I've owned a 67 Camaro for 10 years now and would like to update the front brakes and transmission. All of the bolt on disc brake kit mfg. tell me I must update to 15 in. wheels or go with 14x7 disc brake type wheels----Great just after buying 5 new Coker Redline tires-BUT several people have told me that I would only have to grind away a bit of the brake calipher mounting bracket to clear my original 14 in. wheels. My other option would be a power brake booster and matching master cylinder to convert to power drum brakes which were an option in 1967.I am Just trying to get the car a little easier for my wife to drive. I am also tired of the original 2 speed Powerglide. Conversion to a TH350 looks pretty straight forward with console shifter cable kit adaptors available from "Shiftworks" in N.Y. Anybody got any information on R700 style updates which may be avalable to take advantage of Overdrive? Any opinions appreciated
Thanks in advance

 

It is true, you will have problems getting 14 inch wheels to clear the calipers. But if you are serious about upgrading and not worried about keeping the car original, go for it. Even if you need to change wheels to 15 the drivability of the car is much better with discs. Swapping in a 700R is also a good choice. You will love the change once you try the overdrive. Be warned though, do your homework, check your rear end ratio. Otherwise you may push your engine to very low rpm's at 55 (if you drive that).

 

If you are going to disk brakes you will need a brake booster, if you expect to stop. Don't know if it is included with the kits.

 

That's not true. Many classic cars came with non-powered 4 wheel disc brakes. Camaros and Corvettes included. Nearly all of the after market brake kits that are sold to people with Street/Strip or full drag cars don't have a power booster and they need to come to a stop from 150+ MPH.

Statements like that make me wonder where you sometimes get your information from Pete.

RM

 

Yes, but the drag carshave 1/4 -1/2 mile to come to a stop, street cars don't have that luxury. Let me know howthey work out in stop & go traffic.

 

And street cars aren't going over a 120MPH in traffic either. And they aren't putting nearly the abuse to the brakes either. My point still stands. Ask any person that owns an older car that has 4 wheel disc brakes and are non-powered. They do just fine.

I personally know of a 66 Vette that had 4 wheel factory disc brakes (4 piston), went to aftermarket 4 wheel disc brakes (2 piston) to save front end weight and does just fine on the street. All non-powered.

RM

 

Well they do have upgrade kits for cars with out brake boosters. So they are designed to stop a street car also. SSBC is the calipers of choice, and I'd also go with slotted and drilled rotors. SSBC calipers include pads also. You will not have to upgrade to power brakes unless you get components designed for power brakes.