I know there is the option to buy a big brake kit to get my rear drum brakes to disk, but that is a little excessive since they're also being upgraded to huge rotors. So, I'm hoping somebody out there has or knows somebody that has a set of hubs, mounting brackets, rotors, calipers... etc for the 5x110 setup. Please see my thread in parts if you know of anyone who would part out their totaled 'balts, runs a yard, or can find some other way to scrounge some up.

Also I'm looking for any advice or suggestions about swapping the rotors out. I have already heard its better to just use the conversions, or deal with the brake system now, etc... but not only are the rims I want only available in 5x110 (and similar ones just don't cut it), but I also really want my rear brakes to disk without having to go big break. So, constructive and informative comments are appreciated.

 

I hear changing the rear brakes to disc don't really improve braking distance that much. Seems like you're going to pour out a lot of money to change to a less common bolt pattern, even if you see a rim you like in it.

 

It would be cheaper to have the rims you want custom drilled to 4x100 then it would be to convert to rear disk brakes.

There are 100's of threads about this, and everyone pretty much agrees, the cost to reward ratio makes it not worth it.

 

Mm, not neccesarily. I have two friends with Foci, one an '05, the other an '07, and both serious about racing (one autocrosses and one rallys), and both did the rear disc conversion and love it. Stopping power def increases, and alot easier maintnence.

 

The rims I want can't be custom drilled, I already asked the manufacturer. I have found a set of rims in a 4x100 pattern but it is quite a compromise for me to step down to it.

The only options out there right now retail wise are the SSBC rear brake conversion kit, but then I end up with huge rotors on the back which I feel is completely overboard. I am mainly trying to see if somebody has done it before or has looked into the conversion process itself and has any advice on the subject because when I was having my springs installed I got into a conversation about it and the general consensus was they wouldn't make two different axle's for the different trim's of the car; so a r-rotor from an SS model and its hub's should bolt on with the right mounting bracket.

--Which is why I'm hoping somebody has or knows of a totaled car somewhere that would be willing to sell their brake/hub assemblies.

 

Rear discs would be a good idea if you plan to autocross, drums don't cool off as quick and will fade.

But if you don't live on a mountain and if you ain't gona drive it hard, its not really worth it.

 

Slightly off topic, how does one do maintenance on drum brakes? I know with discs its replace pads/rotors, how do you get inside the drums?

 

take the wheel off, the drum will then slide off in your hands.

sometimes if it is really stuck, you'll need some penetrating oil and a mallet, but it's not held on with anything other than the pad friction and the wheel.

also, if the drum is old, the pads may have worn a "lip" into the drum keeping it on there, so you'd need to back out the adjuster a little bit.

advice, get a friend that is used to them to help the first time, and invest in a lot of brake parts cleaner.

 

Working on the rear drums is no fun. Pain in the ass 1800s Rail Road technology....

 

Check this thread out

https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/suspension-67/brake-questions-98964/

 

just a fyi if anyone wants to try it .. saturn s series cars came with rear disc if equipped with abs. also the bolt pattern is 4-100. I would think that would be cheaper than doing the 5 lug coversion.

 

is this doable? first i ever heard of swapping parts from an s series.

 

I picked up the idea from a saturn site (I own an ion) I think it'll work. It's just not #1 on my priority list but will be soon.

 

could you post a link to the thread please?

 

a guy talks about it in this thread

http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75394

 

I would love to that, but it would cost me way too much money.

The brake kit costs $1000 and I would need 17" Rims and tires which would cost near if not over $1000. I'm not going to be racing my car anyway.

 

Depending on where you live, I have the complete setup to swap over not just the brakes but the suspension as well. The parts are in Niagara Falls, Ontario right now and only need to be crated or picked up.

 

uhh it would cost under $500 to do it and they can be used under 15's. you are talking about the big brake kit.

sacturn sc2's came with stock 15 alloy wheels and rear disc brakes as an option with abs.