Rear proportioning valve

[SASHO91]

i was thinking, intsead of putting in Bias Plugs, would there be a way to keep the valve, open, or closed, which ever puts more pressure to the rear brakes,
that way you would get more out of the stock PV? without putting in BP's?
My guess would to be take off the rod, then find out a way to keep the valve open/ closed(whichever).
I dont think that will hurt anything, because with the BP's you remove the rod anyways, and its always putting ful pressure to them. So by just keeping them open, to their maximum, which is less then the BP's, right? wouldnt hurt anything?
Or is this too much work? personally i wouldnt mind fabbing something up, and taking the time to install it. IMO it would be easier than doing the BP's, but i have yet to do them, just read of the install.
Any suggestions?

 

[Slo-Sho]

In order to install the 'Bias Plugs' you simply take a socket and thread it in, can't get any simpler. I think you just don't want to spend the $40 on some brass plugs like me. Instead, an alternative to the $40 bias plugs is to use the existing parts. I took out the valves and gutted them. I then threaded the now hollow plug and used a bolt with a crush washer, then screwed it back in. Yay, $39.50 in my pocket and it attains the same idea. YMMV.

 

[SASHO91]

Do you think you could PM me some more info on this?
Or post it here, that way it can be seen for future references?
I need another project to do.... im getting bored with all this maintance......
thanks!

 

[K-Dawg]

I don't think the stock valves allow full flow to the rear brakes, even when fully open.

 

[92inPA]

Slo-Sho,
Although your method works, it doesn't allow for the same flow as the brass plugs. I found that if you also remove the lower portion of your altered plug, you will get a much improved flow. Just grind/file the lower part of the body all the way up to the threads. This will unshroud one of the ports in the valve block and flow will then be equal to the brass plug design.

 

[luigisho]

I think alot of people (myself included) jump into this mod without enough knowledge about tinkering with brake bias. You're changing the characteristics of the entire brake system. While I have done the 13" fronts and '96 upgrade to the rears in the GenI with plugs installed, I am beginning to think that maybe leaving the bias where it is might be better for emergency braking and fine for spirited drivng as well. The only better option I can think of is an adjustable aftermarket one (probably need two actually), which is a real plumbing hassle and tough to dial in for the average weekend wrencher.
I would like to hear from Gary M. if he's still around (IIRC he put adjustable proportion valves in his car), Todd C. and those who put in alot of roadcourse time for their feedback on this.

 

[Slo-Sho]

Slo-Sho,
Although your method works, it doesn't allow for the same flow as the brass plugs. I found that if you also remove the lower portion of your altered plug, you will get a much improved flow. Just grind/file the lower part of the body all the way up to the threads. This will unshroud one of the ports in the valve block and flow will then be equal to the brass plug design.

Fact of the matter is...the rears will lock up under a panic stop, namely the LR wheel. I don't think I need anymore flow than that.

 

[FAST4DR]

I think alot of people (myself included) jump into this mod without enough knowledge about tinkering with brake bias. You're changing the characteristics of the entire brake system. While I have done the 13" fronts and '96 upgrade to the rears in the GenI with plugs installed, I am beginning to think that maybe leaving the bias where it is might be better for emergency braking and fine for spirited drivng as well. The only better option I can think of is an adjustable aftermarket one (probably need two actually), which is a real plumbing hassle and tough to dial in for the average weekend wrencher.
I would like to hear from Gary M. if he's still around (IIRC he put adjustable proportion valves in his car), Todd C. and those who put in alot of roadcourse time for their feedback on this.

I agree. I have the 13" front and 11.6 rear with the plugs and depending on your pad choices, it can be a little scary. Don't get me wrong the car stops great, but I get abs activation under extreme braking, which extends the stopping distance if you don't keep it right on the threshold. I need to get some less aggresive pads for the rear and stick with very aggresive pads in the front.

I think the extra rear bias also helps out with dive, not sure. I would love to have adjustable bias.

Will

 

[DHMag]

Do you think you could PM me some more info on this?
Or post it here, that way it can be seen for future references?
I need another project to do.... im getting bored with all this maintance......
thanks!

i did mine for less than $10. call me sometime or maybe we could get together and do it. but theres no way im driving ALL the way to the southside

 

[jessemachone]

For what it is worth...

For what it is worth, I just wired my valve to the full flow position with some stainless safety wire. It works great and keeps the nose from diving at every stop. I like the feel of this mod very much and it was free!!!

BTW it is on a gen 1 with the 96 upgrade with stock rear. Ford linings all the way around.