F-Body International

Finally got to spend the time this weekend to install my Strano Performance Parts front brake kit (http://www.stranoparts.com/partdetai...=7&PartID=1354) that's been sitting my garage since the end of November while I had a wheel ordering ordeal. My initial impressions are great. The car stops much smoother from higher speeds than before. Last night I was only able to get the bedding (break-in) process done but I will report again on how my driving impressions are.

Some words of advice....if you're trying to install new flex lines on a car with old brake lines, get yourself a little torch if you don't have one! Heat helps big time for helping 20 year old brake lines and wheel hub come apart! I got mine at Home Depot. Also, read the directions carefully! I was a dumb*** and broke a bolt because I misread a torque spec. Thankfully nothing was damaged and bolt was a cheap replacement.

Here's a simple write-up of how to install these brakes on a 4th gen.

Before picture from the other day when I just got the wheels...
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/156619454@N04/, on Flickr

Step 1 - Disassemble the brakes, pull the wheel hub off and cut the spindle as pictured. Before reassembling everything, make sure to clean the mounting surfaces....again, as pictured.
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/156619454@N04/, on Flickr

Step 2 - Put the UMI mounting bracket on (caliper faces towards rear), slip the rotor on, install the caliper and plumb up the new braided hose. Make sure to follow proper torque specs! After that's done, bleed the system.
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/156619454@N04/, on Flickr

After picture...
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/156619454@N04/, on Flickr

F-Body International

Nice picture this morning of the new wheels and Strano brake kit installed.

UMI Performance

iTrader: (77)

Looks great!

biketopia

iTrader: (5)

Looks good. Just curious, how does the caliper mount attach if you remove the lower ear?

F-Body International

A UMI C5 conversion bracket is supplied.

http://www.stranoparts.com/partdetai...=269&ModelID=7

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

This is the link he meant to post

http://www.stranoparts.com/partdetai...=269&ModelID=7

But yes, we use a UMI bracket with the Wilwood caliper. The kit includes brake lines, (not standard F-body lines), brake rotors, the bracket, and a set of Wilwood BP10 pads as well.

biketopia

iTrader: (5)

Sweet, thanks Sam!! I'll add it my growing list of wants.

F-Body International

Link fixed. Thank you again sir.

5.7stroker

iTrader: (36)

Sam, what pads do you use on your car?

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

For street and autocross I run EBD Yellowstuff, and I use Raybestos ST43 in them on the track. Both of which I generally have in ready stock.

5.7stroker

iTrader: (36)

Thanks Sam.

I'm still undecided on which brake upgrade I'm going to go with. Car sees very light street and drag use. I'm loving the master cylinder brace btw! At some point, I'll be switching from Viking to the UMI/Afco setup. The color match to the UMI STB is dead on. I may powder coat my steering knuckles that color. Do you happen to know the red powder coating product and color used to paint these parts? Is it a custom or off the shelf formula?

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

Well it matches because they coat them for me which was on purpose because I know that folks are picky about things like that.. I really don't know officially what color it is, but I'm sure Ryan might be able to tell you. I suspect it isn't custom but can't swear to that.

Rabo73

iTrader: (1)

Now thats one nice and clean engine! I'm too motivationally challenged to achieve a look like that. Those wheels and that color look killer IMO. Good show!

SnakeStomper

iTrader: (8)

Been looking at getting this brake kit as well, OP... Looks great and I'm sure it performs great as well!