BUILD THREAD 81 Buick/Olds Turbo Wagon 02/15/2024 More Parts!

[liquidh8]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 11/25/13

I would love to hit Detroit!.

I keep on reading through trying to compile all the info. As i have the complete spindle set-up for the front, calipers, rotors (used crap), spindles, dust shield etc. The rotors are only 10.5" Dia, but the benefit of dual pistons is there. According to a few on the MCSS, and pro-touring forums, it is an improvement over the stockers. But, I already have the C5/LS1 12" rear brakes, so I pretty much have to go with 12" LS1 or the bigger C5 brakes for the front to keep the bias in check.

With some more reading, there appears there was some sort of clearance issue using the 12" LS1 rotors and PAD/calipers on the Blazer spindles. I couldn't find any pictures. The clearance is obviously greater with a larger rotor, since it pushes the PAB out farther. The Camaro PAB and C5 PAB apparently have differences also. Somewhere with how it is mounted to the spindle. maybe longer of a different offset.

In any case, I will be getting the C5 13.5 Inch rotors first, and taking it from there. Rock auto has the calipers and PAB for about 100 per side, less if you have a core. So some of these guys trying to get 300 for calipers and PABs are crazy, lol

 

[Longroof79]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 11/25/13

Jim,
I'm glad to see that you were able to get the 2wd Blazer dual piston caliper setup. Months ago I pulled a complete setup off of a 2wd Blazer. After all the work removing them, I didn't have the money to pay for them... 😳 I ended up leaving them there.
Talk about feeling like a fool.
The last time I was at the yard, there was nothing but 4wd Blazers. I'll be using 15" wheels, so no super large rotors for me.
I figured the dual piston calipers will be a vast improvement over the stock G-body brakes.
I would like to go with drop spindles, but they're not cheap for that setup.

These people make nice brackets and brake conversion parts. http://www.flynbye.com/index.html

 

[liquidh8]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 11/25/13

man, that sucks that you went through all that work, and didn't get the spindles. from what I understand, the Blazer calipers are better than a Malibu single piston calipers.

 

[Longroof79]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 11/25/13

I know...I feel foolish even telling you the story. I got them off relatively quick using my trusty baby sledge and picklefork.
Next time I'll grab the spindles w/ hubs, calipers, and brackets..and leave the rotors there. Why pay for used rotors that have probably been cut or warped. But grabbing the calipers makes sense, especially for the crazy core charge to replace them.

I'm guessing the G-body brake hoses will work on the Blazer setup. I have a set of Russell braided hoses that have been on the shelf for the past 5-6 yrs. Maybe I'll actually get to use them.

 

[the ghoul]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 11/25/13

I know...I feel foolish even telling you the story. I got them off relatively quick using my trusty baby sledge and picklefork.
Next time I'll grab the spindles w/ hubs, calipers, and brackets..and leave the rotors there. Why pay for used rotors that have probably been cut or warped. But grabbing the calipers makes sense, especially for the crazy core charge to replace them.

I'm guessing the G-body brake hoses will work on the Blazer setup. I have a set of Russell braided hoses that have been on the shelf for the past 5-6 yrs. Maybe I'll actually get to use them.

Don't worry I have been there! My only saving grace a few times is that my local yard takes credit card...
I will have my caballero front end ripped apart at the end of the weekend. I will let you know if the hoses look like they will work or not (should be relatively obvious, length, ends, ect). From what I have seen, the blazer brakes are larger diameter and thicker rotors (more efficient heat dispersion) and more clamping force. So for me it was all win (especially when price came into the picture) I wont be going insane performance wise so better than stock was good enough for me.
Little tip on it so far, just use the calipers as a core!
I have rebuilt plenty of calipers in my life but there is something about those darn press in dust boots have me borderline homicidal!
I have a proper press and still have so far destroyed 3 repair kits and have yet to get one dust boot to press in and stay in :evil: :evil: :evil:
The caliper hanger repair kits however are straight forward, cheap, and easy to install (slide pin boots are press in but can easily be done with a 13/16 deep well socket and hammer).... well worth the time and money..

 

[liquidh8]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 11/25/13

Jack, I have been there to thank God for a credit card. as theghoal said I think the hoses will work. The Blazer brakes should be an upgrade over the Malibu's, even though the rotors are close to the same size. The calipers have better clamping force. I took some pictures.

The backing plates are a little bent, but that's from the truck laying on the ground. I will not be using them anyway with the big Corvette brakes.

 

[Longroof79]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 11/25/13

Ghoul,
I read about how much trouble you had replacing the caliper dust boots. As you said, the calipers themselves are easy enough to rebuild, considering the pistons and bores are in good shape.
Thanks, let us know if the G-body brake hoses will work on the Blazer calipers. I'm guessing that the hardware is the same, maybe the length of the actual hoses may vary.
From what I've heard, the clamping power of the dual piston calipers are a noticeable improvement.

Jim,
I'm sure having a credit with me that day would've probably helped. Do you plan to replace the hub bearings...or will you leave it up to condition?

The Blazer brake upgrade is certainly more cost effective compared to using the SSBC upgrade.

 

[the ghoul]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 11/25/13

Ghoul,
I read about how much trouble you had replacing the caliper dust boots. As you said, the calipers themselves are easy enough to rebuild, considering the pistons and bores are in good shape.
Thanks, let us know if the G-body brake hoses will work on the Blazer calipers. I'm guessing that the hardware is the same, maybe the length of the actual hoses may vary.
From what I've heard, the clamping power of the dual piston calipers are a noticeable improvement.

Jim,
I'm sure having a credit with me that day would've probably helped. Do you plan to replace the hub bearings...or will you leave it up to condition?

The Blazer brake upgrade is certainly more cost effective compared to using the SSBC upgrade.

Definetly will do...
Another good trick Ive used before find the most undesirable car in the yard (escorts usually work) stash the parts. This is brilliant too becuase you never know what some one else stashed (I found a set of dart heads this way). I am usually not a fan of re-using old hubs and such but at a $250 to replace them for a project car I wont be driving daily for a while I decided to just hunt the boan yard for the best two I could find (no grinding, no rough patches, no in and out play). Little tip, the 4wd and 2wd bearings are the same, the only diffrence is the 4WD are a PITA to remove (if the CV shaft is in place), and they have a spline cut into them. The 2wd hubs have the hole cut into it for spline to be cut but they skipped that step and popped a cap into it.

Jim, My dust shields looked the same (must be a yard thing) but I was pickey enough to bang them out... still no idea why, those things trap more rocks and crap than they keep out!

 

[liquidh8]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 11/25/13

Ghoul, I think it is a yard thing. The cars/trucks are just dropped on the ground, so all the backing plates and like get all bent up. No biggie though since I may not be using them. Also, I had wondered if the hubs/bearings were the same as the 4wd. I don't really care if there is a hole in them, lol. I may have to go back and get pair just for haha's.

Jack, I planned on running the ones that I got, the hubs that is. The Blazer had low miles, and they appear to be smooth moving with no play upon inspection. I know there aren't cheap, the machined stock rotors are available for 80 bucks for the pair from flynbye or kore3. I could always go that route. Now that I have the blazer spindles, I have the option to do either. Worst case, I use the Blazer spindles for another project, or sell them to my brother for one of his g-bodies. SSBC is definitely not a cheap option, I like the idea of using GM parts. This way when you need something for a repair, you can just go to a parts house and get what you need.

 

[liquidh8]

Re: 81 Century/GN Wagon build-up New Pics! Update 11/25/13

Ok thread followers, I think I may have to edit the past posts, or create a new thread in the brakes section.

For those just tuning in, I am trying to use the 98-05 2WD Blazer spindles, with the LS1 98-02 Camaro front calipers and abutments, and 13.5" C6 Z51 front rotors. I already have the 12" C5/LS1 rear brakes.

The reasons for this mix and match combo:
1) The Camaro calipers and PAB (Pad Abutment Brackets) are cheaper used and new.
2) The Camaro calipers have larger pistons. 45mm versus the C5/6 40mm.
3) The Camaro calipers have flatter stiffening ribs, giving a few mm of extra clearance for the rim.

Now, the C5 calipers are stiffer, and supposed to better. But, for an everyday driver, not seeing constant autoX track duty, I think these will be fine.

Through my research, I kept reading that you can't use the LS1 calipers, PAB's, and 12"rotors with the blazer spindles, there we clearance issues. Though I never initially found any pictures or measurements. Then I was able to find out the LS1 PAB's are "taller", so that would push the adapter bracket "in" more on the blazer spindle versus the C5 PAB and the same size rotor. So, to use a 12" rotor, there is no room. The difference seems to be about 1/2" difference from what I have found, but I have also heard 8MM, so i can't be sure. I just know the LS1 is taller. Here are a few pictures to try and explain it.



Here is the LS1 caliper, abutment, and a C5 Z51 13.5" rotor. If one tried to use the 12" rotor, it would put the bots for the PAB to adapter at the spindle. I would assume you could play around with the location of the PAB, and do some grinding. But I will be using the 13.5" rotor anyhow so I am not concerned.



So, in short. I will be using the Blazer spindle and hub, 98-02 LS1 Camaro calipers and PAB's, 13.5" Z51 C6 front rotors. The pads I will try both the LS1 and C5/6, till I see what one covers the most area on the rotor. (seems to be a common concern).

Awesome thread with a lot of info here----http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f14/ls1-caliper-z51-rotor-combo-517314/

Now, if the biasing isn't just right, I think i will go with the Z51 13" rears. Make an adapter and have at it. I should have did that from go, but since there wasn't a ton of info around, (for mixing and matching), I stayed with the 12" set-up.

Anyone have any comments or input?