I just got a set of K-H small bolt 4 piston disc brakes with an extra set of calipers and was wondering if anyone has any pros and cons on these brakes and if they are any better or worse than the later disc brakes. Also,I have already disassembled the calipers and honed them and polished the pistons in preperation for new seals and boots(12.99 at Advance Auto) and was wondering if I should coat them inside with some type of grease considering it might be a while before I actually install them.
Thanks,Slanted Attitude

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Ive got a slanted attitude and a heavy right foot.

They are a lot worse than the later model brakes for several reasons. Cost is one reason as is availability. And of course, they are SBP which is also a problem if you want to run anything other than factory rims. They also are prone to corrosion and leaking problems and the rotors are a little on the weeny side for a heavy car. Other than that, those KH brakes are okay!

Of course they are prone to more corrosion and leak problems because you have 4 pistons instead of one.
As to the rotors being a bit weeny, well I have seen them and they looked plenty beefy enough to me. These are going on a car that had original 9" drum brakes, so its not like you need a cargo train rotor.....
They do have more stopping power then a single piston 73 and up setup.

As for rims, there are plenty of 5 x 100mm rims from the foriegn car sector that I imagine would work well.
If you want to get rid of any 4 piston setups cheap, I'll consider taking it off your hands. I've been looking for one but the only thing I have found at jy's are single piston which I passed up.

These are going on a 60 Valiant and I have already bought adapters for a set of 16x8 firebird rims so the bolt pattern deal is a non issue and I have found all of the parts fairly reasonable except for the rotors which are 70 $ a peice.
Thanks for the replys
Slanted Attitude

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Ive got a slanted attitude and a heavy right foot.

Where did you get the KH setup?

I have had those on my 340 Dart for 25 years, with no problems.
Never use grease on any 'internal' areas of brake parts.

I would say the biggest problem is that because the calipers don't 'float' you have to take the same amount of mat'l off of each side of the rotor to maintain the proper centering of the rotor within the caliper. So, potentially, the rotors might only last half as long.

They also are very sensitive to runout, because they don't float.

Let me reiterate this, do not use brake wheel cylinder hones on caliper piston bores. They are extremely close tolerance clearances, and micro finish. Caliper hones have soft sponge like 'stones'. They are not really stones at all, but carborundum impregnated rubber shoes.

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'66 Cuda 225/4spd
'66 Dart GT convertible 225/auto
'64 Dart GT 340/4spd

Thanks for the info Bud.
Peirre,I got my setup from Meril Bruner(a helluva nice guy) in Knoxville,Tn.I traded an extra set of trim for a 61 Valiant and 25$ for everything plus 2 extra calipers.
Slanted Attitude

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Ive got a slanted attitude and a heavy right foot.

How does one get in contact with him?

I've been running the KH brakes on the front of my 65 Sedan for 7 years. I love them. I also installed a proportoning valve and a dual master cylinder. Best upgrade I've ever done. Everything said about the later single setup is true, it is cool. You can't turn the KH rotors according to the book. In 65 Ma MOPAR didn't trust anyone to turn the rotors. All that said, I think my next upgrade on this car is even better brakes (Willwood?) front and rear.

Will 100mm wheels fit on 4" circle wheels? that would be cool

Mike

Mike,
At 4", thats 101.6mm. So that is only a difference of 1.6mm diameter, or 0.8mm per stud hole smaller. I personally haven't done it but have heard it works well.

Mike - good to see you out here.

I have the KHs on my '68 Dart with unturned stock rotors and they have worked very well on that 31-3200lb car - should be no trouble on an early Val. I have lots of small bolt rims and a few extra rotors, so I should be set for a while. Meril is a great guy.

Andyf and others made some good points on cost, leaks, etc, but since you have them go ahead and use them! No grease. Maybe just use a little dish soap or spit to get the seals in?

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Many thanks to the replys ,guys.
Slanted Attitude

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Ive got a slanted attitude and a heavy right foot.

I just reread your last post Lou,and Im glad to see that lo-tech(spit) is still alive and well,I thought that I was the only one that still used bodily fluids as a lubricating agent.LOL.
Slanted Attitude

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Ive got a slanted attitude and a heavy right foot.

Yep, spit works well for me. You can be all high tech with it too and call it "protein and lipid solution" if you like...

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988