The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop 51 3100 Brake Upgrade & maybe a T-5 too...?

My search skills are apparently horrible because I couldn't find what I needed, but I'm sure someone on here has done this...
OK,so here's the deal. I'm tired of a top speed of 45 mph and just happen to have an 84 Camaro with a V-6 and a T-5 hanging around. I ain't rich, but I was thinking about using what I could on my 51 3100 with a 216.
Such as the T-5 (any threads I missed?). Not sure about using the rear end yet as I haven't measured to see if it's viable to fit well enough for tire clearance (I also have an 88 S-10 rear available for use as well). Speedway has a 4 link for the rear end change (910-047541) and a crossmember for the T-5 (910-74754). Could I adapt the front disc brakes from the Camaro, or use the Speedway kit (910-31916) specific to the 47-59 Chevy 1/2 tons? One big question I have is this: What master cylinder can I use that would work in the stock position with the stock pedal (or am I dreamin')?
Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Thanks,
Chris

The Tech Pages have lots of useful info regarding your questions. I would start there. Once you firm up your plans than questions can be less general than yours now. However, the rear and the T5 to go with it is a great place to start. Giving all that you think you want to do, I'd drop the 216 and find a '55 and up 235 or even a 261 up to 1962. More power in both those engines. I think dual GM brake cylinders from the 60-70 era work well. Or all this brake and suspension pieces can be bought as complete kits from many suppliers. Hope this helps some. Others likely will reply with plus/minus opinions to mine.

Thank you. I'll try to get more info on the tech pages. Oh, and I wanted to mention that I realize the Camaro T-5 shifter position isn't the best... I do have a tailshaft from an S-10 that I can use.
As far as master cylinders from the 60-70's, does anyone have some solid info & /or experience as to a specific application that crosses over?

I just purchased a disc brake set for the front end of my 1951 3100 from Tucker. It required the use of a spacer if you decide to use your original rims. I plan on using the original style master cylinder with the disc/drum portioning valve in it so that i don't have to deal with changes. I might upgrade in the future to dual master cylinders.

just my .02 cents

That won't work, you have to change to the dual master cylinder with the disk brake swap. The proportioning valve only works with a dual system.

well that really sucks! Thanks for the heads up!

You know that if you rebuild the original brakes proper they'll stop your truck no problem. They really do have good brakes.
Now, if you are tossing all the original stuff out to build a hot rod then I'd go with discs myself, but any dofuss can do that. It takes discipline and talent to make an original run.
I've thought about the T5 but there are 3.55 gear sets avaiable that can get you there as well without major changes.