[JSchmitz]

I finally got around to weighing my car. It used to weigh 3580 with the 455 (iron heads), 400 turbo, 13" converter, etc. Now it weighs 3505 with a 5.3 (iron block & AL heads). I also switched to a 10" converter, etc. I thought it would drop more weight. Interesting. I think it also had power drums vs. manual discs @3580. Hard to keep track over the years. lol

[Scarebird]

IIRC the disc is about 12 pounds heavier per side. Given the iron 5.3 was only seen in trucks/vans I would think the General was more concerned with stoutness than weight.

Did you notice a difference in handling? My 71 does not plow into corners as much as before.

[JSchmitz]

Originally Posted by Scarebird

IIRC the disc is about 12 pounds heavier per side. Given the iron 5.3 was only seen in trucks/vans I would think the General was more concerned with stoutness than weight.

Did you notice a difference in handling? My 71 does not plow into corners as much as before.

I have B-body spindles and 12" discs also a little more weight. Lost the brake booster though. Will lose a 100# when I put an all AL engine in. But then the crank will be a little heavier. lol. The iron block with side bolted mains is probably pretty heavy (well worth it). Hard to keep track of the weight balance sheet. I didn't notice any handling difference or front end height. Probably dropped at least 10# going from 13" to 10" converter (pure guess). Gonna run the stock 5.3 down the track Saturday. Will be interesting.

[JSchmitz]

I think it weighed 100# less with the Muncie vs. 400THM. Couldn't seem to find numbers for those. I'm getting ready to buy parts to attach the Muncie to the 5.3. Later will probably spring for a TKX. But with 3.23's, OD is not a huge need.

[b-man]

Those B-body spindles and 12” rotors are substantially heavier than the original disc spindles and 11” rotors.

I removed a pair of 1975 Firebird spindles and 11” discs (old H-O Racing tall spindle conversion) and went to regular disc brakes spindles and 11” rotors when I started bracket racing my ‘64 GTO.

I was putting the car on a diet and weighed everything I removed from it. I’m sure I shaved close to 20 pounds just by getting rid of the heavy tall spindles and I wasn’t running 12” rotors.

[JSchmitz]

Originally Posted by b-man

Those B-body spindles and 12” rotors are substantially heavier than the original disc spindles and 11” rotors.

I removed a pair of 1975 Firebird spindles and 11” discs (old H-O Racing tall spindle conversion) and went to regular disc brakes spindles and 11” rotors when I started bracket racing my ‘64 GTO.

I was putting the car n a diet and weighed everything I removed from it. I’m sure I shaved close to 20 pounds just by getting rid of the heavy tall spindles and I wasn’t running 12” rotors.

Interest, and good, information. The 12" discs and manual master are fantastic. No need for power assist. The tall spindle helps with a-arm geometry. I'm no road race expert. But my car handles MUCH better than stock. I know the tall spindle gets pooh poohed these days. lol! I have heavier springs, sway bars, bushings, etc. I'd love to do a full aftermarket chassis some day.

[JSchmitz]

Originally Posted by b-man

Those B-body spindles and 12” rotors are substantially heavier than the original disc spindles and 11” rotors.

I removed a pair of 1975 Firebird spindles and 11” discs (old H-O Racing tall spindle conversion) and went to regular disc brakes spindles and 11” rotors when I started bracket racing my ‘64 GTO.

I was putting the car on a diet and weighed everything I removed from it. I’m sure I shaved close to 20 pounds just by getting rid of the heavy tall spindles and I wasn’t running 12” rotors.

Any progress on your LS conversion project? Or is it still on the back burner?

[b-man]

It’s sitting patiently.

Too many projects but I’m not selling anything.

Been kinda hot and heavy on the Le Mans convertible project lately and finally have it running and driving so I’m starting to think about jumping back in on the Tempest.

I’ve been hustling on the Le Mans and my ‘57 bug project at the same time so all in good time I suppose.

[JSchmitz]

Nice! You have the coolest stuff!!!

[JSchmitz]

Can you post a link to your build? Would be good to review again...

[b-man]

I probably need to review it again myself……

I will be making a few changes since I was learning along the way and some more parts are available now that weren’t being produced back then.

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...d.php?t=576137

[JSchmitz]

Originally Posted by b-man

I probably need to review it again myself……

I will be making a few changes since I was learning along the way and some more parts are available now that weren’t being produced back then.

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...d.php?t=576137

Ha! I understand. Thanks for the link.