[roy381]

Hi folks not much action in the suspension forum so I figured I would post here.

Are Wilwood calipers and pads worth the extra expense compared to the standard calipers that come with most conversion kits? I can get a complete kit for just under $500 with standard calipers (rightstuff) or a standard kit with wildwood calipers and pads for $725 or a complete wildwood conversion kit for a $1000+

Thanks in advance

[Torquewar]

Hello...i replaced the calipers on my TA last winter. Used Wilwood calipers and new stock rotors .
Decided to also use Russel flex-lines.
Very different pedal ..response is much better. Car definitely stops harder.
With my race rims they are visible look nice..

[Lee]

There can be a lot of weight savings, depending upon which kit you pick. On my old Falcon wagon, I replaced the factory front disc set up with a system from Aerospace brakes (calipers, pads, vented rotors, and aluminum hubs). I weighed both sets, and the Aerospace was over 30 pounds lighter. It used Hawk pads. At a race weight over 4,000 pounds, it easily slowed the car from 130mph to make the 2nd turn off at the track.

[Chief of the 60's]

Originally Posted by roy381

Hi folks not much action in the suspension forum so I figured I would post here.

Are Wilwood calipers and pads worth the extra expense compared to the standard calipers that come with most conversion kits? I can get a complete kit for just under $500 with standard calipers (rightstuff) or a standard kit with wildwood calipers and pads for $725 or a complete wildwood conversion kit for a $1000+

Thanks in advance

There's a reason why many builder call Right Stuff, "Rong Stuff".

Go Wilwoods, you'll thank yourself later. Also, make sure you do not get the harder race pads. They'll work but are a pain on the street. Harder stopping unless you are constantly on the binders. Great for the track though.

[pggto]

I used the Wilwood calipers and pads that are basically a direct replacement for the stock calipers on my 70 GTO. I replaced them for the looks for the wheels I have, but I do like the performance of the calipers and pads.

[Verdoro 68]

Originally Posted by pggto

I used the Wilwood calipers and pads that are basically a direct replacement for the stock calipers on my 70 GTO. I replaced them for the looks for the wheels I have, but I do like the performance of the calipers and pads.

Those might be the same ones I have. Some said they'd be a waste of money, but I noticed a nice improvement over the stock single piston calipers.

[64speed]

Originally Posted by pggto

I used the Wilwood calipers and pads that are basically a direct replacement for the stock calipers on my 70 GTO. I replaced them for the looks for the wheels I have, but I do like the performance of the calipers and pads.

I bought this kit as well because of the positive reviews I read on Summit. I won’t get to use it for a long time but it looks like a quality product and it has to stop better that what I had before. I am using them in conjunction with explorer back brakes so we will see.

[roy381]

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wil-140-10996-d-

https://www.ebay.com/itm/202055584905=

https://www.ebay.com/itm/391437882165

[roy381]

Sorry those links don't work

http://www.wilwood.com/BrakeKits/Bra...no=140-10996-D

https://www.ebay.com/itm/202055584905

https://www.ebay.com/itm/391437882165

[HWYSTR455]

Yeah, the 'new' style D52s Wilwood make are a great improvement over previous designs, are more ridged/less flex across the bridge, and finally, include the anti-rattle features of the OE calipers. Not sure the piston contact area is more than the OE single piston, but may be offset by the rigidness and pad.

The rotor width is increased, so it will dissipate heat better, and resist warping better. Have to make sure you're careful when choosing replacements, to get the right thickness.

One concern though is the spindles, have heard the repop china ones have failure issues, wonder if that's been overcome. Same with the rotors. But that was a few years ago.

.

[roy381]

Another added expense to the full wilwoold kit is lug nuts as their studs are1/2 not 7/16. And of course I just bought a new set for my new wheels lol also need proportioning valve and brake lines

[HWYSTR455]

Oh wow, bigger studs, that's good! Well, might be an issue with some wheels, no?

.

[AG]

Originally Posted by Chief of the 60's

There's a reason why many builder call Right Stuff, "Rong Stuff".

Go Wilwoods, you'll thank yourself later. Also, make sure you do not get the harder race pads. They'll work but are a pain on the street. Harder stopping unless you are constantly on the binders. Great for the track though.

What is wrong with the Right Stuff kit?

[Chief of the 60's]

Originally Posted by AG

What is wrong with the Right Stuff kit?

A lot of their parts do not fit correctly or fit at all. Many of their lines are horrible even for the most common of cars. A big "F" body parts supplier out here won't even sell their product because of too many issues.

[Chief of the 60's]

Originally Posted by roy381

Another added expense to the full wilwoold kit is lug nuts as their studs are1/2 not 7/16. And of course I just bought a new set for my new wheels lol also need proportioning valve and brake lines

My Wilwoods came with 7/16". You must have ordered the wrong number. I should have got 1/2" but I'm not cone killing so the 7/16" will do just fine.

[roy381]

I didn't order the kit yet. But the kit above says 1/2 in.
Also read in a review that they are half inch

[Chief of the 60's]

Originally Posted by roy381

I didn't order the kit yet. But the kit above says 1/2 in.
Also read in a review that they are half inch

I did not see anything about stud size on the Ebay/Pirate one. The one from Summit is overkill and is probably why it has 1/2" studs.

[Chief of the 60's]

FWIW: I have come from 100 - 126 MPH down to 20 - 30 in a reasonably short distance (some places real short) without large or drilled rotors.

[roy381]

I believe the pirate Jack kit just uses wilwood calipers and pads therefore the 7/16 studs

[AG]

Originally Posted by Chief of the 60's

A lot of their parts do not fit correctly or fit at all. Many of their lines are horrible even for the most common of cars. A big "F" body parts supplier out here won't even sell their product because of too many issues.

Thanks for the heads up.