GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Question...would it be feasable (or possible) to change from disc/drum to 4 wheel disc brakes in the Base Vibe? Also, what's involved with doing so?

I saw a kit somewhere for that and it was $900 just for parts. Kind of pricey for something like that.

Find a junked Vibe GT, get the knuckles and calipers and you should be more then half way there. I read about a guy that took a 1990's Cavalier Z24 and through searching found GM parts to put rear discs on the Cavalier. Used a couple different GM car parts to do it.

anyone actually try this?

There will also be the issue of brake bias. The amount of brake fluid pressure needed for rear drums will be completely different for discs. This will either cause brake lock-up or very little braking in the rear. I don't know if this would be an electronic problem or hydraulic type issue.

It would prolly be considered hydraulic because of the amount of pressure needed for the rear disk brakes? I don't think it would be too hard to find the GT brake system in a junk yard and buying it.Inder

Inder, you think that the install of a GT brake system in the base would be of little hastle?

I think you're looking at a LOT of work for a disc conversion...I don't think it's as "plug and play" as it seems...But, with money. time, and diligence, anything can be done!

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »But, with money. time, and diligence, anything can be done! This is true

Better grab the Master Cylinder while your at it. Typically on a Disc/Drum cylinder, the resevoir for the drum side of the system is alot smaller. Or am I thinking of an older type of system where the front and rear were actually seperated? Now that I think about it....

I have done this swap on old cars going from drum to disk. on those it was just a simple swap.Look up and see if the master cylinder's on the Base and GT use the same part number. and also check the part number on the distribution block.If they are the same you won't have any trouble. If they arent the same buy the GT version and You'll be ok.As far as performace goes the disk brakes on the back won't be very noticeable unless your really doing some hard racing. like a road course or circle track.The back is not near as noticeable as the front.

Quote, originally posted by 03VibeGT6Spd »I have done this swap on old cars going from drum to disk. on those it was just a simple swap.Look up and see if the master cylinder's on the Base and GT use the same part number. and also check the part number on the distribution block.If they are the same you won't have any trouble. If they arent the same buy the GT version and You'll be ok.As far as performace goes the disk brakes on the back won't be very noticeable unless your really doing some hard racing. like a road course or circle track.The back is not near as noticeable as the front.Follow this advice and hell, cut a deal with a salvage yard on the whole rear axle, then you would be set!