Cost Effective Front End?

[mrgem]

I'm looking for the most cost effective means of doing a total front end rebuild on an early car (64-66) and upgrading to front discs at the same time. I'm not a big fan of sliding caliper, single piston (Granada style) front brakes, and would prefer the 4-piston K-H style setup with a split master cylinder (manual).

Ideas? Stuff to avoid?

TIA

 

[Anonymous]

Unless you are going to do some serious track duty there's nothing wrong with a Granada setup. I would look at roller perches and doing the "Shelby" drop with a good set of shocks. The split master cylinder is a must. I like a 1 1/8" piston for manual as a 1" or less often offers too much travel. All this can be done fairly inexpensively. Also you may want to consider an adjustable proportioning valve, it will be money well spent.

 

[Starfury]

There is no reason to switch to Granada style brakes on that car. The KH-style CSRP kit will bolt onto the existing spindles and provide everything you need to install OE brakes, aside from hard lines and fluids. I have the same kit on my car and I'm very happy with it.

I do agree about the suspension. Roller perches and the Shelby drop were some of the best things I've done to my car.

How much of the front end needs to be rebuilt? Are the control arms shot? If so, look into OpenTracker front end components. There's no real need for anything fancier for most people. A set of OpenTracker control arms, roller perches, and coil springs, plus some good shocks (I recommend Edelbrock or Bilstein, but KYB's are a good cost-effective option) and a beefier sway bar, and you'll feel like you bought a new car.

 

[sigtauenus]

There is no reason to switch to Granada style brakes on that car. The KH-style CSRP kit will bolt onto the existing spindles and provide everything you need to install OE brakes, aside from hard lines and fluids. I have the same kit on my car and I'm very happy with it.

I do agree about the suspension. Roller perches and the Shelby drop were some of the best things I've done to my car.

How much of the front end needs to be rebuilt? Are the control arms shot? If so, look into OpenTracker front end components. There's no real need for anything fancier for most people. A set of OpenTracker control arms, roller perches, and coil springs, plus some good shocks (I recommend Edelbrock or Bilstein, but KYB's are a good cost-effective option) and a beefier sway bar, and you'll feel like you bought a new car.

+1.

Best advice I can give you for "cost effective" is don't shop on price. The cheap taiwan control arms and spring saddles will wear out within a few years and you'll be doing the job over again. Spend the extra money for better quality parts and in the end that move will be more "cost effective."