wilmil

I have an 83 T/A. Is there any benefit or difficulty to switch to 89 Turbo T/A brakes? They are larger rotors and quick change calipers. If too difficult or not much benefit, what would one recommend?

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

The brakes you're thinking of are the ones commonly referred to as "1LE".

With that tidbit of info, do a search.

You'll find that while it works fine and isn't too $$$, it's FAR FROM the best swap for the money. Best one for yerbasic typical person at the level of asking a question like this, is the "LS1" (98 up) F body setup. Takes about the same work (nearly identical in fact), costs a bit less, but the parts were used in some tens of thousands of OE cars, whereas the 1LE setup was used in some hundreds... a DECADE earlier. Do the math on maintenance, obtaining replacement parts when you need em in a pinch, etc.

wilmil

Thank you. That is what I was wanting to know.

Neil350

iTrader: (1)

A lot of the period correct stuff is cool in theory, but unless you enjoy the challenge of hunting down long discontinued parts, there's better options like the LS1 fronts. You also end up paying an arm and a leg for the 1LE stuff, because those that have what you need, also know your options are limited.

wilmil

Thanks, I'm starting to get the idea that it's better to go that route, instead.

1989karr

Check out scott from big Big brake. He'll help you!


im in the middle of doing it myself. hes excellent to deal with!

wilmil

Thank you! Will do.

LAFireboyd

iTrader: (3)

For larger brakes on an 83, you'll need to consider wheel size. If your car still has its 15" wheels, then "1LE" brakes might be as large as you can go... at least, I've read on here that they fit with 15" wheels. But I'd be surprised if "LS1" brakes fit with 15" wheels.

If your reference to a TTA is because you have a lead on one for brake parts, then it's important to note that the TTA's axle is probably a 9-bolt, whereas your 83's axle is a 10-bolt, and the backing plates aren't a direct swap from one to the other. But you can get "1LE" 10-bolt backing plates from Flynbye.com.

"LS1" rear backing plates will swap to your 10-bolt. Late 4thgens are a dime-a-dozen in junkyards out west, probably in TX too. But if you can't find used backing plates, then Hawk's sells reproduction 4thgen "LS1" backing plates.

Of course, all of this is dependent upon your 83 already having rear disc brakes. If it doesn't, then you'll need a drum-to-disc conversion kit which you can get from Flynbye. Or just swap the complete axle from the TTA to your 83.

wilmil

. My '83 has disc brakes on the back already. I also have a 12" posi in the back. I was wanting to go with 16-17" rims I just don't like the 14's.