Rear brake options??

[clean8485]

Thanks for your responses, Scott and Steve.
I'm looking to make some upgrades on the braking system on my '84 Monte. I picked up the 2WD S10 Blazer front brake setup from another member here a couple of years ago. I also have a pair of the Buick finned aluminum rear brake drums, and some NOS GM backing plates if I need them. For a car that is only street driven, I can't see any major advantage in converting to disc brakes on the rear, when a drum brake system that's properly maintained, and in good working order, wil stop just about as well, and there's no worries about caliper clearance or alterations to the hydraulic system.
Scott, the climate here can wreak havoc on a brake system, because of the changes in temperature and humidity, as well as the snow, salt and corrosion. Over the years that I've been a mechanic, I've seen rear disc brakes, where the park brake mechanism is rusted and inoperative, the brake pads are seized in their anchor brackets, and the friction surface on the rotors was rusted to the point where less than half of the surface was still clean and useable. In those cases, the rear disc brakes were just along for the ride. I've found that in most cases, rear drum brakes will stop almost as effectively as rear disc brakes, and are easier and cheaper to maintain, and generally last longer. You're right about disc brakes providing better stopping power and disappating heat better, and they do look pretty trick, but I think I'll stick with the disc/drum setup on my car for now, and see how well I can get it to work.
Thanks again for your help and comments.

 

[axisg]

I have a couple of questions.
First off, I understand that 4 wheel disc brakes provide better stopping power, and that they also can look pretty trick, especially on a vehicle that didn't originally come with them from the factory. The first question that I have is, how much more stopping power do they provide, as compared to the factory disc/drum setup that's in good condition? I've seen and read about improvements that can be done to the factory rear drum brakes, including using all primary brake shoes, and wheel cylinders with larger bore pistons (S10 wheel cylinders). With the possible problems that can arise with trying to retrofit disc brakes on the rear of these cars (caliper interferance, park brake type and installation), how advantageous is it to convert to disc brakes on the rear? Is it really worthwhile?
Now I know that this question has probably been asked before, but secondly, is there any kind of writeup that shows a complete overview of a 4 wheel disc brake conversion on these cars, including the compatibility of the original hydraulic system (stock master cylinder, stock proportioning valve), with a 4 wheel disc brake setup?
The way I see it, you can overcome the mechanical issues (caliper fitment, park brake, wheel clearance) of a 4 wheel disc brake conversion, but you still need a hydraulic system, that's going to operate the front and rear brakes with the proper balance, and without causing brake lockup issues.
Just sayin'.

Jeff, the easiest way to explain would be to have you drive my car when we meet for "that" coffee we spoke about LOL. I drove 3x g's in various stages. Mine ( bone stock monte ss ), B-Body spindle up front, alum drums in the rear and bigger brake piston ( monte ss ), and another with B-Body spindle and LS1 rears ( elco ). Driving their cars is what really got me not only interested but wanting an upgrade to my brakes.
Once installed we all took turns driving my car and with the LS1 rears and Blazer Fronts installed we all agreed it stops quicker and more controlled ( still on the stock MC & stock prop valve ) than their cars. Most noticeable is the expressway off-ramp blast where you come down from say 160 kph / 100 mph or make a panic stop. Far from scientific but maybe tires come into play. The other 2 cars both wear the same 16" Sonoma wheels and 235 55 16" kumho rubber. My car wears 235 60 15 Mickey Thompson ST's

As far as install it was all plug and play for me. The only real mods were drilling the holes for the rear LS1 calipers, and I have yet to fab up the parking brake cable

 

[clean8485]

Hi George. Thanks for your help. Sent you a PM.