Hello everybody...

I have a small question regarding the brakes on the LS.

I've looked around and rims/shocks/springs/brakes are among the first things I'd like to go ahead and do to my new ride. However, when I saw that I've got drums on the back of my fairly basic LS, I knew that wouldn't do. I've seen the SSBC Big Brake Kit... but is it my only option? Will any 4x100 rotor/caliper setup do, so long as I have a wheel that will fit over them? Are calipers and rotors all that I will need, and they will bolt-on, or is the mounting different for the drums? I hate the way they look. I haven't ever really worked on brakes, ever, save swapping some old pads out every now and then.

Great website, I've gained a wealth of knowledge over the last few days, just now starting to ask some questions Thanks for any input!

 

I'm sure they could all work, if you are willing to/ have the ability to, do the work. to make it simple go with the ssbc (they also make a rear disc conversion kit)

for now the ssbc is the only big brake kit out there. if you just want new rotors there are plenty of options, and a lot of people go that route. Personally I would rather spend the extra money and do it right, the stock brakes are BARELY adequate for normal street driving. start doing any kind of road racing and you will be in trouble on stock brakes.

What I plan to do is keep an eye out at junk yards for a cobalt (i have a whole list of stuff I want) if you could find an lt with rear disc brakes it would be a very easy swap. I say very easy assuming you have some mechanical ability. even if you aren't comfortable swaping the brake components its probably easier to just swap out the entire rear axle setup, hook up your brake lines and go. Thats my plan. then maybe i'll do some slotted rear rotors or calipers from a wrx or make something else work.

Speaking of junk yard parts i would be willing to bet the brakes of a 93+ fbody could be made to work with minimal problems. I haven't looked into it at all, its just a thought I have...

 

We have been bugging WilWood for some time to make us a kit. Gary Gardella has WilWoods on his base car. He used a Scion TC kit with some modifications, but we don't know what those modifications where.

The other option is to swap FE5 hubs onto your car and use the FE5 brakes and wheels.

I have to disagree however with the comment that stock brakes are barely adequate. The stockers on this car are actually very good.

 

just a question is it possible to get all the components of the ss rear brakes except the hub and find some disc brakes with the same dimensions and 4x100 lug pattern or is it not that simple.

 

sounds like someone isn't pushing them hard enough

they aren't bad, i've seen a lot worse. But get 4 people in the car plus some weight in the trunk and things can get a little hairy. two or three good hard stops on them without any extra weight in the can and I can feel them start to beg for mercy. for normal driving they do ok, but any more than that and I think they are at their limits.