STOP ITQ.I have a question on disc brake conversions. I have a '70 Nova with a 396 and I want to convert from drum to disc brakes up front. I was thinking of using the stock spindles, and I see a lot of companies have these swaps. i wanted to know if some (or one) are better than others. The front clip has already been removed, sandblasted, and painted, including the suspension. I'm also upgrading the suspension with urethane bushings. Keep in mind that my car isn't a daily driver and will only be used for street/strip duties. You have a great mag, and keep up the good work.Bruce AdamsVia e-mail
A.Bruce, there are many companies out there offering bolt-on disc brake conversions. Two that especially stand out are ones we have used in the past. Baer Braking Systems offer outstanding brake systems in both quality and function, along with Wilwood Engineering. Baer has grown up in the Pro Touring ranks as the brakes to use. The Baer Track system utilizes 13-inch one-piece rotors, and PBR two-piston calipers that were used on C5 Corvettes. The 13-inch rotors require you to use at least 17-diameter wheels. If this is the direction of your Nova, then these are outstanding brakes. The part number for the bolt-on Track system is PN 4301035. You can reach the Baer Performance Team at (602) 233-1411, or online at www.baer.com for more information. We've used them on many projects and are still pulling our teeth out of the dash on our last car!
If you want to take some weight off the front of your Nova and have a balance of braking with skinny tires, look at the Wilwood Dynalite Pro Series Front Hub Kits. They are engineered for a variety of competition and sports-driving applications, including musclecars and heavyweight drag cars. Forged billet Dynalite calipers, forged billet hubs, vented iron rotors, and PolyMatrix brake pads offer big stopping power in severe heat conditions with up to 35 pounds of weight savings off the frontend. The rotors are available in 10.75-, 11.00-, and 11.75-inch diameters and will fit inside most 15-inch wheels. This is also a direct bolt-on kit for your stock spindles. The Dynalite Pro system is sold under PN 140-2285. For more information contact Wilwood at (805) 388-1188, or online at www.wilwood.com.
Long TubesQ.I've installed a GMMG exhaust system, but could you recommend a set of long-tube headers and a high-flow cat system for my '00 Camaro SS convertible? Also, will I have to remove the engine to install the headers? Thanks.Via e-mail
A.There are many long-tube headers on the market for your Camaro. However, ones that have cats and are bolt-on to your GM Performance exhaust system narrows it a bit. Dynatech Headers and Exhaust offers a really clean setup in their SuperMaxx line of header systems. The SuperMaxx system features a 304 stainless construction and 1 3/4-inch primary tubes with CAD-designed Aero-Flow collectors into OBD-II compliant Hi-flow converters. The system is a direct bolt-on fit and you don't have to drop the engine for the installation. However, you'll have to take a few Tylenol for your back pains from leaning over the fenders. Check with Dynatech for more information at (800) 848-5850, or online at www.dynatechheaders.com.
Weigh In, PleaseQ.I have a '79 Malibu that I want to put either a ZZ4 or an LS2 engine into. GM says the shipping weight of the LS2 is 517 pounds and the shipping weight of the ZZ4 is 465 pounds. What gives? Is the all-aluminum LS2 really heavier than the cast-iron/ aluminum-headed 350? I want to know what one weighs out of the crate as I would be putting it into the car. Thanks.Roy BrooksVia e-mai