Re: disc brake conversions

Posted by Predictor On 2009/9/7 11:09:55

Interesting bit of useless info regarding rear disc brakes...when Cadillac was planning the original square roofed Nova based Seville in the 70's much discussion was given whether to go with drums or discs on the rear.

There were some very strong arguments against discs as they often weigh more than drums (the total system, not just the rotor versus drum weight) and it was felt that the expense was not justified. Part of the cost would be some form of emergency brake system would also be required, and other than the Corvette GM had no rear calipers in production, and they used small brake shoes inside the rotor.

Anywho, another factor was that because the majority of the braking was handled by the front, there was really no need for the potentially increased power of rear discs. So it was decided to stick with drums, although they went with some pretty large ones.

Eventually the marketing boys won out and they did go to discs but I don't recall the car stopping any better...and the e-brake would get wonky unless you set it every time you parked the car...same problem with other GM cars of this era which used the same or similar caliper.

Bottom line is unless you live in mountainous terrain, pull a big trailer or drive like a maniac in wet conditions you really don't need discs on the rear. Front discs...now there's something worth converting to, especially if you plan on driving the car more often than to just a car show/meet.