With the Trans-Am upgrade, the difference in braking was immediately apparent. Stopping distance was dramatically reduced, especially from 120 mph going down the front straight on the Thunderbolt track. However, this article is about results, so while we were at NJMP, track manager and Mustang vintage racing guru, Joe Volpe gave us some time on the front stretch of the Lightning course to do our final stopping test.
With the upgraded Trans-Am-era braking components bolted on, our 60-0 stopping distance average checked in at 130 feet. While 9 feet may not seem like much, it's more than enough room for you to avoid an accident, or brake later into every turn on the road course. Plus, with the larger components, brake fade will be lessened.
Once we finished our brake distance testing with the new brake setup, we installed a set of super trick race-type brake pads from Porterfield for the rest of our open track weekend at NJMP. Once these racing-type pads warm up a bit, they really slow the car down well at racing speeds. Running the Boss around the road course is much more manageable now with reduced brake fade, more overall stability, and increased driver confidence. It's a small price to pay for all the brake dust on the front wheels!
Now is a great time to change...
Now is a great time to change your brake fluid. Brake fluid can trap moisture over time, which will make the brake fluid boil at a much lower temperature and cause you to lose your brakes.
Here's a great comparison...
Here's a great comparison of the smaller stock 10-inch rear drums on the right, and the larger 11-inch rear drum setup on the left.
The 11-inch rear brake drum...
The 11-inch rear brake drum upgrade from Master Power Brakes offers the added benefit of cooling fins on the drum. This will help dissipate heat during braking, thus prolonging the onset of brake fade.
Classic Tube provided us with...
Classic Tube provided us with all new brake lines in stainless steel. The front brakes will benefit from the new Stop Flex braided stainless steel brake hoses, which offer better pedal feel and are less resistant to expansion.
Tires greatly affect a number...
Tires greatly affect a number of areas when it comes to vehicle performance, with acceleration and braking being two of the key areas. To get the most out of the new brake upgrade, we equipped the Boss with a fresh pair of BFGoodrich P245/60R15 Radial TA tires.
We have to thank Atco Raceway...
We have to thank Atco Raceway in Atco, New Jersey, for allowing us to use the shut down area of the dragstrip to do our initial brake test. You can see the '69 Mustang Boss 302 and the stiff suspension does not have a lot of forward body movement under braking.