Reading this tread got me thinking, why did GM kinda down grade the front brakes in '78 & not keep the "52" pads like earlier generation A Bodys. Then why go with the god awful retainer that don't help as parts corrode. The smaller brakes in theory makes things lighter to help with fuel economy, crappy powered engines don't go fast so don't need as much help stopping. The brakes on our cars are just victims of the '70's, cost cutting, fuel mileage standards, bad corporate decisions, & bean counters.
The item I would of liked to seen made to improve our brakes are stock type spindles that would up grade to 1LE brakes instead of using '70's F or '77 up B spindles (don't remember ever seeing any.) With the "performance" returning in th mid '80's, why did't they address this issue too. I went with all stainless hard lines, braided hoses, brass proportioning valve, cross drilled/slotted rotors, & aluminum drums to help somewhat over stock specs. I was lucky that my Monte (an original V6) had a double diaphram booster. I stuck with a set of reman calipers, but at times think about getting Wilwood "154" calipers.
The item I would of liked to seen made to improve our brakes are stock type spindles that would up grade to 1LE brakes instead of using '70's F or '77 up B spindles (don't remember ever seeing any.) With the "performance" returning in th mid '80's, why did't they address this issue too. I went with all stainless hard lines, braided hoses, brass proportioning valve, cross drilled/slotted rotors, & aluminum drums to help somewhat over stock specs. I was lucky that my Monte (an original V6) had a double diaphram booster. I stuck with a set of reman calipers, but at times think about getting Wilwood "154" calipers.
