1981 Camaro brake problems...

Grant Eldridge · 03-21-2013, 08:36 PM

My buddy has an '81 Camaro race car he's converted to manual brakes, but has problems with low pedal and getting the car stopped. It has factory front disc brakes and factory drum rears. When he removed the power brake booster, he replaced the original master cylinder with several others he tried, ending up with a 1 1/8" bore Wilwood on the car now, hoping the extra volume would help. Apparently the m/cyl mounting is different from manual to power brakes so he's using the upper hole in the pedal to line up with the m/cyl. rod. Has anyone had these problems and figured out the fix? I'm no expert on brakes, looking for any help or advice, thanks!

Grant Eldridge

Richard Grant · 03-21-2013, 09:39 PM

Check the ratio? Manuel brakes require a higher ratio than power brakes. If the car came with power brakes it will require changing the ratio and possibly relocating the master cylinder to line up with the new location of the rod.

03-21-2013, 08:36 PM	#1
Grant Eldridge Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 124 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	1981 Camaro brake problems... My buddy has an '81 Camaro race car he's converted to manual brakes, but has problems with low pedal and getting the car stopped. It has factory front disc brakes and factory drum rears. When he removed the power brake booster, he replaced the original master cylinder with several others he tried, ending up with a 1 1/8" bore Wilwood on the car now, hoping the extra volume would help. Apparently the m/cyl mounting is different from manual to power brakes so he's using the upper hole in the pedal to line up with the m/cyl. rod. Has anyone had these problems and figured out the fix? I'm no expert on brakes, looking for any help or advice, thanks! Grant Eldridge

03-21-2013, 09:39 PM	#2
Richard Grant Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: West Monroe, La. Posts: 301 Likes: 9 Liked 13 Times in 7 Posts	Re: 1981 Camaro brake problems... Check the ratio? Manuel brakes require a higher ratio than power brakes. If the car came with power brakes it will require changing the ratio and possibly relocating the master cylinder to line up with the new location of the rod. __________________ Richard Grant 4988 STK