While the most economical way of upgrading brakes is to use OEM parts, Mopar A-Body cars have several aftermarket options available, many of which offer improved performance over the best OEM components. Some have options for small bolt pattern (SBP) wheels with the 4" bolt circle while other have options for large bolt pattern (LBP) wheels with the 4.5" bolt circle.
1960-1972 - 9" Drum Brake to Disc Brake Upgrade
This upgrade is for those people wanting to keep their SBP wheels and their 9" drum brake spindles. There are three companies that offer kits to upgrade to disc brakes: Aerospace Components, Scarebird, and Wilwood. The products available are:
- Scarebird 1965-72 Dart, Valiant Duster, Barracuda 5 on 4" bolt circle w/9" drum
- Wilwood 1960-1972 Mopar A-Body Dynalite Disc Brake Conversion (Dual Pattern)
- Aerospace Components PN AC-250
Stories of those who have converted the 9" drums to disc brakes:
1965-1972 - 10" Drum Brake to Disc Brake Upgrade
This upgrade is for those people wanting to keep their SBP wheels and their 9" drum brake spindles. There are four companies that offer kits to upgrade to disc brakes: Scarebird, Lamb Components, Stainless Steel Brakes Corporation and Wilwood. The products available are:
- Scarebird 1965-72 Dart, Duster, Demon 5 on 4" w/10" drums.
- SSBC 1965-72 Mopar A-Body disc brake conversion for 10" drums.
- Wilwood 1960-1972 Mopar A-Body Dynalite Disc Brake Conversion (Dual Pattern)
- Lamb Components PN #180A
While the SSBC kit is more expensive than the Scarebird kit, it also includes the rotors (dual pattern), calipers, and master cylinder. Besides having to supply these on the Scarebird kit, you also have to machine a new bolt pattern into the rotors. Factor the parts and machine work into the total cost of the project before making your decision.
Stories of those who have converted the 10" drums to disc brakes: