It was easier to figure out an affordable and easy brake upgrade for the '83 front end than for my FC subframe swap. I know that some 12" brakes can fit in some 15" wheels, and since I'm now forced into using the 4-lug 15" wheels, 12" is what I'm working on. Sure, I was going to go 11" before, but now finding a wrecked FC with the optional 11" 4-piston 5-lug fronts isn't realistic.

 

Between sanding Bondo, spraying primer, and dying the interior parts, I've been studying Napaonline.
If I want to use Mazda calipers, the NB4886041 is 11.88" x 0.87", and $ 42 ea. But I think I want more. I think the next step, playing it safe, is NB4886777, which is just 11.7", but is 1.03" thick, for using the Camaro calipers I have. That's $ 46 per rotor. Either of those are likely to require having their center holes enlarged. And they're both 5 on 4.5, so I'd have to drill 3 new holes in each to make them 4-lug. That's not difficult.
If the 11.7s prove an easy fit, there are NB48880014, also 1.03", but 12.02" and $ 53 ea. Or if I want Mazda calipers and 4-lug without drilling, UP880192 is 12.01" x 0.87" for $ 49 ea.
But then we come to the other spec of cast rotors. The height. Napa gives these specs also, but if you have to make caliper brackets anyway, all that matters is if the height is too shallow for your calipers and your wheels.
If I like what I end up with, I'll offer copies of my brackets.
If I just wanted the biggest cheapest rotors, I found some 12.72" x 1.18" for $ 36 ea. Dunno what low-cost calipers they'd like.
Anyway, that's where my mind is while I'm nearing the deadline for Maaco.

 

 

Way to overspray the wheels,dashboard, and muffler lol.

 

The wheels and muffler are scrap, there's no paint on the dash, the dash is out of the car, and the steering wheel is masked. The side of the metal underdash bracing gets hidden by the dash endcaps, and everything I sprayed will get oversprayed at Maaco anyway. So wait until you see the outcome before posting what can look like unwarranted criticism.

 

Those look more like test spray spots than anything. Who cares about stock wheels and muffler anyways lol. Btw, hello economiser!

 

Paint is done, next is a new windshield, then pics tonight!

 

Looks to me like the backlash was good at 0.008", but I need to replace the 0.030" pinion shim with a 0.040"

 

 

So here's my first mod, cutting for the third link. I'm copying a similar car here, and I'll post a pic of that after mine.





But mine will be adjustable.

 

64" overall width, versus 63 stock, so it'll tuck.





So I guess I'll have to space the backing plates ( which double as caliper brackets ) out a little.

 

You already junk those stock wheels?

 

i love it. what is that color?

 

I'm suffering an injury, the junction of my left shoulder and neck. Surprisingly bad, even hurts to stand from a backless chair. Anyway, I'll be back when I can, with that paint code.

 

I've begun disassembling the front end, so I should have pics worth seeing in a few more days.

 

I put a 0.045" cutting disc on my angle grinder, and started correcting the FC crossmember. In no particular order, here are the pics so far. BTW, if you copy this, you need to establish a baseline, do plenty of careful measuring and figuring, and keep track of your reference points. I'll give my exact measurements once my results are acceptable. If you do copy me, it is at your own risk, et cetera.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

i like! raising the inner A arm pivot in the chassis is good.