1966 GTO Brake Conversion Opinions

[ChrisDiVinci]

Hello,
This is the first time posting on here for me. My knowledge of my 1966 GTO is in the learning stage so you cant talk too simple to me. I am not a car guy (yet). I need to be pointed in the right direction.
I have a 1966 GTO with drums al around. I am looking at buying the complete conversion package from Ames, Disc Brake Conversion kit with stainless steel lines and a booster. Now my questions:
1. Due to money issues I am looking to only do the fronts at this time. How much difference will the fronts make without the rears?
2. Do I want to spend more now and do the rears as well if so why?
3. Is the Ames product a good product? Are there better products out there?
4. I right now have Cragar's on the car that fit with the stock drums. Will the new discs fit with the Cragar's on there now?
5. What do I need to know before having this work done?
Thanks
Chris

 

[Roadrunner]

doing the fronts first will make a big difference..for stopping power, it's 70% front 30% rear..so the rears can wait..

 

[ChrisDiVinci]

Thank you thats a big thing I did not know.

 

[DTM]

Disc Brakes - Front

I did a conversion to front disc brakes 20 years ago using a setup from a '70 Olds 442. I am now completely doing the car over (car is 100% apart) and am looking at upgrading to discs all around (and replacing front to lighter aftermarket). There are lots of kits out there so I would do a LOT of research before buying.

You need to make sure that the size of the rotor will fit you size and style of wheel (that the caliper will not hit the inside of the rim, etc..). Also, different combination of brakes (drum all around - disc front drum rear - disc all around) there are different portioning values that are used (or you can buy one that is adjustable) and the master cylinder is different (size - amount of fluid that is moved. Drum wheel cylinders use a smaller volume then disc pistons).

Therefore, if you go with just front disc (which will GREATLY improve stopping and fade issues) and then move to disc all around (not really needed but nice) you will have to replace more then just adding disc to the rear. Also you want to make sure that your front end components (bushings and control arms) are in good shape as the added stopping pressure is going to stress the components more.

Good luck

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[DublinMark]

Thanks this answered a question I was contemplating as well. Mark