70' disc upgrade Qs???

Are those 4000 Australian dollars or US dollars? Big difference. Seems like I saw recently an adaptation of the McPherson strut of the Fox body to the early Stangs. Might be the way to go, instead of adapting the brakes to the early spindles.

Check this out. Brake Upgrade

I'll be able to help you in about another week, heres a thread on the topic http://forums.stangnet.com/showthread.php?t=396702&highlight=cobra+disk+brakes

ddonaca351 said:

Thanks for the help all.....


Anybody know a place to get a good deal on GOOD 70-73 drum spindles?

Dave-

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Better get ready for the flood of offers to sell you complete drum spindle sets There's at least a dozen or so members who'll sell em cheap.

You'd think there would be drum brake spindles just waiting to be given away, but there are a few reasons they may not be all that available. First, almost all (if not all) aftermarket disc upgrades are designed around using the drum brake spindles. This includes all the big companies like Baer, SSBC, Wilwood, and Master Power.

Second, there was a recent issue of one of the magazines that stated that '70-'73 drum spindles are actually pretty desirable for vintage racers. Apparently these were (still are?) the spindle of choice for vintage Ford racers.

Still, I'd think you'd be able to track some down fairly easily with a couple calls (especially that one Mustang junkyard in the Woodinville area), but you'll pay for them...

I guess your talking about one of those newer model disc upgrades? I converted my coupe from drums in the front to power disc brakes from a 1969 cougar but thats not what your looking for is it?

ddonaca351 said:

I just cant believe that nobody on here with a 70 has ever upgraded their discs to GOOD discs.....

Damn, I hate to have to fab something from scratch, without even an idea what it should be like... (I mean a set of headers or an air box or something, ok ...no prob. BUT suspension parts... man I dont know)

Come on fellas, at this point I'd even settle for a "well my buddy said that he put one of these with one of those once"


Dave-

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Dave, folks have definitely upgraded to GOOD discs, from places like Baer, SSBC, Wilwood, etc... All of those places offer brake kits capable of meeting or exceeding your Cobra R brakes. They're just expensive is all. Performance is expensive.

However, the original '70 brakes aren't all that bad with 11" vented rotors (bigger than most current production cars) and large piston calipers. When first tested (was it Car&Driver?), a stock Boss302 with discs was able to pull down from 60mph in 112ft. That's damn respectable. That said, I agree there is room for improvement in the original system. I haven't yet spent the kind of time researching this as I'd like, but here are some thoughts...

1) There are slotted rotors available as exact replacements for the original rotors. I've seen them on Ebay and advertised by parts suppliers. I can't speak about their effectiveness, but slotted rotors are rumored to be good for reducing fade and improving performance by allowing the gases released by the pads to be vented.

2) There are number of companies making excellent high performance pads. I can't think of any off the top of my head, but visit a place like www.corner-carvers.com and see which companies the hardcore road racers are buying from. Those companies will also have high performance street pads.

3) Your suspension setup can have a significant effect on braking performance. Doing mods to reduce front end dive under braking will allow the entire system to work, reducing the likelyhood of rear brake lockup. Combined with a good tire, this can make a big difference.

4) The braking system requires tuning like all the other systems of the car. Unfortunately there is very little that can be done with the stock system. Consider adding an adjustable proportioning valve on the rears, then you'll be able to tune the brakes a bit. Generally, best performance is created by setting it so that the fronts lock just before the rears.

5) While the rear drums are typcially very good performers, there are a couple of relatively inexpensive rear disc conversions that can help improve performance. I chose to go with the Ultrastang Lincoln Mark VII conversion... check it out at www.ultrastang.com

The real thing to keep in mind is that it is a SYSTEM. Everything has to work together in order to get the best performance. Still, I don't believe you'll be able to get true hardcore "performance car" braking with the stock system. If that's what you want and you want a ready-made solution, then be prepared to pony up the cash for Baer or SSBC big brakes... Expect around $1300 for 12"-13". If that sounds pricey, then its time to break out the welder and start making your own like imshaggy2000

One last thing... you didn't mention what wheels you're running... just keep in mind, most of the big brake kits won't fit inside of wheels smaller than 17". This could be a problem if you've got a set of 15" magnums or the like.

I hope this helps...

Sorry, I've been really strapped for time. I did however get the CAD drawing done when I was in Oregon at my sister and brother in-laws house for Christmas. I just have to have him send it to me and ill post it. I've simplified the design even more, to make it cheaper and easier to make. Any one with a cutting torch and a drill press can make one for around $10, the cobra brakes are like $200 for a set and the spindles are about $100. That’s only $310 some damn good brakes. You do need at least 17" wheels minimum though they won’t fit in 15’s or 16's.

In case anyone cares, I just (finally) read the latest issue of GrassRoots Motorsports... there is a good article on brake performance and design with good practical information (not just a bunch of product mentions and abstract formulas ).

VERY IMPORTANT! I should also mention that in a previous article they did, they ultimately recommended spending money on tires as the most practical and beneficial approach, since brakes can only stop a car as well as a tire is capable of allowing. Stickier does the job better obviously.

Here's their website: http://www.grassrootsmotorsports.com/ ... You'll see they don't post any of their articles there for reading; you have to buy the magazine. I've been able to find it at most grocerys and newsstands without much trouble... Look for it, its worth a perusal.

I upgraded my 69 to 70 spindles and discs a while back. I'm actually planning on going wih MII front suspension from Art Morrison with the wilwood brake kit but that's not happening for a while yet otherwise I'd consider selling mine. Sorry can't help you right now. I tossed my 69 drum set-up when I changed over to discs.