"I suspect the original asbestos based linings would work/stop better."
Ron,
There is absolutely no question that asbestos friction is more effective than the current "organic" stuff. I learned this from a local brake parts supplier. I went in there seeking to improve the braking on my '32 Ford roadster street rod. They could have easily sold me expensive drilled and/or slotted rotors, ceramic friction, etc. Being the rare honest business men they are they suggested swapping my organic friction for asbestos friction. That was like adding a booster to the unboosted system, and that is no exaggeration.
Another thing that yielded a huge improvement was arc grinding the shoe linings in the 8" Ford rear end. The front is Chevy Malibu/El Camino "metric" calipers/pads that just happen to work perfectly with Aspen/Volare rotors that fit the early Ford spindles and have the same lug stud pattern as the Ford rear.
The last time I posted this same informaton the thought control patrol was generous of its criticism of me for mentioning friction that is now illegal to use in manufacturing brakes and clutches but not illegal to buy, sell or own if you can find it. It's all over ebay. I also got an earful about suggesting arc grinding. It's pretty amazing how seriously some people take themselves.
Your common sense makes it clear to you that there is a difference between working 8 hours/day for 40 years in a brake shop breathing asbestos dust and doing some occasional brake maintenance in your home shop. At age 74 it's anyobody's guess how much time I have left but I have zero worry that it will be my asbestos clutch and brake friction that gets me.
Good luck!
