Page 1 of 2

disc brake conversion

Posted: Sun May 20, 2012 5:36 pm
by reedbecky
I've been reading a lot on this site about converting corvairs to disc brakes and I have a simple question: Since my Monza uses Chevelle brakes for stopping, is it possible to use disc brakes from another GM product? Since interchangability has always been a big plus for any GM, I was wondering if the same was true about this. Years ago I helped convert a '68 Nova to disc brakes using a setup from an early Monte Carlo and it worked just fine. I figured if this was possible it would save time and money for other Corvair owners. Thanks, Reed

Re: disc brake conversion

Posted: Sun May 20, 2012 11:08 pm
by USAF_vair
there is the option of the chevy S-10. the stock rotors can be installes with only a little custom work. all one has to do is take about an 1/8th inch off of the corvairs factory front hubs. i did this by using a brake leathe.

Re: disc brake conversion

Posted: Wed May 23, 2012 10:02 pm
by Corvair.crazy
Yes and that pesky speedometer cable.

Re: disc brake conversion

Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 3:00 pm
by CorvairKid
Mine are off 94 S-10 2wd pick up. I still have speedometer cable

Re: disc brake conversion

Posted: Sun May 27, 2012 9:58 am
by reedbecky
Thanks for the info! I'll probably go with the S-10 setup. The only other question I have is how do you use the speedometer cable with this setup? Thanks, Reed

Re: disc brake conversion

Posted: Sun May 27, 2012 3:09 pm
by Phil Dally
Do yourself a favor and buy on of the kits from a Corvair supplier.

They are Corvair specific, work great, and reasonably priced.

Don't try to adapt something that is not Corvair specific.

Going to front disc is one of the two best things you can do.

The other being get rid of the points in your distributor.

Re: disc brake conversion

Posted: Sun May 27, 2012 4:23 pm
by CorvairKid
The setup is really cheap you can find brackets off ebay very easily and the rest can be found at local parts store

Re: disc brake conversion

Posted: Sun May 27, 2012 5:37 pm
by CorvairKid
Nothing is done with speedometer, the hub that has wheel studs is turned down to fit into the s-10 rotor. you use existing corvair hub and dust cap.

Re: disc brake conversion

Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2012 7:24 am
by Stinger Motorsports
My kit is listed in the parts for sale section of this Forum. I have installed close to 20 kits here in my shop it is a very easy conversion and it doesn't have any effect on the Speedo cable.

The new rotor slips on over the factory wheel hub. The hub must have the outside diameter turned down slightly to allow this slip fit. I also keep the pre turned hubs in stock to make the conversion quicker.

If your trying to cut the corners on cost I sell a basic kit which comes with Brackets, Hardware, and detailed instructions for $120.00.
You can add pre turned hubs for $40.00

David Clemens
Stinger Motorsports
540 204 0917

Re: disc brake conversion

Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 9:03 pm
by ensys
Perhaps its the dream of dementia, but I seem to recall that the contemporary Sting Ray was an apt donor as long as you took everything (spindle castings, hubs, bearings, etc.).

Re: disc brake conversion

Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2012 5:56 pm
by Leon Tombong
Good thing I found this thread. Topic here seems interesting. Is it necessary to have a disc brake conversion for my corvair? How much is the total cost for that if ever? I'm interested in using disc brakes from another GM product.

Re: disc brake conversion

Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 6:42 am
by azdave
Leon Tombong wrote:Is it necessary to have a disc brake conversion for my corvair?
Not in my opinion or experience. Some people change fronts to discs but very few do all four wheels due to cost and complications in dealing with e-brakes.

Stock Corvair brakes maintained in good condition are recognized as being very capable on their own with no real need to swap to discs for normal use. I run front discs on my V8 Toro conversion because they came already installed by a previous owner but all of my other Corvairs use stock components. I would rather spend the funds on other items. I don't run dual master cylinders either. I keep my brakes in good repair, flush them every 5 years of so and keep my e-brake in good shape.

Re: disc brake conversion

Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 8:12 pm
by marvgarr
thats how I feel also the stock setup works great if the car does not stop that great then there is a problem

Re: disc brake conversion

Posted: Tue Jun 04, 2013 12:51 pm
by gsharp73
I am been scouring the internet. Is there a place for me to purchase 15" conversion kits for disc brakes for my 1965 Corsa?

Re: disc brake conversion

Posted: Tue Jun 04, 2013 3:06 pm
by bbodie52

Re: disc brake conversion

Posted: Wed Nov 13, 2013 4:05 pm
by soytrejo
Where is the most economical place to get a disc brake conversion kit? JC Whitney has it fot 676, I think Clark's has them for a similar price.