looking for advice on doing a disc brake conversion on a 66 Beaumont. I. Will be getting it done by a shop so wil be looking for recommendations on a complete kit, and any problems that may occur by going that route. Will a 66 chevelle kit work with no changes , and what manufacturer is best to use? Any good ones available in Canada instead of ordering from the states? Are people generally happy with the quality and outcome of a kit conversion?
Here's the link for the disk brake conversion I chose. It was a simple bolt-on installation that didn't require any modification to my stock drum spindles.
I see that KMS sells a disk brake conversion kit for Chevelles. Price looked pretty reasonable. Haven't seen the pieces so can't speak to quality (or anything else).
They appear carry standard and 2" drop spindle versions.
Here's the link for the disk brake conversion I chose. It was a simple bolt-on installation that didn't require any modification to my stock drum spindles.
Did you use your stock master cylinder? If not, what did you install? I don't see any power master cylinder set-ups on the Wilwood site.
If you're upgrading brakes on a '66 or earlier, I would strongly recommend upgrading to a dual master cylinder. This is a bigger safety upgrade than the drum to disk conversion (in my opinion).
there are a few options-its and easy conversion to do and well worth it.If you want a stock look a single piston brake set-up from 69-72 a body cars will work great-used them lots of times.Stick with a 9" booster if possible and save your self some room in the engine bay.You will need a dual reservoir master for sure.If you don't care about a stock appearance then buy a kit with all new components and save yourself the hassle of finding good used stuff.
I received my disk brake conversion kit from KMS. (It's actually made by MBM). I am going over the instructions, preparing for installation.
The instructions state: "if you are upgrading to discs for the first time, you will need a residual pressure valve for the front, a residual pressure valve for the rear and a proportioning valve."
The kit comes with a proportioning valve. I am not sure if it is a PV2 or a PV4. I assume it's a PV2, which, as I understand it, is for a disc/drum set up (which I have). I believe the PV4 is for a disc/disc setup.
My question is: Do I need the residual pressure valves? I have read that the residual pressure valves are only required if the master cylinder is located below the brake calipers & wheel cylinders (such as when the master cylinder is installed below the floor of the vehicle). I don't see any reference to other people adding the residual pressure valves...
Is it possible that the proportioning valve is part of the residual pressure valve?
You are correct Jim, master should have the correct residual valve built in , as long as it was ordered for disc/drum application.
Before ore you bolt it on , measure the piston bore and write it down, a reference for later if you have to replace the master or have any brake pedal feel issues.
Some universal MC do not have the residual valve built in. OEM replacements do.
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later...rog
AADD supporting member !!
I'm a collector...not a builder!!Located in sunny central Saskatchewan at the lakehead!
OEM replacements do ... but a budget MC from KMS? I know the single reservoir unit has built in residual pressure valves. It's not quite as obvious by looking at the dual master cylinders.
I suspect this one does, but the instructions include the statement that residual pressure valves and proportioning valve are required. The kit comes with the combination proportioning/metering valve and diff. pressure switch, so the statement seems kind of odd.
From what I've read, the benefit of adding the residual pressure valve is small (hardly noticeable according to some). If I can find a 10 psi residual pressure valve for the rear and a 2 psi one for the front locally, I will install it. If I cannot, I think I will go ahead without. If I find I need it, I should be able to splice it in later.
It always surprises me. Thousands of 60's A-body have had front disks installed, but small details seem to be a mystery.