The single best safety upgrade you can make to a first-gen Camaro. Factory drum brakes are terrifying by modern standards—this Wilwood kit gives you modern stopping power.
This isn't a bolt-on job. You'll need hand tools, a floor jack, jack stands, and about a weekend. The kit replaces all four corners with vented rotors and modern calipers.
Jack up the front end and support with jack stands. Remove the wheels. The drum should slide off—if it's stuck, whack the back side with a dead blow hammer. Don't be gentle.
Parts needed: [Wilwood Front Brake Kit (140-13029)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001234567?tag=rusttoroad-20)
The kit comes with replacement spindles. Unbolt the factory spindle assembly (upper and lower ball joints). This is the hardest part—those ball joint nuts will fight you. Use a pickle fork if you have to.
Upgrade option: [Heavy-Duty Ball Joint Set](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001234568?tag=rusttoroad-20)
Bolt the new spindles in place. Slide on the rotors, mount the calipers with the supplied hardware. Torque everything to spec (120 ft-lbs for the spindle nuts).
Rear is easier. Remove the drums, unbolt the backing plates. The Wilwood rear kit bolts to the factory axle flanges. Mount the calipers, rotors, and run the brake lines.
Parts needed: [Wilwood Rear Brake Kit (140-11390)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001234569?tag=rusttoroad-20)
Your factory master cylinder can't handle the hydraulic pressure of four-wheel discs. You need a dual-reservoir master with proportioning valve.
Required upgrade: [Wilwood Tandem Master Cylinder](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001234570?tag=rusttoroad-20)
Replace all four brake lines. The kit includes stainless steel braided lines. They look better and won't expand under pressure like rubber lines.
Included in kit: Stainless steel brake lines (front & rear)
Start at the furthest wheel (right rear), work your way forward. You'll need two people—one pumping the pedal, one opening/closing the bleeder valve. Don't let the master cylinder run dry.
Helpful tool: [Vacuum Brake Bleeder Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001234571?tag=rusttoroad-20)
The first 200 miles are critical. Don't slam on the brakes. Make 30-40 gradual stops from 30mph to bed the pads. This transfers pad material to the rotors and prevents squealing.
- Front brake kit: ~$1,200 - Rear brake kit: ~$900 - Master cylinder: ~$180 - Hardware & lines: ~$150
Total: About $2,400 in parts. Worth every penny when you need to stop in a hurry.
This is a full-day job if you know what you're doing. Two days if you don't. The result is a Camaro that stops like a modern car. No more white-knuckle freeway merges.