The Pontiac GTO began as an option package for the Pontiac Tempest and was a project led directly by DeLorean. It was powered by Pontiac’s 389-ci V-8 engine that was so successful in racing that it was dubbed the “Trophy V8.” The package also included a floor-shifted 3-speed manual transmission with a Hurst shifter and linkage and optional tri-power carburetion. Among the many upgrades listed were metallic brake drum linings, showing that engineers were starting to take speed and traffic safety into consideration. Original production was limited to just 5,000 units.
The car was much more popular than even DeLorean expected, and General Motors was inspired to produce more cars for power-hungry street performance car devotees. Along with GM’s confidence, other carmakers were prompted to imitate Pontiac’s best seller. It was this keeping up with the Joneses mentality that slowed down the evolution of brakes in muscle cars during the 1960s. The public wanted more powerful cars at budget prices, and Detroit automakers gave it to them.
Early Chevelle two-door coupes have been one of the most popular muscle cars to restore and modify, such as this 1965 Chevelle. Once enthusiasts add more muscle to these midsize muscle cars, disc brake upgrades should be seriously considered.
Ford Motor Company Muscle Cars Front Disc Brake Offerings
Ford Custom (500) 1964–1974: Front and rear drum brakes were offered, except the Custom 500 that had front disc brakes from 1972.
Ford Fairlane 1955–1970: Power disc brakes were an option starting in 1969.
Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt 1964: Front and rear drum brakes only were offered.
Ford Falcon 1960–1970: Power brakes were offered starting in 1964. Front and rear drum brakes only were offered.
Ford Galaxie 1958–1974: Power front disc brakes were optional in 1967 and standard starting in 1974.
Ford Mustang 1965–1973: The 1965 GT version was offered with front disc brakes. Optional power front disc brakes were offered for all models in 1967 and standard on the GT.
Ford Ranchero 1966–1975: Power front disc brakes were optional in 1968.
Ford Starliner 1960–1961: Front and rear drum brakes only were offered.
Ford Thunderbird 1955–1975: Power front disc brakes were optional in 1965.
Ford Torino 1968–1975: Front disc brakes and power assist were options in 1967. Power front disc brakes became standard on the Torino Squire Wagon in 1970 and all Torino models in 1972.
Mercury Comet 1960–1975: The GT package came with front disc brakes in 1966.
Mercury Cougar 1967–1975: Power front disc brakes were optional in some special models as early as 1969 but became standard in 1973.
Mercury Cyclone 1964–1971: The GT package came with front disc brakes in 1966. ■
A 1963 Falcon Sprint is shown here. Ford general manager Robert S. McNamara commissioned a team to create a car that was small by American standards but would be considered midsize elsewhere in the world. The Falcon became a favorite budget car for hot rodders to soup up.
The Dodge Dart, Ford Fairlane, and Chevrolet Chevelle are great examples of muscle cars from the golden era of American muscle cars. Because they are a great representation of the genre, these cars were selected to represent each of the Big Three manufacturers with the upgrades shown in this book.
Drum Brakes
A crude form of mechanical drum brakes actually appeared on a Daimler creation in 1899. It was a simple design that was nothing more than a cable wrapped around a drum. The cable was anchored to the vehicle’s chassis and controlled by the driver. Wilhelm Maybach improved upon the design on a Mercedes-Benz by using multiple steel cables wrapped around two drums on the rear wheels and controlled by a hand brake lever.
Despite these early efforts that encompassed the basic idea of drum brakes, Louis Renault is usually credited with the invention of drum brakes in 1902. Renault’s form of drum brakes would become the standard for automobiles for the next 70 years.
In drum brakes, brake shoes generate friction by rubbing against the inner surface of a brake drum that is attached to a wheel. There are external-contracting brakes (in which the brake band surrounds the drum) and internal-expanding drum brakes (in which the shoes, supported by a back plate, are forced outward against the drum).
Modern automotive brakes can be broken down into two basic types: disc or drum. While it can be argued that removing your foot from the accelerator pedal can be a form of braking (deceleration), this book only includes systems that have hard components that are designed specifically for stopping.
Air brakes, which were originally developed for railway use, have been adopted for use on larger vehicles. Air brakes are usually a complicated system of reservoirs, valves, and a multi-circuit control system that make this type of braking too sophisticated for passenger car use. Current air brake systems must be operated differently than the more common hydraulic systems, and most countries require additional training and licensing to legally drive any vehicle using an air brake system. Neither magnetic brake or electrical brake systems are currently used in passenger cars.
Muscle cars from the golden era, such as this 1966 Chevelle, are prime candidates for brake and wheel upgrades to match modern performance. There are several aftermarket brake companies that support these muscle car brake upgrades. Baer Brakes, Classic Performance Products (CPP), Disc Brakes Australia (DBA) USA, Power Brake, Master Power Brakes, Stainless Steel Brakes Corporation (SSBC), TBM Brakes (formerly known as The Brake Man), and Wilwood are all representatives in the performance brake market.
Modern rotor designs include a scalloped version for serious racing applications. Scalloped rotors are specifically designed to reduce surface area, which effectively reduces weight. Saving weight in race applications is critical for obvious reasons. (Photo Courtesy Wilwood Engineering Inc.)
Disc Brakes Australia (DBA) USA is one of many modern companies that make brake pads with a variety of different materials. Brake pads are generally broken down into three groups: organic, ceramic, and semimetallic. However, each of these groups are made up of many different types of materials. For example, organic brake pads can be manufactured from various organic compounds, such as carbon, glass, rubber, or Kevlar. Semimetallic will be made with iron, steel, copper, or graphite in the friction material. Ceramics tend to be made of a manufacturer-specific ceramic compound. Each type has its own pros and cons.
Brake linings and the materials used have seen dramatic changes since their first application in 1888. Various soft metals have been used with noisy results. Asbestos linings worked well but posed a health hazard, so their use was stopped. Synthetic fibers have taken over the lead role in brake lining material. Use caution when dealing with older brake shoes like these. Avoid breathing the dust and try not to disturb the dust and fibers with compressed air or vacuum cleaners.
Disc Brakes and Brake Pad Linings
British