Does Your Mopar Need Bigger Brakes? Big Power Says Yes, You Do!

With the gentrification of old cars that began in the 1980s and continues today, many vehicles that were considered junk before are now—because of their affordability—are seeing the performance spotlight.

- Johnny Hunkins

With the gentrification of old cars that began in the 1980s and continues today, many vehicles that were considered junk before are now—because of their affordability—are seeing the performance spotlight. So, while one might expect a 1970 ’Cuda to be a good candidate for a disc brake upgrade, it might not be so obvious for a more utilitarian car like a same-year, Slant Six Duster.

01 Baer’s Pro+ 6P kit, shown installed on the front of Christian Arriero’s 1974 Plymouth Duster.

Does your Mopar need a complete four-wheel disc brake conversion? That depends. For those who prize originality or rarity, an expensive disc brake conversion or upgrade package may have the effect of lowering the value of a car. That said, restoring a vintage brake system to acceptable operation with all NOS parts may not be easy, cheap, or fun. And even if you don’t mind the hassle of restoring vintage brakes, it’s likely you will not enjoy their performance. This route is clearly for the prized classic that isseldom driven, and even then, don’t expect it to stop as quickly as the beater Toyota in your driveway.

Just up the ladder from stock brakes are more modestly priced disc brake conversions with calipers having one or two pistons. Besides doing a better job stopping than drums, discs effectively even out the imbalance between the left and right sides. People who swap from drums to discs almost unanimously report straighter braking performance, a big confidence booster.