K5 6 lug brake upgrade options
 

Hello, looking to upgrade the front brakes on my '71 K5. There's not too many choices that I have found.

As of now I'm looking at either stock ( new or resurfaced ) rotors and Wilwood D52 style calipers.

Or The H3 Hummer swap that I have seen here and there.

Any advice one way or another, or any different options out there?

Thanks,

Re: K5 6 lug brake upgrade options
 

I don't really have any information about upgrades, but the stock setup should give you plenty of stopping power if everything is working correctly.

If I were to do an upgrade, I would consider hydroboost.

Re: K5 6 lug brake upgrade options
 

I've been eyeballing these brake set ups: https://www.littleshopmfg.com/gm-71-...ake-kit-6-lug/

or this one if you want to run 20" wheels: https://www.littleshopmfg.com/gm-71-...ake-kit-6-lug/

Re: K5 6 lug brake upgrade options
 

Thanks for the links, I hadn't seen those before. I was hoping to use a 17" wheel, but those 14" rotors are tempting.

Re: K5 6 lug brake upgrade options
 

Some guys report improved braking with use of a 3/4-1 ton brake booster harvested from a pickup. There are some older threads that outline this swap.

Re: K5 6 lug brake upgrade options
 

I believe there’s a vendor on here that sells complete booster with master cylinder with 30 or 40% , can’t remember, greater efficiency over stock booster.

Re: K5 6 lug brake upgrade options
 

If not for the axle change on my truck I would have just done the hydroboost upgrade on my K10. Even with the axle changes I kept the rotors, calipers and brake pads as oem parts available at any parts store. My preference for future service, you and others may see things differently. 57taskforce did a hydroboost mod with stock brakes and stated it one of the best things he has done. A post in my build thread https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...&postcount=147

Re: K5 6 lug brake upgrade options
 

I agree - Hydroboost is an excellent upgrade, and most times necessary depending on your camshaft selection on a rebuilt engine.

I have hydro and 4 wheel 3/4 ton discs brakes but still feel like braking could be better and the only way to get better braking from here is larger rotors and calipers.

Re: K5 6 lug brake upgrade options
 

My 72 on 33" tires, powered by a hot 383 stroker stops just fine.

Stock front disc calipers with upgraded pads (this makes a difference)

Stock rear drums in good working order (I would consider a disc conversion, if starting from scratch)

and the real difference maker;

a 1 ton brake booster (and don't go the junkyard, go to O'Reilly's or Advance and get a C30 brake booster)

Re: K5 6 lug brake upgrade options
 

Is the correct booster for the upgrade?

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...1884&jsn=10655

Re: K5 6 lug brake upgrade options
 

That's it. 72 1T

Re: K5 6 lug brake upgrade options
 

PowerStop has vented rotors and performance pads as stock replacement items.

Re: K5 6 lug brake upgrade options
 

I recently upgraded my stock 6 lug front disc/caliper setup (running 15x6 steelies) with Wilwood D52 calipers, slotted/drilled 6 lug rotors and stainless braided brake hoses. Yes, it made a noticeable difference with both firmer pedal feel and improved stopping performance over the stock setup.

Slotted/drilled 6 lug rotors:
https://www.classicchevy.com/1960-19...-876986-1.html

Braided brake hose is available from several different vendors, I went with Inline