Brake upgrade for a GM G Body

[GH85Carrera]

As many of you know I have a 1986 El Camino that is my daily driver. It is closing in on 364,000 miles and almost broken it now.

I bought it 27 years ago with just 40,000 miles on it and I can't blame the previous owner for much after all those years. He must have been a left foot brake driver and warped the rotors and had them turned more than once to wear them out so much. The rotors were down to near minimum spec just after 100,000 miles so I replaced them.

The brakes are 100% stock, and actually fairly adequate for my day to day driving. I don't need monster brakes. Right now factory GM Goodwrench brake pads are under 30 bucks, and they used to be 12 bucks. The are single piston calipers.

It is about time to replace the rotors again and I get the "well, while you are in there" syndrome. If I need new rotors, and of course that means new wheel bearings, and seals, why not get some new rotors, and do it right. I only have 15 inch wheels now, upgraded from the original 14s. I don't want giant overkill brakes, just a little more while I am in there.

I looked at the Willwood site and gasped. Their cheapest brake kit 4 piston calipers just bolt on kit is going to be a grand. And it goes up from there to Porsche levels of spending.

So are there decent brake kits (not cheap Chinese crap) that will bolt on, maybe two piston calipers, and rotors that are not cross drilled and slotted, (never ever had a problem with overheated brakes) that are a mild upgrade from OEM? Or should I just get all stock new and be happy?

What say you?

[scottmandue]

Are there stock GM truck brakes that can be retrofitted to the Elco?

Some 944 guys install 928 brakes as an upgrade.

[asphaltgambler]

The main problem is the rotor diameter is limited by the caliper mount on the knuckle. I know a fair amount about those cars, having several in the past. I'm unaware of Any front upgrade that's easy and cheap. You can install rear disc brakes from an Impala SS, there are several companies that make the mounting plates but you're still looking at @$500.00 in all the parts needed, not including the correct master cylinder.
L

[sammyg2]

$202.99

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Summit Racing


Performance Disc Brakes, Front, Drilled/Slotted Rotors, Red Calipers, Buick, Chevy, GMC, Oldsmobile, Pontiac

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The part PWR-KC1482 has an additional core charge of $30.00 per item. You can receive a refund by returning a suitable old core. Customer responsible for return shipping on core items. Please refer to the core return instructions included with the part or contact customer service for more details.

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Power Stop Z23 Evolution Sport Brake Upgrade Kits with Calipers


Part Type:

Disc Brake Kits


Application:

1986 CHEVROLET EL CAMINO

Brand:
Power Stop


Manufacturer's Part Number:
KC1482


Part Type:
Disc Brake Kits


Product Line:
Power Stop Z23 Evolution Sport Brake Upgrade Kits with Calipers


Summit Racing Part Number:
PWR-KC1482




UPC:
792088910240


Position:
Front


Front Rotor Included:
Yes


Front Rotor Style:
Cross-drilled/Slotted surface


Front Rotor Construction:
Vented


Front Rotor Diameter:
10.51 in./266.95mm


Front Rotor Thickness (in):
1.030 in.


Rear Rotor Included:
No


Front Caliper Included:
Yes


Front Caliper Piston Quantity:
One


Front Caliper Material:
Cast iron


Front Caliper Finish:
Red powdercoated


Quantity:
Sold as a kit.


In-Store Pickup:
Choose In-store pick-up (OH, NV, GA, TX) on our web site.

Power Stop Z23 Evolution sport brake upgrade kits with calipers provide improved performance, cooler rotor temperatures, and impeccable style. The rotors feature: precision-drilled and beveled holes to reduce hard braking temperatures; rounded slots to push away dust and gases for improved pad contact; precise machining; and a silver zinc plating to protect them from rusting under regular use.

In order to keep the rotors looking incredible, Power Stop applies an electrostatic high-heat powdercoat, which also helps to extend their life by reducing corrosion. The replaceable pads are thermal-scorched for faster break-in, use rubberized shims for noise insulation, are slotted and chamfered, and are constructed with a carbon fiber plus ceramic formula for quicker braking. Power Stop Z23 Evolution sport brake upgrade kits with calipers provide the confidence and performance you've been looking for. Order the model designed for your specific vehicle.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pwr-kc1482/overview/year/1986/make/chevrolet/model/el-camino

[sammyg2]

https://www.universalcarlifts.com/product/78-88-gm-g-body-12-front-disc-brake-upgrade-kit-for-cutlass-monte-carlo/

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler

The main problem is the rotor diameter is limited by the caliper mount on the knuckle. I know a fair amount about those cars, having several in the past. I'm unaware of Any front upgrade that's easy and cheap. You can install rear disc brakes from an Impala SS, there are several companies that make the mounting plates but you're still looking at @$500.00 in all the parts needed, not including the correct master cylinder.
L

Yea, I am fine with the drum brakes on the rear. They last dang near forever, and with the weight transfer and lighter rear end, I don't want much more rear braking. If I pulled a trailer more often than four or five times in 27 years, I would put disks on the rear. Even now if I am in a curve and have to hit the brakes hard, the rears will lock one tire. With no ABS it takes modulation of the pedal to stop.

I was just hoping there was a kit for a G body that was not a grand. All the kits I have found are for folks into bling. Slotted and drilled rotors, and big red calipers is just pure silly bling for that vehicle.



I will dig around on the El Camino Central board and see if they have suggestions. I was hoping someone on the board had seen or knew of something easy.

I may well just go back with all brand new brake components in the front. The master cylinder has never been touched. It is the one that some assembly worker installed in 1986. I do change my brake fluid every other year.

[flipper35]

Master Power makes some good kits for a reasonable price.

The local body shop/circle track guy has the Power Stop on a couple of his vehicles and really likes them.

Baer or Brembo make some good kits but they are higher priced. I would look at those if it were a track day toy, otherwise see above.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

https://www.universalcarlifts.com/product/78-88-gm-g-body-12-front-disc-brake-upgrade-kit-for-cutlass-monte-carlo/

Sammy, thanks. BUT the text talks about how it lifts the vehicle 1 inch and the brakes are for 22 inch wheels. You will want to go get a facial tattoo and a nose ring before I will put 22 inch wheels on my car.

[Jim Richards]

Glen, I can’t help with brake advice; however, I thought I’d enhance your Elky pic.

[GH85Carrera]

Great graphics there Jim!

[Jim Richards]

Brakes are highly overrated.

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

Sammy, thanks. BUT the text talks about how it lifts the vehicle 1 inch and the brakes are for 22 inch wheels. You will want to go get a facial tattoo and a nose ring before I will put 22 inch wheels on my car.

OK, but i think you're missing out on a good opportunity here

[sammyg2]

So maybe dubs ain't your style. I get it.

How about something like this?









It's a lot easier for me to spend YOUR money than mine

[Tobra]

As above, brakes off a full size truck or van might be the ticket. Better brake pads will make a difference.

[fastfredracing]

I thought you could use station wagon spindles, rotors, calipers etc, from a full size wagon. . All bolt on stuff. They used to do it on Malibu's , Chevelle's and Camaros.
If I remember correctly , you get 11" front rotors, and can bolt on the backing plates, and get 11" drums.
From the good old days before summit racing, and credit cards.
That power stop stuff from summit is pretty nice. Even if you stay with stock size rotors, calipers, the pads have a good bite.
Hell, you could probably make a nice upgrade just by adding hawk pads, new rubber lines, and good fluid, with a fresh flush, and bleed. Keep the rears adjusted , and you will always have a firm pedal.

[rockfan4]

If you can get the spindles and everything from a 98+ 2wd Blazer, you get two piston calipers and 10.75" rotors

[Dansvan]

Have the rotors cryo treated and run some better pads.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by fastfredracing

I thought you could use station wagon spindles, rotors, calipers etc, from a full size wagon. . All bolt on stuff. They used to do it on Malibu's , Chevelle's and Camaros.
If I remember correctly , you get 11" front rotors, and can bolt on the backing plates, and get 11" drums.
From the good old days before summit racing, and credit cards.
That power stop stuff from summit is pretty nice. Even if you stay with stock size rotors, calipers, the pads have a good bite.
Hell, you could probably make a nice upgrade just by adding hawk pads, new rubber lines, and good fluid, with a fresh flush, and bleed. Keep the rears adjusted , and you will always have a firm pedal.

I was thinking the same thing. I'm sure there's some other GM car that's got bigger brakes where you could swap some parts.

Here's a thread on the el camino forum for guys that are going bigger than you probably want or need to go, but it's similar.
https://www.elcaminocentral.com/showthread.php?t=49063

Was there an "SS" in '86? If so, you may be able to swap parts with one of those (or hell, buy new parts and still make out cheaper than aftermarket.

Info on a G-body Front disc brake upgrade - MonteCarloSS.com Message Board

[masraum]

Yep, when I look at Rotors for '86 Chevy Caprice, I see that they could have come with either 11" or 12" rotors.

[Brian 162]

Would a front brake set up from a 68-72 C3 Corvette work? I'm pretty sure they only had 15 inch rims.