[DeTomaso] brake system question

[Justin Greisberg]

thanks for the advice.  In my case, the wilwood superlites were mounted with adaptors to the stock spindle, so no change needed for steering arm.  using it with nice 12" rotors.  really a great system to look at.  basically it is the system that dennis from colorado sells.
 
I still propose that there is air in the system, but I will take the caliper off and take a look.  the pedal is not too firm at all.  I have never had this much trouble getting a firm pedal in a car before.  justin
 


From: JDeRyke at aol.com
Date: Wed, 15 Sep 2010 11:01:27 -0400
Subject: Re: [DeTomaso] brake system question
To: justingreisberg at hotmail.com; detomaso at realbig.com

In a message dated 9/15/10 5:20:49 AM, justingreisberg at hotmail.com writes:


i am not sure my booster is doing enough, and I am not sure my master cylinder has a large enough bore.

The GM conversion booster system sold by the Byars Bros is about the largest diameter booster one can install without radical bodywork to fit it into the front trunk. And it comes with a dual diaphragm and stepped-bore master cylinder -both of whch are bigger than stock. Once the system is balanced with an adjustable proportioning valve -usually in the rear brakes, they work fine and the cost is reasonable. 
But I doubt the booster is causing the pull to one side- which is likely most of your probem since if one of the two front calipers isn't working- or isn't working well- you've just lost almost half your braking force. I use 4-piston Wilwood Superlite 2s in front with dual-piston Porsche 911-S calipers in the rear using the converted GM booster & a manual proportioning valve, and I can lock up 4 wide tires with ease (245-50 fronts, 275-55s in rear).
I would certainly first try to eliminate the not-working problem by interchanging calipers, pads or replacing one caliper entirely. Dunno where you got the Wilwoods but they're usualy pretty good about replacements: call them directly to check. Note these are 'racing' calipers & really have no warranty except for mfg defects. Note also that in changing to Wilwood calipers, the steering arms must be redrilled and that usually leaves the new hole at the bottom of the arm dangerously close to the edge of the forging unless its weld-reinforced; it can be gas-welded. Good luck- J DeRyke