1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Drag brake pad suggestions?

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Old Apr 11, 2013 | 03:11 PM
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Drag brake pad suggestions?

Not looking to go all crazy with huge disc's and monster calipers. But I am looking to get as decent of a pad as I can find for my SA.

I may install a set of drilled and slotted rotors and a set of "performance" pads. What is everyone using for performance pads? I won't be on the brakes on and off, but I will be jumping on them pretty hard at 150mph or so to slow the car in the quarter mile.

Any specific brand stand out more than the others? Whos got the best deal for the SA OEM calipers?

Thanks!
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Old Apr 15, 2013 | 08:36 AM
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Honestly, ditch the SA calipers. You'll shave weight and have better brake technology.

I can ask around and see if I can find you an old parachute
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Old Apr 15, 2013 | 09:58 AM
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Originally Posted by aws140
Honestly, ditch the SA calipers. You'll shave weight and have better brake technology.

I can ask around and see if I can find you an old parachute
This is my first SA, I'll have to look the brakes closer maybe take a pic or two. They looked like factory equipment to me, I've never even had the front wheels off this chassis yet. I wasn't aware there was a difference between the SA and FB calipers. Is there? Most of the discs and pads I looked at online used the same PN for 78-85 rx-7's.

Or were you suggesting aftermarket? What calipers do you suggest? Anything a direct bolt on? I can't put some massive 4 piston caliper up there, I won't have the room with the skinny 15"front wheels.

The car has been 130 and was able to slow down without a problem. It has a ford 9" and 14" drums on the rear. The car will have a chute. Need one for 135+ or 9.99 and quicker these days...
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Old Apr 16, 2013 | 10:16 PM
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From: Cartersville, Ga
Here's a 1979 caliper:

https://www.rockauto.com/getimage/ge.../19B161-01.jpg

Here's a FB caliper:

https://www.rockauto.com/getimage/ge.../19B570-01.jpg

The SA is a wedge style. I believe wedge is the correct term. It's heavier and harder to work with. Maybe you got luck and a PO switched it to FB brakes. If so, and they also switched it to the large FB spindles, then you can easily swap to GSLSE calipers if you need more brakes in the future. Maybe if you start having brake fade, especially if running multiple consecutive runs.

If it were me, I would go with Hawk, read their site to determine which composite is better for your needs, and a set of good quality blank rotors, Brembo or similar.
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Old Apr 17, 2013 | 06:20 PM
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The TII brake swap isn't that expensive, but you need the '84/'85 large spindles, aluminum calipers, bigger rotors, 4piston calipers. Drag racing you shouldn't have a problem even on the SA brakes as long as you have good pads and straight rotors. Hawk, carbotech, or the EBC redstuff pads should be fine, anything decent with a good cold bite. Stay away from the top end race pads since they need some heat in them before they really start to bite.
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