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Aluminum 2-piston calipers

Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 9:01 am
by xgecko
Looks like Wilwood produces an interesting upgrade for '69 and later single piston cast iron calipers based on the standardization that GM is known for. While I have not used these, I am very likely to consider them for next year's winter garage time when I will take my second pass at the car. The aluminum 2 piston design should perform better and look much better than the stock brakes. I will let you know if I end up buying a set.

http://www.wilwood.com/BrakeKits/BrakeK ... option=All Disc Brake Spindle

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Re: Aluminum 2-piston calipers

Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 3:46 pm
by Twilight Fenrir
Aren't two-piston less desireable than single-piston? I thought they were more prone to problems.

Re: Aluminum 2-piston calipers

Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 4:44 pm
by xgecko
You are thinking of the old Kelsey Hayes quad piston units from 67-68 which were said to be less good - although I had a set on my '68 many years ago that I rebuilt, and they worked fine.

As for these units, the two smaller pistons produce equal or greater pressure area in a wider zone. Modern brakes go all the way up to 6 and 8 piston units and virtually all high performance calipers are at least quad piston - e.g. modern Corvettes and the like. It is reasonable to assume these are a significant improvement over the original as they will also dissipate heat better due to the use of aluminum in the caliper body.

Besides, they sure do look trick, eh? 8-)

I could swear I just wrote that in my other post... my lines are getting a bit stale here. :oops: But it is so true! :)

Edit: A good read on the subject:

http://www.brakeandfrontend.com/Article/38800/TwinPiston.aspx

Re: Aluminum 2-piston calipers

Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 5:58 pm
by Twilight Fenrir
Huh, neat, thanks forthe info. I'm really jusy learning into this stuff. All my cars are 86 or older, and have single-piston callipurs. I'lloke throigh that artical when I get home.

Also, as to them being pretty, I think they'd be better without that silly logo :P

Re: Aluminum 2-piston calipers

Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 9:06 pm
by xgecko
I actually kinda like the logo, although I can understand your point of view. I decided I will buy one late next month, see for sure that it fits, then buy the second one. I figure the time is now since I have brand new cross-drilled and slotted rotors and they should be able to use the stock pads.

Turns out they are $165 each at Summit Racing which is not that bad at all. I will report back my findings when I confirm they fit.

Re: Aluminum 2-piston calipers

Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 7:21 am
by xgecko
Got the calipers in yesterday and did a quick sanity check and they appear to fit just fine. They sure are nice parts and I am really looking forward to reporting back on how well they perform!