Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Brakes Drum-Disc conversion?

I know that this has been asked plenty of times before, but is this possible at all? I have rotor envy and want 4 wheel discs! I have heard that it is not possible at all, or it is prohibitively expensive and very hard to find a shop to do it. What if you strip the hardware from a junker? Any suggestions?

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Jason
98.5 SE ATX

Very possible but probably not worth the cost on a street driven car. Just get the entire rear sub-frame assy with associated suspension bits from a wreck and the disk proportioning valves and you should be there. My2¢

I've been considering this, but mostly for looks.

It seems there are different rear knuckles for the disc and drum equipped cars, so you would need that certainly.

Here is what I think you would need

Two rear knuckles with the hub bearings installed.
Two calipers
Two rotors
Pads
Perhaps new brake hoses for each side
Probably ought to replace e-brake cable, don't know if drum cables fit.
Maybe proportioning valves, don't know if they are the same valves for the disc and drum equipped cars.

If I do it, I'm going for the KVR/Brembo pads and rotors. Probably the best bet is find a front wrecked car and take the knucles and all attached. Then buy some new calipers, pads and rotors plus the new brake hoses and e-brake cables. While you are in there, there is no reason to put old pads and rotors back in there. You'd just end up doing the labor again labor. My time and safety are worth far more than a few $$$

Cheers,

TB

Don't forget all the hand brake thingies! Bet a sub-frame assy. from a wreck is the cheapest way to go. Even with new pads and rotors. Calipers should be OK.

Hey, thanks TB!
I agree with you, my main reason for wanting to do the conversion is looks. I would like to get different wheels, but IMO, if you are going to get wheels that show off brake hardware, it should be discs all the way around. I have other mods to do before brakes, though--unless I find a wreck first. I will post any results.

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Jason
98.5 SE ATX

Of course, if you don't want to spend all of that time an money on actual brake upgrades, take a look at this:



Found that at carparts.com one day, it actually got posted at www.beaterz.com

Here is the link to carparts.com:
carparts_link

Cheers,

TB

ps, please don't actually buy this silly mod

thanks

[This message has been edited by tboner (edited July 31, 2000).]

Unfortunately, in my area, many have. BUT, none on a Contique so far. Really looks tacky with plastic fake alloys, fake disks and steel wheels.
Why even bother?