Posted by La Fiera on 9/7/11At Moloon Autotecnica we strive to always improve our track car and pass on what we learn to the Fiero enthusiast. Here is a tip to improve your brake system or if you already have the Camaro/Seville with Lebaron rotors brake upgrade, here's how to make it better.
Instead of using calipers from the local auto part store use the Wilwood GM Metric unit. It was originally developed for oval racing were the stock GM caliper had to be used, according by the rule book.
Here's what Wilwood has to say about this caliper:
"Wilwood iron GM Metric calipers combine new part quality with modern machining precision. There are two piston size options to assist builders with properly building static bias into a car. Previously, builders using the metric calipers generally had to mount the same size calipers on all four wheels. This drastically limited the tuning options and often created front to rear bias ratios that were not conducive to good handling and stability under hard braking. Some builders, and other brake suppliers, chose to offer re-machined OE calipers to provide a bias tuning option. Unfortunately, re-machining a used casting that was never designed for the larger bore size, can create real compromises in strength, reliability, and performance.
To address these needs, Wilwood has tooled two separate castings that are fitted with either 2.75" or 2.00" stainless steel pistons and high temperature bore seals. Each casting is designed specific for its intended bore size. The calipers are strong and precise, without unnecessary added weight from oversized castings. The stainless steel pistons resist corrosion while helping to slow the heat transfer from the pads. The high temperature seals provide long service life when used in hard braking applications and maintain their resilience to provide positive piston retraction on release. In addition to the optional piston sizes, two models are available with slide pin vibration dampers installed to help reduce rattle and other noise".[/color]
Another advantage that I found is that due to its interchangeable bleeder/hose location, there is only one part number and you can mount it in every corner. With the original caliper, you'd have to get the right and left and when installed in the rear, to properly bleed the system you have to take the caliper off and invert it; not with the Wilwood. And is also lighter
We have these calipers in our Fiero in the front and since it is being developed as a Time Trial racer which will run on slicks, we opted for the 2.75" bore. We teamed them with a set of racing brake pads by Hawk, specifically the DTC-30 compound which is designed for dirt oval race cars that demand braking power and consistency without fading. In the Hydraulic department we have the Wilwood EXP 600 racing brake fluid and the Blazer master cylinder. That will be the icing on the cake for a bullet proof, consistent and economic set up that will out perform other brake set ups that cost much more.
We've tested the above set up in two different tracks with no fading or brake issues whatsoever. The only inconvenient is that it has too much brake power for the street tires we are running on the car now, the brake pedal has to be work with finesse to prevent lock up of the front wheels. But that will balance out with the grip power of the racing slick tire that this system was designed for. The rear still has the stock set up with ceramic pads for two reasons:
1)Front & rear bias is fine tuned via a manual proportioning valve that way we can tailor the brake set up on different tracks and conditions.
2)Bigger rotor in the rear means that they will take away hp going to the ground to move that mass.
For the street Fiero front brakes we recommend the 2.00" bore and quality brake pads with stock diameter wheel. For front tire diameter increase, the 2.75" bore will be a better option. For the rear, to keep the bias correct use the front 2.00" and stock in the rear for stock diameter wheels and 2.75" front and 2.00" rear with oversized wheels.
Wilwood vs Stock GM
The Wilwood (at left) weighted 4.4lbs while the Stock GM (at right weighted 6.6lbs
Caliper and brake pads combo.
And next, we will be upgrading to this:
For even more weight saving , performance and looks this Wilwood D-52 style caliper will bolt on in place of the already existing GM Metric caliper bracket. And for the track, the same DTC-30 Circle Track compound pads that we are using is also available for the D-52 caliper!
Note: DO NOT USE RACING PADS FOR THE STREETS. They are noisy, dusty and WILL NOT STOP THE CAR WHEN COLD!!! They requiere a special bedding procedure and constant heat to work at optimum performance.
Hope this help some of you that have the Camaro/Seville set up. And thank you for stopping by!
Rei Moloon
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