"Disc"-Over Your Braking Power
There's a great feeling of satisfaction when you upgrade your Pontiac's original drum brake setup to discs. Firebird and GTO owners have known this for years. Big car owners, however, have not been able to take advantage of the myriad of choices offered for the A- and F-bodies.
Now Brake Tech Solutions introduces a new bolt-on disc brake kit for '58-'64 full-size Pontiacs, including Star Chiefs, Bonnevilles, Catalinas and Grand Prixs. The kit is based on the '69/'70 B-body factory disc brake set up and includes new 12-inch rotors, single piston large GM calipers, power brake booster, master cylinder, proportioning valve kit, bearings, seals, hardware and brackets.
This complete package is available with a 5-on-5 large GM bolt pattern or a 5-on-431/44 small GM bolt pattern. The Part No. is DK724 and the price is $1,350. Brake Tech Solutions; 10806 Reames Rd. Suite W., Charlotte, NC 28269; (866) 509-7332; www.braketechsolutions.com.
May We Have An (8-Lug) Drum Roll, Please?
Arrowhead Components, Inc. has researched, engineered and created brand new, made-in-the-USA, aluminum 8-Lug front brake drums for your '63-'68 full-size Pontiac! These 8-Lug drums recreate the appearance of the classic Pontiac offering and are available for factory 14-inch, and aftermarket 15- and 16-inch 8-Lug rims from Retromotive. They utilize readily available off-the-shelf bearings, seals, and races for easy replacement.
One benefit of using these brand new drums is the locking system for the lining surface that prevents shifting. The manufacturer also eliminated the inspection holes found on the OE pieces that allowed moisture and foreign matter to get between those surfaces and potentially cause corrosion and deterioration.
Arrowhead says that the much-requested '60-'62 8-Lug drum is planned, but uses "a short-fin design that would require completely separate tooling. We will be doing these in the future, but chose to focus on the long fin design first as it addresses a wider range of years and potential customers." Prices for '63 and '64 drums are $299 each and '65-'68 are $285 each.Arrowhead Components Inc.; P.O. Box 85, Flossmoor, IL 60422; (708) 206-3906;www.arrowheadcomponentsinc.com.
Here's A Link You'll Want To Click On
Terry Satchell, retired Lead Design Engineer for Pontiac (1968-1990) and a designer of the Second-Gen Firebird's suspension, partners with Highland Daytona Racing's owner Rick Ellis (Pontiac hobbyist & race chassis designer/fabricator, whose daily driver is a '74 SD-455 T/A) to announce the bolt-in Satchell Link System for Second-Gen Firebirds.
According to the manufacturer, this system "boasts incredible geometry, which will turn your F-body into a true corner carving, Porsche-eating ground pounder," and is ideal for road racing, and drag racing, too. The component kit consists of a "main frame extension brace with an integral set of chrome moly round tube sub-frame connectors, a chrome moly center X-brace and rear cross frame brace (which houses all of the attachment points for the lower links), and a set of bolt-on brackets for the upper links, which also use existing mount holes. Dual adjustable coilover shocks mount from the integral third member brace and attach to the upper frame cross brace."
Each complete kit is packaged with a front chassis cross brace and replacement urethane frame/body bushings. Company reps say the system can be installed at home and there is some drilling and light welding required. Its Part No. is HSGM7081-F and the special introductory price is $3,195. A custom exhaust kit (price and Part No. not available at time of print) designed to fit easily with the system is available as well. Highland Daytona Racing LLC; 974 Marcon Boulevard, Suite 100, Allentown, PA 18109;(610) 465-5413; www.hdrcoupe.com.
Cam Timing Changes Made Easy For Your LS2 GTO
The LS2 has unique cam position sensor requirements. Comp Cams' LS2 adjustable timing set is fully compatible and is made to allow you timing adjustments from six degrees advance to six degrees retard using a concentric adjustment system. All it takes is for you to loosen the three camshaft sprocket bolts, and then turn the concentric to make incremental timing adjustments. This product includes a heavy-duty large pin design with a pre-stretched, heat-treated roller chain. The Part No. is 3158KT and the cost is $210. Comp Performance Group; 3406 Democrat Rd., Memphis, TN 38118; (800) 999-0853; www.compcams.com.