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digi-69

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Discussion starter · #1 · (Edited)
I have a 69 with standard power disc/drum setup. Just installed front discs. I hear both sides on this site. Not sure what is the best setup.

Currently I just have a distribution block, but will not drive until I have the right setup.

Thanks!

Nick
 
You'll need at least the metering valve which delays the fronts slightly until the drums can engage. That gives you more even braking. Also possibly the prop valve but who knows since GM installed it in all kinds of combos. I've got an orignal four wheel manual drum car and an original front power disc car. Both of them had it.

If you don't have anything I'd recommend the PV71 that most places carry. It's got your distribution/metering/proportional all in one unit. Functions the same as the factory setup was meant to, they just started putting everything in one package in the 70's. I can't say how it would work if you had the prop valve under the door and left it there though. You may need to do some line work based on what's in there now if you were to go with that combo valve.
 
If it makes you feel any better most 67-69 Camaros came without the rear valve. Certain options got it, but it sounds like usage wasn't consistent. Interesting read here: http://www.camaros.org/suspen.shtml#Brakes

The metering valve is a weird one. David Pozzi says you can do w/o it unless you do a lot of driving on snow or ice. Seems to me I read somewhere that it was a result of sitting at a stoplight - on ice - with your foot lightly on the brake pedal, the rear wheels would spin while the front stayed put. I can see that with an automatic trans but not a manual yet I think all of the disc/drum cars got it. http://www.pozziracing.com/brakes.htm#Metering valve

I'm not sure about the one size fits all combo valves. Seems to me you'd want different proportioning for a Camaro vs an Impala wagon.

I'd just put an adjustable valve in the rear line and mess with it at the local WalMart lot 'til you're happy.
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
Prices are about the same for both. Who uses just the old distbution block and adjustable prop valve to the rear drum? Is so, are you happy with the poformance?

Nick
 
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