camaro_boy123

hey guys i got a set but disc brake setup from a scrap camaro. i have drums already. but im wondering what else i need.. i heard the master cylinder is fine but i need a new proportional valve? can anyone verify this? they are just stock rear calipers. they were out of a high output scrap camaro. i have no idea the vin. i got them for free . thanks alot

Douglas

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

Depends on which calipers they are.

If they're the cast-iron Saginaw ones, and you got them for free, you paid too much. And besides, those have considerably different hydraulic requirements from your drums, so the MC and PV need to be changed as a result, which will run up the cost even further to downgrade from drums to those.

If they're the aluminum PBR ones, then yes you can use them with your existing drum hydraulics. In fact 91-92 hydraulics were all the same (MC & PV) between disc and drum.

You'll need ALOT more than just the calipers to make either ones work; backing plates, carrier brackets if they're PBRs, flex lines, etc.

camaro_boy123

is there any way for me to tell?? i got everything i need minus the prop valve.. hopefully they are the aluminum ones... any info would help.. thx

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

Do you mean, tell whether they're the one kind or the other?

One is cast-iron; the other is aluminum. You can "tell" that from 100 yards away.

If you're farther away than that, try a magnet. It'll stick to the CI but not the Al. And of course, CI rusts, Al doesn't.

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

Oh and a couple of other things, besides the easily identified properties of the materials themselves:

The aluminum PBR calipers have big fins on them, about like a motorcylcle engine; the Delco-Moraine cast-iron ones are "smooth".

The PBR calipers have 3 letters cast into them, a "P", "B", & "R"; the Delco ones don't.

camaro_boy123

wow really eh... ok well i guess i have the crap ones. they definatly dont have PBR on them. however.. can i not just buy the PBR calipers and they will bolt on the same way? and then nothing on the front end will have to change correcT?

also is the disc size the same on both units? thanks for all this help.. and sorry for the confusion.

once again i appriciate the help
Douglas

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

They bolt on the same way; the 4 bolts behind the axle that disc brake rear ends have. If you have drums now, you don't have that; although it's usually possible to modify one of those to accept disc brakes.

But if all you have is the calipers, then you're A LONG WAY from having working disc brakes.

No the disc size is not the same. They use quite a bit different rotors. The PBR system rotor is at least an inch bigger.

So, besides the calipers themselves, you'd need the rotors; possibly different axles, as not all drum axles will fit disc brakes (the wheel flange is often too large OD to fit inside the rotors); backing plates (the part that bolts to the flange under the axle); caliper carriers, for the PBRs; the hard steel lines; and the flex lines. Plus of course, misc hardware and small parts.

camaro_boy123

wow seems like i got myself in a little two deep... but well figure it out.. i do have the backing plates and the mounts. i guess i will need to get a new axle.. well thats good enough for now.. thank you very much for all of your help!

thx
Douglas

camaro_boy123

hey again, ok i need more info on these PBR brakes. i have decided it would obviously be in my best interest to get these PBR brakeing system for my rear. however i have a 86 and not a 91-92 as you stated. will my mc and proportional valve still be fine if i get the whole PBR system? as well. i am guessing but wtih the bigger rotor im going to need the whole setup from that year camaro or will this one be suffice? what year camaro does PBR rear setup come off of? i have a freind at a auto shop.. he couldn't find any info on this?

as i said im just trying to acquire more knowledge. thanks for your time again

Douglas

JamesC

iTrader: (5)

Many, if not all, of your questions will be answered in the following two links:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/faq-...iscs-89-a.html

How to Upgrade to 1LE brakes

Note this link for parts that may be useful:

GM Aftermarket kits for Camaro, Firebird, S10, CK, Sierra, Silverado, and Medium Duty Chevy and GMC trucks

ebmiller88 will no doubt have available parts/kits as well.

JamesC