There's no question that buying a disc brake conversion kit is a worthwhile upgrade for anyone spending time with a classic car. While there are plenty of parts that you may want to keep for that vintage feel, your brakes aren't something you should leave alone. Disc brakes can offer increased performance and reliability, ultimately making your classic into a safe road car rather than just a showpiece.
However, if you've looked into these kits before, you may notice that they come with many parts. Converting from drum brakes isn't always a straightforward process, so you'll need a kit with the right components. This guide will help you understand what to look for in a conversion kit to bring your classic car up to modern safety standards.
Are Disc Brake Conversion Kits Drop-In Modifications?
The difficulty of installing a front disc brake conversion kit will depend on your vehicle and the equipment you select. A typical conversion kit will include new rotors, brake pads, calipers, wheel hubs, and the necessary mounting brackets and hardware to attach everything to your car. These basic kits utilize the stock drum brake spindle for a drop-in installation.
If you want a drop-in installation and an appropriate kit exists for your car, these options will allow you to upgrade without performing any other significant modifications. On the other hand, moving to larger, high-performance rotors or heavy-duty calipers may require more alterations. These higher-end kits typically include new spindles and may need you to replace your car's steering knuckle.
The option that's best for you will depend on your goals. Since many classic cars use 15-inch or smaller wheels, upgrading to high-performance brakes while keeping your stock wheels is often not an option. If you want to make an upgrade to higher-performance brakes, you may want to consider a higher-end kit along with upgrading to larger diameter wheels to accommodate your new rotors.
What Else Do You Need to Know About Your Conversion Kit?
Another consideration when purchasing an upgrade kit is whether you intend to upgrade your hydraulic braking system. If your car has old-style manual braking, you can usually keep this system in place while upgrading to disc brakes. While this approach will improve your braking performance, it won't reduce braking effort or alter your "pedal feel."
If you're looking to achieve a more modern braking feel along with your upgrades, you may want to choose a kit with a replacement master cylinder. This approach requires a much more involved installation, but the result is a classic car that will stop like a modern vehicle. You may want to consider this option if you feel that your vehicle requires too much braking effort.
Since there are so many options when choosing a conversion kit, it's often a good idea to discuss your specific requirements and goals with a reputable supplier. An experienced conversion kit dealer can help you select the perfect option to help you build the classic car of your dreams.
Visit an auto parts store to learn more about front disc brake conversion kits.
