LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

98+ brakes

Old Oct 18, 2005 | 01:15 PM
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Default 98+ brakes

Can I buy LS1 calipers and bolt them directly on with a few hose/rotor modifications, or do I need to switch spindles also?
Or is there more to it than what I've mentioned?
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Old Oct 18, 2005 | 01:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Formula_LT1
Can I buy LS1 calipers and bolt them directly on with a few hose/rotor modifications, or do I need to switch spindles also?
Or is there more to it than what I've mentioned?
I was just told a few days ago you need to switch spindles... I believe that was for the front, not sure about the back.
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Old Oct 18, 2005 | 02:34 PM
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Ok. I figured you would have to but I wasn't totally for sure. I was just going to do a front caliper swap rather than all 4.
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Old Oct 20, 2005 | 09:26 AM
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you have to get the spindles, the caliper is a larger 2 piston design wheras the LT1 is a smaller 1 piston.
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Old Oct 20, 2005 | 10:24 AM
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I've done this. It's very easy, cheap, and the brakes perform a lot better. It's as easy as removing your tie-rod end from the old knuckles, break the balljoints loose from the upper and lower control arms, unbolt the banjo bolt from the old caliper, and reverse the process for the 98+ knuckles with calipers / rotors already assmbled on the knuckle.

A few things while you're doing this to consider. The 93-97 banjo bolts wont work with the 98+ caliper. I might be wrong, this is just what I've heard.

If you've never changed out your balljoints/tierod ends, they might be worn and time for replacement.

Other then that, my swap came completely assembled with stock rotor and pads that looked like they had a little life left in them, so I basically pulled the old knuckles off the control arms, put the new ones on, using the 98+ rubber brake lines. Bled the brakes and was off.

Good luck
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Old Oct 20, 2005 | 12:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Bawls
I've done this. It's very easy, cheap, and the brakes perform a lot better. It's as easy as removing your tie-rod end from the old knuckles, break the balljoints loose from the upper and lower control arms, unbolt the banjo bolt from the old caliper, and reverse the process for the 98+ knuckles with calipers / rotors already assmbled on the knuckle.

A few things while you're doing this to consider. The 93-97 banjo bolts wont work with the 98+ caliper. I might be wrong, this is just what I've heard.

If you've never changed out your balljoints/tierod ends, they might be worn and time for replacement.

Other then that, my swap came completely assembled with stock rotor and pads that looked like they had a little life left in them, so I basically pulled the old knuckles off the control arms, put the new ones on, using the 98+ rubber brake lines. Bled the brakes and was off.

Good luck
Yea, I was planning on buying new ball joints anyways,along with brake pads pretty soon. I'll probly collect the stuff piece by piece then put it all on. I didn't think it would cost a whole lot seeing how its factory equipment, but you never know the demand for stuff like that.
Thanks for the insight guys.
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Old Oct 20, 2005 | 12:14 PM
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Plan on between 150-250 for everything for the brakes.

When I did balljoints, I did all front LCA bushings as well, with new tie rod ends. Ended up around $200 for all that from Strano.
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Old Oct 20, 2005 | 12:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Bawls
Plan on between 150-250 for everything for the brakes.

When I did balljoints, I did all front LCA bushings as well, with new tie rod ends. Ended up around $200 for all that from Strano.
where replacing the lca bushing a bitch?
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Old Oct 20, 2005 | 01:18 PM
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Originally Posted by 95camaroz28
where replacing the lca bushing a bitch?

Not at all, didn't do them myself. They are pressed in, and not something I wanted to tackle. I had a local shop do it.

*edit*

Forgot to mention if you're planning on removing your control arm to get the new balljoint pressed in... Have fun with the back bolt (vertical) on the frontlca's. Mine, (and after doing some research 90% of fbody owners) are rust-welded to the old bushing. I had to completely ahnialte the old bolts to get them out.

Last edited by Bawls; Oct 20, 2005 at 01:26 PM.
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