e85racer

I have a 98 Trans Am and I'm rather new to the f-body scene. I see that everyone running skinnys is using wheel spacers to clear the stock front brakes. What is the most cost effective set up to change the brakes so I won't have to use spacers? I just hate the look of the front wheels sitting way out in the front!

garygnu

properly offset rims .

SparkyJJO

iTrader: (11)

Usually the people running skinny front runners aren't really doing it for the looks but for function at the track.

e85racer

Maybe I need to be a little more clear. To run a 15" skinny on the front I need to grind the caliper and run a spacer with my Billit Specialties skinnys. I just want to do away with the spacers for now. Can I adapt brakes from a 6 cylinder car? Do I have to by a brake kit from Strange or Wilwood? Has anybody figured out a combo of junkyard parts that works? I want to buy a front k member and the narrowed a arms eventually, which would utilize the aftermarket brakes. But for now is there anything low buck that I can do?

1981TA

iTrader: (7)

What about running a 17 inch wheel/tire combo with the right offset? No grinding or spacers or any other added complexity.

e85racer

thanks 1981TA, but I have the Billit Specialties on the car already, they are the same wheel size that I see lots of guys running, weather its a weld RTS or draglight or whatever, and they all stick out in the wheelwell to far for my liking because of the big brake/wheel spacer issue. The plan with my car is straight line only. I have motorcycles to go around corners with, so a 17" wheel tire package isn't in my game plan

MasterTomos

iTrader: (15)

All 98-02 fbody cars had the same exact brakes, be it a crank windows V6 car or a fully optioned SLP Firehawk/SS car-they're all the same.

93-97 LT1 cars had 1" smaller front brakes than the 98-02 Cars did, though. You'd have to change over the spindle but that's easy enough and a direct swap. That might be worth looking into.

e85racer

Thanks MasterTomos, that is the kind of info that i'm looking for

MasterTomos

iTrader: (15)

Look for spindles and calipers on car-part.com near you. Find some decently priced ones, and walk in with cash and they'll likely accept a lower amount than posted if you buy it all.

I'd pick up new hub/bearing assemblies while you're at it, along with new rotors and pads of course, maybe some stainless brake lines.

1981TA

iTrader: (7)

E85, you should consider selling off the original brakes. You will probably break even or even make a bit of money.

MasterTomos

iTrader: (15)

^

98-02 spindles can go for $40-75 depending on the mileage/condition.
98-02 Calipers and brackets can go from $30-100 again depending on condition and if the pads/rotors are usable or not.
Put everything altogether (spindles, brackets, rotors, hubs, pads, calipers) and you'd probably be able to sell it altogether for $120 or so on the classifieds here really quick. This is a popular swap for the 93-97 cars.