amongst myself to test two different cars: one having drum brakes at all four corners, and one with four-wheel discs. The ride I will never forget was in my friend Dave "Riff-Raff" Miller's '68 big-block Camaro (equipped with four-wheel drum brakes). When I put my foot in the car to do a full-throttle pass, I have to say it was quite thrilling, but little did I know my thrills were just about to begin! After taking my foot out of the throttle, I went for the brake pedal (expecting it to stop like a Corvette, I guess) and to my surprise the car pulled to the left without seeming to slow down. I let out of the brakes and tried again; this time I darted to the right, but at least I was slowing down. After catching my breath and finally slowing the Camaro down, I didn't think I was ready to do another braking evaluation (I did anyway). The next test subject was a '69 big-block Camaro that belongs to another "friend" of mine. The major difference is that this Camaro had the Classic Performance Products disc brake kit installed at all four-corners, CPP's power brake booster kit, braided-steel brake lines, and cross-drilled/gas-slotted rotors. While this car wasn't quite as powerful as Dave's Camaro, it could accelerate hard enough to paste you to the seat. While accelerating, all I could keep thinking about was stopping. To my surprise the Camaro responded by slowing me down without the side-to-side pulling or brake fade that the drum-brake Camaro exhibited. The brake pedal felt firm and stayed high as I slowed the car down. In conclusion, I don't have any percentage statistics in braking or 60-zero mph times, but I can give you my personal opinion: Always consider a disc brake conversion when upgrading horsepower. The new "complete conversion kits" are readily available for most classics, easy to install, and within the budget of most "cruisers."