improving the performance of high-mileage cars

Adding Performance Brakes To The Front Of Your Older Muscle Car

10 November 2022 by Hugh Lowe

Front disc brake conversion kits are useful in many ways, from replacing older drum brakes on a classic car to changing the entire front brake system for a performance upgrade on hot rods and muscle cars. The type of conversion kit you purchase often depends on the vehicle and what you are trying to achieve with the new brake system. 

Brake Performance Upgrades

Cars that are heavy, and require a lot of brake input, can become hard to manage as the power and speed of the car increase. An older muscle car is a perfect example of why performance front disc brake conversion kits are necessary, especially after modifications are made to the engine and drivetrain of the vehicle. 

Muscle cars came from an era when cars were heavy and made entirely from steel. The amount of power needed to get these cars moving was often higher than most cars today, but the car's weight can be a problem when it is time to stop all the forward momentum. Stock brake systems were fine for stock cars, but as you increase the performance, you need to address the brakes to ensure they are up to the task. 

Updating the brakes with a front disc brake conversion kit that uses larger discs and calipers, more pressure, and more effective braking can significantly impact the drivability and handling of the car. Bolt-on kits are available that use new brackets and components to upgrade the system and improve the performance to help get the car stopped quickly. 

Disc Brake Options

When selecting the front disc brake conversion kit for your performance or muscle car, you need to consider the amount of braking necessary for your vehicle. Often increasing the size of the components is helpful, but as the rotors and calipers increase in size, the pressure necessary for them to work efficiently also increases. 

Adding a larger master cylinder to the car can improve the function of the new brake system and allow you to balance the braking between the front and rear of the vehicle. You may also want to add additional adjustability to the system with an adjustable proportioning valve that allows you to change the brake pressure on the fly by turning a knob on the dash.

A system that allows you to install the parts and fine-tune the system quickly can be beneficial for racers and performance enthusiasts but can take some time to install in the car. Most brake conversion kits come with detailed instructions to help you install them; but if you are not comfortable doing the work, take the car to an auto repair shop and have them install the front disc brake conversion kit on the car and tune the brakes to meet your needs.

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