Performance Brake Kits - Getting In Gear

After failing to lurch the LT1 Formula project car into the 12s using a TCI-built 4L60E, lockup converter, BMR suspension, Nitto drag radials, Eaton posi, and Motive 3.42 gear, it was time to tighten our jibs and get down to business. There was no point adding more power to the Formula when it was failing to utilize what it already had due to a weak and uneventful launch. Given the LT1's current 288 rear-wheel horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, expectations were for short times in the 1.80s, but on its best attempt the Firebird managed only a 1.91-definitely lackluster. The problem seemed to be twofold; the brakes wouldn't hold the 'Bird at the line, and the converter was too tight, causing it to shock the tire before the suspension could transfer the weight rearward. The solution: upgrade the brakeswith a new set of pads and rotors, throw in a line lock to help get more heat into the Nittos, and drop in a looser converter.

EBC Brakes came through to provide its recently reformulated Yellow- Stuff brake pads, which were originally designed for high-temperature, track-only applications, but the new compound allows for less warm-up, making it a great street pad as well. When paired with EBC's 3GD Sport drilled and slotted rotors and a set of stainless steel brake lines from Earl's Performance Plumbing, a dramatic improvement in braking feel and performance-especially in fade resistance-will not only help the Formula at the dragstrip, but also on the street and autocross course. Having used SLP's Brake Control Package before on other GMHTP project cars, we were pretty confident in its quality and construction. Once this ABS-compatible product was plumbed into the braking system and wired in, roasting the Nittos would be a cinch.Plus, doing a burnout without engaging the rear brakes would certainly help preserve the newlyinstalled EBC rear brake pads and rotors while keeping heat out of the pads on the starting line.

If you recall from the last series of articles, we planned to keep the converter as mild as possible for iveability and fuel economy. Unfortunately, the TCI Breakaway 2200-2400 stallconverter far undershot our desired performance, so we needed a muchlooser converter, and the Street- Fighter (PN 243105) seemed to fit that bill a stall speed of 3,200-3,500 rpm. This stall speed should be the ultimate ompromise between performance and streetability, but only a track test would ell. Before we head back down to Englishtown, we'll need the help of Stage Automotive to install all these great parts. Proprietor Rob Chilenski is wellknown for his work with Buicks, but the Pompton Plains, New Jersey, shop has also been building a solid reputation from working on everything from First Gen F-bodies and Chevelles to Fourth Gens. Now watch Stage 1 work.

Stage 1 Automotive technician Dan Panycia got started by removing our TCISuper StreetFighter 4L60E in order to replace the converter.Unfortunately, we weren't able to complete the swap right away, as few days shy of the install what we later discovered to be the front ump failed while driving on the street. In less than a week, TCI had ur trans better than new and on its way back to New Jersey.

In the meantime, Dan got started by unbolting the calipers with a 3/8 Allenwrench, and then pulled off the warped drilled/slotted rotors and brake pads that came on the car at the time of purchase.

EBC Brakes supplied us with a set of YellowStuff ultra high-friction street and track pads for the front and rear that were designed for igh temperatures and heavy-duty usage such as road racing, yet he compound is also suitable forstreet driving. Its special formula circumvents the normal warm-up time required with gh-temp pads in order to have any bite, and also eliminates rotor damage while only generating stocklike brake dust. In case you are wondering, the red coating on the pads is a mild abrasive designed to minimize bed-in time with the fresh set of cross-drilled and slotted zinc-plated sport rotors. Total cost for the two sets of rotors and pads is about $675 at most retailers.