11-1/4" LeBaron brake upgrade guide (Page 2/5)
BrewCheese JUN 19, 11:36 PM
Did you just paint your whole rotor? Will the part where the brake pad contacts the rotor just burn/scrap off?

Jason
pmbrunelle JUN 19, 11:49 PM

quote
Originally posted by doublec4:

Looks like a great write up for those looking to do this swap. I wish I could remember what front calipers I went with. I'm pretty sure the camaro ones...

If I recall, I *think* some people claim to have had problems with the stock brake lines bolting up the new calipers. Did you have to grind away any materal on the caliper?




When I was using 2.5" Seville/4WD Blazer calipers, I didn't have to grind away any material, and the banjo fitting was still appropriately clocked.

Issues with the use of stock hoses definitely arise with the use of 2.5" Camaro calipers.


quote
Originally posted by BrewCheese:

Did you just paint your whole rotor? Will the part where the brake pad contacts the rotor just burn/scrap off?

Jason



I spray-painted the rotor hat for cosmetic purposes, but some overspray got on the braking surface. I don't bother to mask rotors when I paint them.

The braking surface was wiped clean by the pad within several kilometers of city driving. Until the paint is wiped off, the brakes will feel weird.

-Patrick

[This message has been edited by pmbrunelle (edited 06-19-2010).]

av8fiero JUN 21, 12:24 PM
Very well done post. The lebaron swap is also possible for the 88s as well using different brackets.While I agree the corvette rotors with the stock hydraulics is an excellent upgrade suitable for most 88 Fiero drivers, your pad options are not as varied as they are for the camaro/seville calipers so it depends on your intended useage of the car as to which route is best. You can move bias front to rear or vice versa quite easily with different pad compounds and adjustable prop valve settings to optimize your setup for your intended useage. This may be a band-aid fix in your opinion but it does work and is quite effective.

Most importantly TEST any brake mods you make in a safe controled enviroment, your life and that of others could be dependant upon it

------------------
88blackchopv8

[This message has been edited by av8fiero (edited 06-21-2010).]

Custom2M4 JUN 21, 11:48 PM
So if you use the Cadillac Rear Calipers on the rear, you can use your OEM E-brake cable / Brake lines without and real modification?
pmbrunelle JUN 22, 09:46 PM

quote
Originally posted by Custom2M4:

So if you use the Cadillac Rear Calipers on the rear, you can use your OEM E-brake cable / Brake lines without and real modification?



Yes, the Cadillac Seville rear calipers can be used with factory Fiero brake cables and hoses. Note that the Cadillac calipers will be upside-down, so the bleeders will be located on the bottom, so the calipers will have to be unbolted and placed right-side-up for bleeding.
speedy05 APR 24, 05:47 PM
i do the swap but when I push the pedal, brake fluid shoots up into the resivor for the rear .....
the front it's ok
whats the problem ????

thanks .......
Isolde APR 24, 06:34 PM
I agree, it's good of you to put this together.
I love how 13" rotors look behind 17" wheels, and I love how 13" rotors have the ability to shed more heat, more quickly, than 12".
But on a street Fiero, on real-world tires, I must concede that 13s are overkill. In heavy but high-speed traffic, on Dunlop StarSpec tires, then 13s might be a little more appropriate.
But the difference in unsprung weight can be felt. Especially carving a rough canyon road, with cracked and patched pavement. And Fieros really aren't very heavy.
I love multi-piston calipers, because of the idea of more clamp per psi applied hydraulically. But loving the idea of it doesn't make it right for my commuting, or my canyon-carving. I'm sure I wouldn't want to combine them with huge rotors and the S-10 booster for real-world usage. More, smaller pistons cool back off faster than one huge piston, too.
Smeaudio AUG 07, 02:56 PM
where is a good place for me to get the spacers needed for this swap
?
pmbrunelle AUG 07, 08:43 PM
You can go here for an off-the-shelf solution:

http://www.mcmaster.com/

Linear Motion
Shaft Collars
Set Screw Shaft Collars

Bore 1/2"
OD 1"
Width 7/16"

Throw away the set screws before use.

These brakes are enough for my needs, but maybe I just don't drive aggressively enough. The car isn't tracked. That said, in a week or so once I have my Fiero running again, it will be with a set of Bridgestone RE-11s.
Smeaudio AUG 08, 09:41 PM
where do you find the bolt size you are suggesting i cant find anything other than m12 1.75 threading. in a grade 10.9 ... since i will be having to tap my knuckles cant i just use SAE fine thread grade 8 bolts instead.... Also i installed new rear brake hubs and i found the bolts at home depot and they are grade 8;8 are these gonna be too weak?