Question: brake insulators

[coffeejolts]

I'm in the process of getting my shark back to a daily driver after six years in the garage (I went back to school). Anyhow, the car has a leaky caliper and I'm looking at replacing everything with the VB&P o-ring calipers.

On the site, I can buy new calipers or re-manufactured calipers with or without insulators. The price difference is $120. They can't be charging that much for anti-squeal pads for the backs of the pads, can they? Please help me understand what these are and why I should or should not pay $120 for them.

Thanks!

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Why not just rebuild your existing calipers, assuming they're SS lined? I have no idea what the insulated o-ring stuff is that they're selling.

 

[6880 Mike]

Why not just rebuild your existing calipers, assuming they're SS lined? I have no idea what the insulated o-ring stuff is that they're selling.

I agree. Call them and ask what they are calling "insulators".

 

[coffeejolts]

I have not taken the calipers off to see whether they are lined, but I have every reason to believe that they are the original calipers without sleeves. Rebuilding them myself is more than I want to tackle. When things get down to a few thousandths of an inch, I find it's best left to the pros at the machine shop.

I understand why the o-ring pistons are better. I just don't understand why insulators cost $120 more. Any takers?

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

I understand why the o-ring pistons are better.

Not everyone agrees that they are 'better'. Best call them and ask for details.

 

[JohnZ]

I understand why the o-ring pistons are better. I just don't understand why insulators cost $120 more. Any takers?

The insulators are Pyroceram discs that are screw-attached to the pad end of the (special) pistons, to reduce heat transfer to the pistons and fluid under road-race conditions. They were originally used on all '65-'66 Corvette calipers, and were eliminated when the 2nd-design pistons were introduced in 1967. You don't need them.