Drums or Discs for '71?

[John Coffey]

People compare mis-adjusted, leaking, out of spec drum brakes with a mythical perfect disc brake conversion and then say that drum brakes are not as good as discs? Having run both and done conversions from drums to discs on three different 240Zs I can say the following:

1. Properly setup and working drum brakes are equal in performance to a disc conversion everywhere except in the second or third hour of an edurance event on a road race track.

2. The proper setup and maintenance of rear drum brakes is detailed in the FSM and is not difficult or time consuming.

3. Drum brakes are lighter then a disc brake conversion.

4. Drum brake parts are getting scarce and more expensive.

5. Getting the brake balance right after changing the front calipers/rotors generally requires an adjustable prop valve.

6. Drum brakes don't look cool.

[hls30.com]

John, One you forgot-but is in line with the rice value of #6!

7) Drum brakes keep your wheels MUCH cleaner.

Will

[a7dz]

I was thinking about upgrading to zx brakes on my 70. Still can get parts and do not have a fortune tied up in parts.

[Duffman]

A7DZ, assuming that ZX rear brakes are drums as well? Just easier to access parts?

[a7dz]

Yes, they are drums. Upgrades us to a dual plunger instead of the single we have now. I am still in the research mode. Like has been said above drums workwell as long as you take care of them. I have had more trouble with disc then with drums.

[sblake01]

A7DZ, assuming that ZX rear brakes are drums as well? Just easier to access parts?

.........

Yes they are drums.......

Aren't ZX rear brakes discs?

[a7dz]

The backing plates are used up to Aug 76. So, yes I am looking for 280 brakes.

[GeoffT]

Thanks much to all who replied. Our temperatures have dropped out of the 100s - its back into the garage to get intimate with Z brakes, which I had been mostly avoiding. If front and rear brake systems are separate, is it possible to work on rear lines and not open or bleed the front system?

[Arne]

is it possible to work on rear lines and not open or bleed the front system?

Yes it is.