Era brakes Upgrade

[davids2toys]

Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug

Well, for $500 or so the SSBC upgrade made a very positive improvement over the stock Camaro brakes. The difference in pedal feel coming from feeding two smaller pistons in the SSBC brakes instead of the one large piston in the stock Camaro brake caliper. With the two smaller Pistons you feed a much smaller volume on pedal compression.

Bob also mentioned the additional pad area, which undoubtedly helps.

If you're using the stock Camaro brakes and you have an uneasy feeling as you press the brake pedal, the SSBC's will make a noticeable difference. These turned out to be a good solution for me.

Bob? You guys ever think of offering the SSBC's as an upgrade? I am really happy with mine.

Cheers,
Doug

I noticed the pads they give you with this set is "Graphite metallic". Is this good for the street or is it the pads that need to heat up before they work good. Did you use these pads?

[DanEC]

There are also Wildwood conversion kits for 70s era GM cars that run from around $1,000 to $1,500. They are 4 - 6 piston calipers. I assume they do not require spindle modifications but with more pistons they may require a master cylinder change. The 2-piston SSBC calipers using the stock spindles and master cylinder do sound like a good move if they do make a noticeable change in brake feel.

[lippy]

When I ordered my ERA and was considering brake options, I spoke with Wilwood and others to try to come up with an optimal but cost effective solution. After a bunch of work I just ended up with the ERA/Wilwood big brake option for the fronts only. It just works and it isn't really more expensive. You may want to consider just ordering the upgrade parts from ERA. It'll probably save you a headache. At very least call Bob and spend some time with him on the phone.

[davids2toys]

Originally Posted by lippy

When I ordered my ERA and was considering brake options, I spoke with Wilwood and others to try to come up with an optimal but cost effective solution. After a bunch of work I just ended up with the ERA/Wilwood big brake option for the fronts only. It just works and it isn't really more expensive. You may want to consider just ordering the upgrade parts from ERA. It'll probably save you a headache. At very least call Bob and spend some time with him on the phone.

You're right, I will talk to Bob about that option, but I think it is a LOT more expensive of an option. If it was close to the same money, I would go that route for sure.

[Kit Coyle]

The A185S that Bob likes may not be available and the replacement, A185
appears to have a much "fatter" body shape that may interfere with 15" Cobra
wheels. This needs more research. The braided SS brake lines will make some difference because when you depress the brake pedal using rubber lines
they tend to expand with increased pressure while the SS lines do not. When I
changed to braided SS lines on a 916 Ducati the brake feel improved a great
deal and no longer felt spongy because the applied pressure was now fully
directed to the caliper pistons and there was very little lost to line swelling.

[davids2toys]

Originally Posted by Kit Coyle

The A185S that Bob likes may not be available and the replacement, A185
appears to have a much "fatter" body shape that may interfere with 15" Cobra
wheels. This needs more research. The braided SS brake lines will make some difference because when you depress the brake pedal using rubber lines
they tend to expand with increased pressure while the SS lines do not. When I
changed to braided SS lines on a 916 Ducati the brake feel improved a great
deal and no longer felt spongy because the applied pressure was now fully
directed to the caliper pistons and there was very little lost to line swelling.

I does appear that way, but I bet it is the same caliper shot at a completely different angle. I plan on calling Summit.
I love the look of the rubber line much better on the Cobra, but I am leaning toward the braided for the reasons you stated. The ERA Assembly manual says modified for their front lines. Would that not mean the same modification would need to be done to the braided line meant for a stock Chevy application??

[Dangerous Doug]

I recall purchasing a braided stainless steel brake line kit for a 72-76 Camaro, which would normally be used to replace the two front rubber lines and the one rear rubber line. I didn't need the rear one as the one provided by ERA was already braided stainless steel.

I used the pads provided with the kit, but don't recall if they were graphite or semi-metalic. I believe I have semi-metalic on now.

I am trying to remember where I picked up my brake reservoirs and brackets. I'll try to dig through my Cobra files for the source.

The Girling tin cans look original, but they leak badly around the top cap (even when properly filled) and then the paint peels and the cans rust. I took my originals down to get chromed but the cleaning process bent the thin cans. The aluminum reservoirs I bought look very nice, though they may not be for the "purist".

[davids2toys]

Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug

I recall purchasing a braided stainless steel brake line kit for a 72-76 Camaro, which would normally be used to replace the two front rubber lines and the one rear rubber line. I didn't need the rear one as the one provided by ERA was already braided stainless steel.

I used the pads provided with the kit, but don't recall if they were graphite or semi-metalic. I believe I have semi-metalic on now.

I am trying to remember where I picked up my brake reservoirs and brackets. I'll try to dig through my Cobra files for the source.

The Girling tin cans look original, but they leak badly around the top cap (even when properly filled) and then the paint peels and the cans rust. I took my originals down to get chromed but the cleaning process bent the thin cans. The aluminum reservoirs I bought look very nice, though they may not be for the "purist".

Doug, In your first paragraph you said "I didn't need the rear one as the one provided by ERA was already braided stainless steel." That ERA rear flexible line is definitely rubber and ERA does not have a braided line replacement for this or know of a part number. Could you re-think this a bit, or look on your car for a braided rear flex line. Maybe we are talking about two different things here?
I am ready to place an order with Summit and this damn thing is holding me up. I can't make sense out of any pics on Summit vs what I need in the car...Ugh!
I definitely want to replace my old rubber hose now while I have all this access to everything with the interior out.
Thanks...Dave

[DanEC]

I don't think Bob is a big fan of braided steel brake lines because a lot of them have questionable safety certification (or none). I would not worry about running a high quality DOT certified rubber line if Bob can direct you to one.

$1700 is pretty pricey. Makes the SSBC brakes look better all the time.

[davids2toys]

Originally Posted by DanEC

I don't think Bob is a big fan of braided steel brake lines because a lot of them have questionable safety certification (or none). I would not worry about running a high quality DOT certified rubber line if Bob can direct you to one.

$1700 is pretty pricey. Makes the SSBC brakes look better all the time.

I got my new DOT SS rear flexible brake line line today.
check it out:
Rear Brake Flex Line

[Dangerous Doug]

Originally Posted by davids2toys

Doug, In your first paragraph you said "I didn't need the rear one as the one provided by ERA was already braided stainless steel." That ERA rear flexible line is definitely rubber and ERA does not have a braided line replacement for this or know of a part number. Could you re-think this a bit, or look on your car for a braided rear flex line. Maybe we are talking about two different things here?
I am ready to place an order with Summit and this damn thing is holding me up. I can't make sense out of any pics on Summit vs what I need in the car...Ugh!
I definitely want to replace my old rubber hose now while I have all this access to everything with the interior out.
Thanks...Dave

I'd recommend taking your existing lines and matching them for length and fittings to available kits, starting with a 72-76 Camaro. If I recall correctly my ERA rear suspension had a braided flexible line. I could check, but I wouldn't want you to wait for me to report back. I think your best bet is to do your own sizing and matching.

Doug

[davids2toys]

Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug

I'd recommend taking your existing lines and matching them for length and fittings to available kits, starting with a 72-76 Camaro. If I recall correctly my ERA rear suspension had a braided flexible line. I could check, but I wouldn't want you to wait for me to report back. I think your best bet is to do your own sizing and matching.

Doug

OK Doug,although my skills in this plumbing area, size, nomenclature etc, stink, I will do the best I can.
Thanks

[davids2toys]

Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug

I'd recommend taking your existing lines and matching them for length and fittings to available kits, starting with a 72-76 Camaro. If I recall correctly my ERA rear suspension had a braided flexible line. I could check, but I wouldn't want you to wait for me to report back. I think your best bet is to do your own sizing and matching.

Doug

Do you have the ERA rear with outboard brakes or the standard rear with inboard brakes? I have the standard rear, so perhaps we are talking to different animals here?
I have just gone thru 2 full days and totally struck out on getting a braided line for the rear. Even Pegasus could not adapt fittings to one of their lines because the female has no circlip provision and the nut is 9/16 and will fall right thru the tab on the frame. Camaro is NG because the threads are 7/16 and I need 3/8.
Also talked to Bob Putnam 2 days ago, he had no info for me either

[Dangerous Doug]

Originally Posted by davids2toys

Do you have the ERA rear with outboard brakes or the standard rear with inboard brakes? I have the standard rear, so perhaps we are talking to different animals here?
I have just gone thru 2 full days and totally struck out on getting a braided line for the rear. Even Pegasus could not adapt fittings to one of their lines because the female has no circlip provision and the nut is 9/16 and will fall right thru the tab on the frame. Camaro is NG because the threads are 7/16 and I need 3/8.
Also talked to Bob Putnam 2 days ago, he had no info for me either

I have the outboard brakes setup. The flex lines to the calipers are BSS, as is a flex line from the subframe going to the steel lines on the frame. Came from ERA that way as I recall.

You've found a kit for flex lines in the front, yes? On the rear, can you find an adapter that will allow you to mate 7/16 and 3/8?

[Dangerous Doug]

PM me with an email or cell number and I'll send a pic of my reservoirs.

[davids2toys]

Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug

PM me with an email or cell number and I'll send a pic of my reservoirs.

PM sent.
It would be nice if you posted then so we could all see them

[Dangerous Doug]

-- SSBC Brake calipers, these are similar if not the ones I used. Summit has a pretty liberal return policy, so if you bolt them on and there is wheel interference I'm confident you'd be able to return them.

http://www.summitracing.com/search/b...oview=SKU&ar=1

-- A Summit Racing version of the braided stainless steel lines. I think all I did was check the manufacturer's length against what was on my ERA, and then reviewed the fittings to make sure I could connect both ends.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/su...t/model/camaro

-- These are the Wilwood reservoirs I use. I purchased three of these and mounted them in direct replacement of the Girling tin cans. They are roughly the same size as the "useful" volume of the Girling cans. I added braided lines down to my steel lines which required new fittings, but I don't have any leaks or issues. (I also am not a big fan of the rubber lines that went from the reservoir to the steel lines, but braided lines here are certainly overkill/overengineering on my part.)

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/wi...2697/overview/

[davids2toys]

Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug

-- SSBC Brake calipers, these are similar if not the ones I used. Summit has a pretty liberal return policy, so if you bolt them on and there is wheel interference I'm confident you'd be able to return them.

http://www.summitracing.com/search/b...oview=SKU&ar=1

-- A Summit Racing version of the braided stainless steel lines. I think all I did was check the manufacturer's length against what was on my ERA, and then reviewed the fittings to make sure I could connect both ends.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/su...t/model/camaro

-- These are the Wilwood reservoirs I use. I purchased three of these and mounted them in direct replacement of the Girling tin cans. They are roughly the same size as the "useful" volume of the Girling cans. I added braided lines down to my steel lines which required new fittings, but I don't have any leaks or issues. (I also am not a big fan of the rubber lines that went from the reservoir to the steel lines, but braided lines here are certainly overkill/overengineering on my part.)

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/wi...2697/overview/

Thanks for links.
Are those the exact braided lines you used?
Any pics of these cans mounted in you car? The description talks about plastic reservoir...weird!

[Dangerous Doug]

I'll send a pic via PM. Posting a pic on cc using my iPhone isn't easily noodled out.

The plastic reservoir is for the 10 oz reservoir. The link I sent is for the smaller reservoir which is billet aluminum. It is a bit confusing, but ordering that part I did get real billet aluminum reservoirs.

I didn't actually order those particular lines. I think mine are Russell Performance lines. Just posted that as an example of the kit. You'll have to look at what you're replacing and then match it.

Cheers,
Doug

[davids2toys]

Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug

I'll send a pic via PM. Posting a pic on cc using my iPhone isn't easily noodled out.

The plastic reservoir is for the 10 oz reservoir. The link I sent is for the smaller reservoir which is billet aluminum. It is a bit confusing, but ordering that part I did get real billet aluminum reservoirs.

I didn't actually order those particular lines. I think mine are Russell Performance lines. Just posted that as an example of the kit. You'll have to look at what you're replacing and then match it.

Cheers,
Doug

Got it...thanks