OK, I already pulled the 4 piston Calipers and getting ready to take the hubs and calipers off a GXL and I'm gonna swap it on my 4 lug base. What other stuff do I need? i heard something about getting the master cylinder too?

 

i believe the only pieces you need are the calipers, the hubs, and the rotors. and maybe the lines as well but im not totally sure

 

sounds simple...to simple...anyone got write ups?

 

You need 5 lug rims

 

I just did a five lug conversion on my 86 NA, you'll need the whole knuckle assembly up front i think i'm pretty sure that the 4 piston callipers won't bolt to where the 4 lug ones did

 

It is easiest to just pull off the whole lower control arm and then unbolt the strut and remove everything at once.... then swap over up front.

Aside from the rotor/caliper/spindle (up front) and hubs (out back) you need the front brake lines in the wheelwell. I believe from where it disconnects from entering from the engine bay to the wheelwheel.

Every time I've done this conversion the brake master cylinder takes a dump. Don't know why.... but it would not build pressure until I replaced it.

I would prep/paint the calipers while you have them off. Use hi temp brake caliper paint.

I run HAWK HP+ brake pads on the street and like them very much. I did some road racing with them as well and they work great as a dual purpose pad. Major dusting but other than that not too bad.

-GNX7

 

Someone should make a nice write up with pictures on how to do this, so that it can be archived.

 

Ohh yeah I forgot about the master cylinder it needs to come off the parts car its bigger on the gxl's for those brakes you can see a clear difference if they are placed side by side, the gxl master cylender and booster assembly bolts right up but there is an extra plug on the gxl its white and comes from the bottom of the cylinder I don't know iuf the se's had a anything wired to plug into it the only thing that was there that would reach and fit made my ROOM fuse blow so i left it unplugged and it works great those brakes are soo nice i'd paint those calliper while there off too

 

got em, 5 lug and 5 spokes

 

BTW, the front 4 piston calipers wont bolt on to the front? really? what do i need?

 

This thread is full of so much WRONG INFORMATION, I don't even know where to start correcting you people!

There are a thousand write-ups on this on the net. This one is mine:
http://wozzoo.tripod.com/Info/4-5conv.htm

For those of you that don't like to read, here is the nutshell:
#1 You only need the calipers, hub (with bearings) and brake lines for the front.
#2 You don't have to switch the master cylinder
#3 For the rear, it's eaiser to swap the entire rear hub assembly.

 

wozzoom: your site rules.
I have to let you know though, as I have been searching for that write up for the cold air box for a while, that your pictures are gone.

 

You don’t “need” to change the master cylinder, but you should.

The smaller MS (master cylinder) is not designed for the 4-pots. I left the smaller cylinder in my car when I did the conversion and there is way too much peddle travel for my liking.

If you already have a parts car with the correct MS, by all means SWAP IT! You will be glad you did.

Someone told me that the hard lines are bigger as well. So you may as well change those if you can.

I also recommend doing the rear-steer-eliminator while you are at it.

 

Yes you should use the master cylinder many people have had them fail after the swap and the don't offer ar much pressure when braking, i've done the swap and know from personal expierience, it's a safety precation anyway, why not beef up the brake system as much as possibe, and you'll be very glad if you use the other master cylinder brakes feel great

 

Damn 5-lug conversions driving up the demand for used 5-lug parts. Some of us have legit 5-lug cars and parts are getting harder to find.

 

I did the conversion and kept the original mastercylinder. No problems.

I also have some 5 lugs suspension parts if anyone is interested.