Stainless Steel Brakes - Super Chevy Shop Tour

Once locked down, raw castings are fed into CNC mills that precisely finish each part according to the computer's directions. This automated operation ensures precise and identical parts all day, every day.

Once locked down, raw castings are fed into CNC mills that precisely finish each part acco

Also, the kits designed by Stainless Steel Brakes are extensive and include things like all-new spindles, if necessary. "We don't want anyone modifying an existing part to make ours fit," says Jonas. "When you start asking people to trim a spindle, you open the door to stress cracks and broken parts. Believe me, a spindle or brake part is not something you want to have develop of stress crack."

Although the complete design of parts by computer is relatively new, the manufacturing process on the shop floor isn't. CNC-controlled lathes and machining centers (both horizontal and vertical) cut and mill each part precisely and identically. Once an operator hits the button, the cutters cut away according to a computer program that ensures that each part machined is exactly as the last.

One aspect of the process that isn't left to computers is the inspection of each caliper. Each caliper is individually pressure-tested for leaks with helium. As helium is thinner than air and, especially, hydraulic brake fluid, a leaking caliper is going to be detected more easily and quickly with this gas.

Once out of the machine, trained workers inspect and measure each component. The machine's computer programs are easily changed to switch among the various designs offered by Stainless. The machines handle all types of metal parts used by Stainless.

Once out of the machine, trained workers inspect and measure each component. The machine's

Besides simple replacement upgrades for stock brake systems, including some nifty front-disc conversions and rear-disc brake kits for early- and musclecar-era Chevys, Stainless is quickly growing a reputation for its affordable performance brakes. Systems like the four-piston Force 10 calipers and "turbo" slotted rotors are delivering eye-popping stopping for both early- and late-model vehicles.

Innovations in cast aluminum, too, improve Stainless' products' performance by reducing the sprung weight of the car-a particularly important consideration if you're upgrading from a less-efficient drum brake system. Take the typical caliper of, say, a '70 Corvette. Stainless' Force 10 aluminum calipers are each 7.25 pounds lighter than stock cast-iron calipers. Attach them to each corner and the car has shaved 33 pounds of sprung weight. Micheal Jonas is rightfully proud of such achievements, but he knows that the brakes are usually the last area of the car where people spend money.

"Engine, wheels and tires, a paint job...," says Jonas. "The brakes are the last consideration. They shouldn't be, but we know they are. Our kits are designed for affordability because we know that if a brake system is too expensive, an enthusiast may just try to get by with what he already has. You shouldn't skimp on your car's brakes, though." Coming from a guy who can beat an anti-lock braking system to the punch, that's sound advice.

Check out what we spied while poking around the racks: Yenko-scribed calipers. Although a little mum about the customer for them, we were told this caliper is just part of a larger order that's intended for a series of Camaros and Corvettes to be modified by the company that bought the rights to the Yenko name. Stainless is making calipers to outfit more than 50 Camaros and more than 50 Corvettes. When we get more details about the cars, we'll let you know.