I'm working with a friend on a '96 RS and find the braking typically marginal. Can the late model calipers be easily fitted to this vehicle? Would it be a significant improvement? Any other alternatives would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

 

Yes, I've done the 98+ swap. You must change the spindles, calipers, hoses, rotors and pads. There is some slight modification required to the hoses and mounting bracket where they attach to the line, other than that it's pretty much a bolt-on. I got all the parts to do the swap used for around $200.

Does it have rear disc brakes already?

 

Yes, existing disc brakes. Thanks for the info but sounds like a bit more than I thought. Is there a good aftermarket caliper that will do the job?

 

You can get adapter brackets that allow fitment of C5 calipers and 13" rotors, however you will need 17" wheels to clear them. Likewise there is a Baer Claw system that upgrades to 13" rotors and uses a 2-piston PBR caliper, which again requires 17" wheels minimum. You can't touch either for $200 though.

The C5 upgrade complete kit is $800 from UMI Performance which includes new rotors and calipers. They sell the brackets separately if you want to source the other parts used to try and reduce the price, I've heard of guys putting together a system for $500 or so. The Baer system is around $1,000 and is available from several Fbody vendors such as Texas-Speed and ThunderRacing.

Both upgrade kits require cutting the brake "ears" off the 93-97 spindles however IIRC. The modification required to run 98+ front brakes is very minor by comparison. There's a writeup on my site about it.

 

Thanks!