Howe dual piston calipers?

[Ackattack]

I originally was going to use a big brake kit on my project truck, but now I'm thinking of using a stock style disc brake setup so that I can still run a 15" drag tire/wheel combo on the front.

I remember reading about the Howe dual piston caliper that is supposed to be a replacement type part for our stock calipers, seen here:
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...4846904+400309


Is any one running these, and what is their opinion of them.

I'm going to be running drilled/slotted rotors (to match the back ones) along with Hawk HPS pads, so I'm thinking I really won't need a big brake kit with the upgraded calipers and pads.

[chevy_mike]

I'm curious to hear too. Looks like a nice alternitive to the stock single piston, plus according to Howe web site, they are only 5 lbs.

[67dragtruck]

That looks nice. I'm very interested in this.

Tom

[71BB_LWB]

Make sure they are for our width rotors. The truck rotors are wider than the car rotors.
(I'm talking width not diameter)
Since it does not specify I would guess it's for a car.
Dan

[chevy_mike]

Actually looking at Howe's site, they make two different sized rotor thickness and three different piston sizes.

Based on the link to Summit, the one listing is for a 1.25" rotor thickness and has 2.25" pistons.

[Brad]

Bump and interested also.

[Ackattack]

Well I ordered a set of them, so hopefully I'll know how they fit by next week. However, it will be awhile before I get to test drive them.

I decided to go this route over a big brake kit is I can run some 15" skinnys for drag racing.

[chevy_mike]

Originally Posted by Ackattack

Well I ordered a set of them, so hopefully I'll know how they fit by next week. However, it will be awhile before I get to test drive them.

I decided to go this route over a big brake kit is I can run some 15" skinnys for drag racing.

Any word yet? Very interested to hear how they work.

[Brad]

Here's another thread I unearthed: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=248113

[Ackattack]

I just got them on. Physically they fit. However, I have two little issues to over come.

First, the brake line coming into the back of it doesn't use a banjo fitting. It looks like it is some sort of NPT fitting. So I have to get an adapter that goes from NPT to AN (I'm using a set of stainless steel brake lines from ECE and when you take off the banjo fitting, it has a AN fitting on it). Shouldn't be a big problem.

The next problems is the holes in the calper where the caliper pins go though are largers, so the caliper can essentially rattle around. I'm going to have to find some sort of bushing to fix that....I'll let you all know what I come up with.

Here is a pic....trying to upload a video so some of you can see what I mean about the bushing.

[68C15]

maybe it takes the same bushings as the original ones. basically each caliper has 2 small and 2 large fat Orings.

[Ackattack]

YouTube - Howe Dual Piston Caliper alignment on...

I also got new stock bushings and orings....no worky

[Bowtie468]

That looks like an easy fix. I think i'll go the same route. Do you have access to a machine shop?

[chevy_mike]

Man, that makes me wonder what pins are suppose to be used. I was under the impression that most non metric GM calipers used the same mounting pins. I wonder if Howe has some different pins.

Looks good and report back after you get the little problems taken care of. Be interesting to see if they make an improvement.

Good work.

[Ackattack]

I did a little checking, and Howe does make some pins that have the bushings included in the pin. I'm going to call them tomorrow and see what is up.

I went back and compared this one to the stocker, and there isn't an internal groove for an o-ring like the stockers have.

[chevychase]

Sweet find on the pistons! Where did you get the brake line adapter and let us know on the pins.

[38chevyhotrod]

That looks to be a good replacement caliper for the stock ones, I am curious how they approve the brake power. Keep us updated.

[Ackattack]

So I called Howe, pretty much you have to use their caliper pins....summit sells them too; part number 337B.

The hole for the brake line is 1/8" NPT. So I don't think your stock rubber brake lines will work either.

[67dragtruck]

That's awesome. I'm going to have to add a set of these to my parts list for Summit. I would think they would improve braking significantly. I hate the stock type rubber lines anyway. Great find, thanks for the info.

Tom

[Ackattack]

Originally Posted by 67dragtruck

That's awesome. I'm going to have to add a set of these to my parts list for Summit. I would think they would improve braking significantly. I hate the stock type rubber lines anyway. Great find, thanks for the info.

Tom

I can't take credit for finding them. I saw someone else mention them on here awhile ago. I might be the first person to actually try them.

Maybe after I get all the kinks worked out I can write up a FAQ install on the subject.

[chris71]

Originally Posted by Ackattack

Maybe after I get all the kinks worked out I can write up a FAQ install on the subject.

good idea, maybe with a list of all the parts and their part numbers. i too am excited to hear how much these will help with better braking

[Ackattack]

I got the Howe caliper bolts. They have the spacer built into them, so I thought this would fix the rattling around. Well they're the same diameter as stock, so the calipers still rattle around.

So I called Howe again, and explained it to them. They said this is the way it's supposed to be. Keep in mind Howe is a circle track racing company, so in racing they don't care about the rattling around noise, but the movements is supposed to be there, and they will work normally.

BTW, there caliper bolts were cheaper than the ones I got from NAPA so I guess I'll keep them.

As for the rattling around, since there isn't a groove for an o-ring, I may put a different sized o-ring, or maybe a few wraps of tape, along with some grease to keep everything moving freely.

So it looks like it's a fairly straight forward swap. And with the better brake pads and better caliper, I'm sure this will perform nearly as well as other "big brake" kits yet allow you to run 15" wheels and keep your stock rotors (if you want....I went with drilled/slotted).

[whatnow123]

I think from the video that they are a little looser than what would be called acceptable. I'd get the Howe Rep on the phone, send them the link to the video and have them watch it.

[Brad]

I wouldn't roll like that. There's got to be a better solution. If the rep can't help, perhaps Grainger or Mcmaster-Carr?

[Ackattack]

I installed the calipers today. Basically I used some electric tape and wrapped the pins to take up a little space. I also greased the pins so they will still slide easily.

Oh, I'm not sure that these will fit with the stock wheels. I had one wheel on and it was hitting the brake caliper. When I spun it, it looked like maybe the wheel was bent, so I don't know. You may have to run a then spacer to get the stock wheels to fit. They fit fine behind a set of 20s though

I can't say how the brakes work right now since the truck is a ways from being on the road. I also won't be able to say how they compare to stock, since I've never driven this truck, and there are so many things modified (including 3/4 ton brake booster, camaro rear discs, stainless steel braded hoses, and Hawk HPS pads)

I'll work on an FAQ write up sometime when I get a chance with a list of the parts and what I've learned.