Rear Drum to Full Disk Brake Conversion Kit----> Your Thoughts Count!

[Under_rated]

A simple Hell Yes is all I have to say!

[BlckXenonZx3]

I'd be interested at 450.

[ryanneil]

I have been looking for a complete conversion kit for my focus for a long time now. I think it is a great idea. I am always looking on Steeda for new parts and would love to see this addition. 500-600 dollars would be great.

[R-code]

I won't touch a kit that costs $400-500, there's no reason to if I can get the entire SVT package for under $800.

~Mike~

[Cameroon]

Originally Posted by R-code

I won't touch a kit that costs $400-500, there's no reason to if I can get the entire SVT package for under $800.

~Mike~

So then what if the SVT kit really cost $800 plus $100 or so shipping due to the weight.

Then would $400 sound good?

[Mr_Smoot]

While the SVT may make economical sense and it could be installed in stages, the fact that the SVT kit requires 16 or 17" rims leaves those of us with stockers out extra money for new rims/tires. The fact that this is a self-contained upgrade would be easier to sell for those of us whose money is not entirely our own. Add to that the grief factor ("Are you ever going to put the front brakes on?"), and the one-and-done solution for the rear brakes is pretty appealing.

~$400-450 is a great price point.

Please make it so!

[redman43]

I agree. If one doesn't already have 16 or 17 inch rims and tires, it is another 800+ for the those making it a 1500+ total upgrade instantly.

No thanks (at least for now )

[ryanneil]

who wants to keep 16" and below rims on their car anyways? I plan on upgrading my rims regardless, it makes the appearance of the car so much more appealing.

[David Anderson]

rear svt brakes will clear stock 15s without a problem.

[wilko]

Originally Posted by Honda Hunter

So from what I've gathered...

-It sounds like you guys would be interested in a rear disk conversion if it were kept in the $400-$650 price range.

-And also a few of you would like to see a multi-piston front option.

Would it make a big difference to you all if the parts used in our kits were Liscensed Ford parts or not?

Id buy it. My only concern is will it be able to handle winter weather? Not just light snow, but deep snow, salted roads, lots of freezing rain and abrupt tempeture changes, cautious breaking, etc, etc...

As for it being a licenced part; Id feel better if it were, but that alone wouldnt make or break the sale. As long as it is a quality system, inexpensive (Not cheap) and idiot proof installation directions are included (so I can put it in on a 2 day weekend, or I can call a dealer hack job if I go that route).

[wilko]

Originally Posted by ryanneil

who wants to keep 16" and below rims on their car anyways? I plan on upgrading my rims regardless, it makes the appearance of the car so much more appealing.

Me. 16" is the biggest Id go.

[redman43]

Originally Posted by David Anderson

rear svt brakes will clear stock 15s without a problem.

Yes, but those are SVT rears, and unless I'm mistaken, SVT rears are best when paired with SVT fronts. The fronts most definitely will not clear (most) 15's. SVT rears with non-SVT fronts will throw everything off.

My understanding is that this kit will be supplying rears that are best when paired with non-SVT fronts, making me happy because I currently have the stock 15's. I also don't plan on going bigger than 16's at any time so I'm not worried about the big wheel, small rotor issue.

The point I'm trying to make is that this kit won't force me to spend another $800+ immediately on larger wheels and tires. It'll allow me to do it when I am good and ready. This is a huge selling point for me, and I'm sure many others, because I don't have tons of disposable cash or parents who will buy whatever I ask (that wasn't a dig at you personally because I don't know you at all, but I see that kind of thing all the time).

[Whayong]

Originally Posted by ryanneil

who wants to keep 16" and below rims on their car anyways? I plan on upgrading my rims regardless, it makes the appearance of the car so much more appealing.

1.) People that aren't into the whole 2F2F scene.
2.) People that want light weight wheels.
3.) People that want "cheaper" tires.

The list goes on....

edit:
On a side note. I personally would not pay more than $450 for a rear disk convertion.

[ryanneil]

Originally Posted by Whayong

1.) People that aren't into the whole 2F2F scene.
2.) People that want light weight wheels.
3.) People that want "cheaper" tires.

The list goes on....

I am just saying that 17" rims look really great on the focus, and for the 2 Fast, 2 Furious comment that was really uncalled for. That has to be the worst movie ever, and people like that are what makes us all look bad. And anyways the question in my post was rhetorical. It didn't need a resoponse.
Anyways, I would be willing to pay around 500 to 600 for an all inclusive kit to swap fronts and rears.

[geostef]

I think we said enough about this, lets steeda do the talking now,eh?

[ryanneil]

Originally Posted by geostef

I think we said enough about this, lets steeda do the talking now,eh?

I agree, Steeda GO.

[mr.squatch]

Curious if any thought has been given to the front/rear distribution? With same tires front and back and drums in the back I can left foot brake in a hard corner and lock the rears. If disks were placed in the back would there be any issues with safety as far as front disks gripping harder than the rears? I'd totally be in for a bolton set of rear disks plain jane for 4-500 bucks.

g

[R-code]

Originally Posted by Cameroon

So then what if the SVT kit really cost $800 plus $100 or so shipping due to the weight.

Then would $400 sound good?

No, I'd still rather spend $900 on the full kit than $400 on a set of rears that will more than likely do nothing at all. And as for all of you with 15" wheels, I'm sorry I can't speak for you but my car came with 16's from the factory so that's not a problem for me.

Anyway, on to the tech. What kind of reduction in 60-0 distances are we talking? Is there less brake fade? You guys are jumping on the "It must be good... right?" bandwagon without asking any important questions. I see very little, if any, discussion about what this kit will actually accomplish on a Focus. The common tradeoff when switching from drums to discs of a comparable size is a reduction in stopping power and an increase in fade resistance. Improved stopping ability is usually had by increasing the power of the front brakes.

Not trying to piss in anyone's cornflakes, it just upsets me when people blindly accept a part because someone tells them it's good.

~Mike~

[Fazerdude]

Disk rears will usually result in a real-world reduction in stopping distances, when compared to a drum equipped car.

The reason? Very simple. The disk brake is always in perfect adjustment, because, by it's very nature, it is self adjusting.

Drum brakes are not inherantly self-adjusting. They have to have an auto-adjuster component, and that component rarely keeps them adjusted perfectly, but rather keeps them adjusted "well enough."

For those wanting to upgrade to disk rears, this is the perfect kit.

For those wanting to upgrade to SVT quality brakes, which are overkill for most people, then, of course, the SVT kit would be the one to go with.

Brake size upgrades should always be done as a matching 4-wheel upgrade. While the front disk upgrade is very common, that does not make it right, and often results in increased stopping distances because the system is no longer properly balanced.

[michalegraves6]

I'd still be up for it and if you need a test fit vehicel I am just up the coast lol

[larryinfl]

Originally Posted by Fazerdude

Brake size upgrades should always be done as a matching 4-wheel upgrade. While the front disk upgrade is very common, that does not make it right, and often results in increased stopping distances because the system is no longer properly balanced.

I'm not one to go against someone, but that is not correct. I've driven many cars with just front brake upgrades and there is always a large increase in braking power. I've never seen an application that has less braking power. Of course though, all of these upgrades had more pistons in the calipers, which is what give you the extra stopping power.

[Fazerdude]

Have you actually measured the best stopping distances though? I think what you are saying is that the brakes became more sensitive. What I'm talking about is actual stopping distances, which are limited by the tires, except from high speed or over multiple stops where fade eliminates the ability to apply maximum brakeforce. As long as the brakes are capable of locking up the tire, bigger brakes are not going to shorten the braking distances.

When bigger brakes are put on the front only, unless you reproportion the system correctly, you could see increased "panic stop" distances, even though the brakes "feel" more powerful.

[sgtjaykru]

i know that i would buy one , about 650-ish would be great , and all of the bellyaching about the price now would definitely pay off , i say yes , and thats my price , hope you guys really do this......

[BlckXenonZx3]

Originally Posted by R-code

Not trying to piss in anyone's cornflakes, it just upsets me when people blindly accept a part because someone tells them it's good.

~Mike~

I'm interested because of a proven past of performance (it's been done many many times on cars that drove 10,000X?? miles), convience (ever try replacing/gauging rear shoes?) and getting those ugly drums off my car. Def a big assumption telling us we're blindly accepting. This isn't the first time a swap was done, they're just making it easier. Also Steeda has a pretty good track record of testing and delivering quality goods.
Any updates?

[ryanneil]

Originally Posted by BlckXenonZx3

I'm interested because of a proven past of performance, convience, getting those ugly drums off my car. Def a big assumption telling us we're blindly accepting. This isn't the first time a swap was done, just making it easier. Also Steeda has a pretty good track record of testing and delivering quality goods.
Any updates?

You are right on the money there. I totally agree.