Brake Conversion Qustion (what do I need to do this correctly?)

[Artesia]

I'm getting ready to replace the rotors on my SHO. I have a '91 MTX SHO. Only problem is this...I can't find our brake rotors in stock at an AutoZone. I CAN, however, find the '96-'99 SHO rotors in stock for $30 at AutoZone. But again, they don't even carry them for our cars. SO...what I was wondering is...what all do I need for a brake conversion for my car?? Please list parts and what I have to do. Thanks

 

[sdpatt]

Brian,

I have never had a problem finding my '91's rotors at AutoZone, O'Reilly, Pep Boys, etc. Let your fingers do the walking and call ahead to make sure they have them in stock before you go. The longest lasting (and cheapest) rotors I have used have been the Universal Brake Parts brand that I found at AutoZone for $18.99. They have gone longer without heat stress cracking or warping. Of course, the lug nut torque at the low end of the 85-105 lb-ft range will help that from happening. These rotors, any rotors, and the Performance Friction Carbon Metallic pads also available at the 'Zone for $32 (with a lifetime replacement warranty) will keep you very pleased with your braking system's performance.

 

[bradman]

Brian - read the "96 brake run-down" thread begun by ThrillSHO. Your 96 brake upgrade (on a '91?) will be much more work and more costly than mine because I have a '94 which came stock with improved brakes. I just need 96 rotors and caliper brackets. You need much more. I personally wouldn't do the 96 upgrade on a pre-94 SHO. Sounds like even Scott has not done the upgrade since it he's had good performance with the $19 rotors from Autozone and PF pads.

 

[Artesia]

Well, I decided not to do it anyway. I was talking to a guy at the autocross today and he said that changing the brakes would put me in a different class at the autocross. So I figured I would keep my car within' G-Stock class to make the competition a little easier for the time being. I'm my only competition right now, unfortunately. So that sucks. No one else was in my class. I did okay today though...it was fun.

 

[ThrillSHO]

I hate to burst your bubble, Brian, but the "No Cats" kicks you out of G-stock and into E-Street Prepared. Look at the bright side, the 96 brakes are legal in ESP and I'm sure there are more cars to compete with there.

<small>[ March 25, 2002, 09:01 AM: Message edited by: ThrillSHO ]</small>

 

[AutoXSHO]

You beat me to it. At this point you're out of GS and also out of STS since you can't change the cats. ESP is the stomping ground for modified V8 mustangs and camaros. "Have fun." Those cars, even poorly driven, will trample a SHO.

If you're not worried about being competetive, go ahead and park in ESP. If you want to try for trophies move into Street Mod, or whatever SCCA's flavor of the day is called now .

John V

 

[ThrillSHO]

Interestingly, if you look at the times from the last event, the three classes appear close. The reality is, if the SHO is prepared to the level allowed by the rules in each class, it will be much more competative in SM than in ESP or STS.

BTW, the apparent dominant winner of SM I don't believe was properly classed. He should have been is C-Prepared. Not that I'm a sore loser or anything.

E Street Prepared
T 1 ESP22 91 Ford Mustang GT 67.393
T 2 ESP18 94 Mustang GT 69.877
3 ESP97 97 CHEVY Z28 71.871
4 ESP29 00 Pontiac Trans Am 74.107
Street Touring S
T 1 STS92 92 Nissan Sentra SE-R 69.537
T 2 STS99 86 BMW 325es 72.073
3 STS66 98 Honda Civic LX 73.462
4 STS12 95 BMW 325i 73.920
5 STS51 92 Nissan Sentra 80.636
Street Modified
T 1 SM81 81 Chevy Z-28 64.018
T 2 SM7 89 Mitsubishi Mirage 68.231
T 3 SM18 91 Eagle Talon TSi Turbo 69.214
T 4 SM15 97 Mitsubishi Eclipse 69.628
5 SM16 93 Ford Taurus SHO 69.686
6 SM1 98 Chevrolet Z-24 69.863
7 SM41 87 Toyota Supra 71.568
8 SM31 89 Volkswagen GTI 72.026
9 SM8 99 acura integra gsr 72.614
10 SM11 98 Chevrolet Z-24 74.791

 

[AutoXSHO]

I guess it depends on how you look at it. SM is a very, very "open" class. In fact I'm technically supposed to be in SM because of my '96 brakes. The advantage to SM is you can run the ultimate SHO setup - a 3.2 with 3.0 cams in a manual transmission car. Just noticed you can remove the back seat and still comply. Cool.

STS restricts you - no 80mm MAFs, no y-pipes, no subframe connectors, no big brakes - but is a bit more fun at my region because where there are three or four SM cars there are 25-30 STS cars.

I finished consistently in 5th or 4th this year out of 25-30 cars in STS with my SHO (with all season tires on 6" slicers). I've also only been autocrossing about 7-8 years which goes to SHO (groan) that with proper rubber the car could dominate in STS.

John V

 

[speedy91]

John,
Which mods are legal on a SHO in STS? I thought 96 brakes were legal, but Baers are not. I am still reading my rulebook every day trying to sort this out. Think about building an 89 SHO for the STS class since my plus is already in a very competitive SM class in this region.
Eric

 

[Artesia]

Well, looking on the bright side...I CAN put my cats back on if I want...it's completely reversible. But I would rather races with competition. I'll figure out something. With slicks I could do much better. With suspension I could do way better. We'll see...talk to ya' later.

 

[AutoXSHO]

You may be right. They were fuzzy on the updating/backdating when STS came to be, but now I think they may have cleared it up to allow updating and backdating. If so, and if they consider the V8 SHO the same model car, then you CAN use the '96 front brakes.

Emissions legal headers are allowed. This may allow y-pipes and custom true dual systems. They used to specify factory catalysts. Now I don't think they do.

Any suspension bushings except metal bushings may be used. Strut bars are allowed but frame reinforcements are not. Springs are free. Shocks are free. No coilovers. No modified control arms (i.e. the GTP rear arms are not legal). No suspension reinforcements (H-braces are illegal).

Modifications of the airbox are legal. I think they make a distinction saying "airbox" meaning you can go to a cone filter but I imagine an 80mm MAF is not legal. They are fuzzy on this.

Stainless brake lines are legal if they are DOT approved. Pads and rotors are free.

Bodykits are legal.

Wheels up to 7.5" wide, tires up to 225" wide, minimum treadwear 140.

Am sure I'm missing something.

John V