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8/18/2023 7:58 AM  #1


SSBC Disc Brakes

I fitted a front SSBC disc brake kit a few years ago and wondered if there is a better brake booster to use with this kit? The booster supplied with the kit seems a bit on the average side. It would be nice to have those front discs grab a little better.


1964-1/2 D Code Coupe - 289 V8, 4 Speed Toploader, 3.00 ratio rear, Autolite 4100 Carb, 15" tires, Pertronix ignition
 

8/18/2023 8:16 AM  #2


Re: SSBC Disc Brakes

A bigger booster won’t give you more brake pressure, it just makes it easier on your leg.
Did you do a brake line pressure test on the existing master cylinder?
If it’s too low you may have the wrong diameter Mayer cylinder.
Usually the too big diameter ones can’t generate enough psi.
Even though I have 4 wheel disks I use a stock 68 front disk rear drum MC that gets me about 1150 PSI at all four corners.

Last edited by Rudi (8/18/2023 8:20 AM)


Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
 

8/18/2023 1:51 PM  #3


Re: SSBC Disc Brakes

I have installed a few sets of SSBC brakes years ago.  They suffer from using the worst possible friction psd materials.
Install OReilly Brakebest el cheapo pads and they will improve. 
Typically a 15/16” master cylinder is used with them.  I would suggest converting to MustangSteve booster system but, since your car is a four speed, it will not work. 

I would recommend remove the tiny booster and install a 74 Maverick 15/16” master cylinder for best results. Also swap the pads.
If your calipers are old, be sure they are not seized.  The four piston calipers were known to seize up one piston at a time until you only have one piston working.


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

8/18/2023 7:28 PM  #4


Re: SSBC Disc Brakes

Rudi wrote:

A bigger booster won’t give you more brake pressure, it just makes it easier on your leg.
Did you do a brake line pressure test on the existing master cylinder?
If it’s too low you may have the wrong diameter Mayer cylinder.
Usually the too big diameter ones can’t generate enough psi.
Even though I have 4 wheel disks I use a stock 68 front disk rear drum MC that gets me about 1150 PSI at all four corners.

Thanks... For some reason I was thinking that a bigger booster would apply more pressure.
I never tested brake line pressure, but did test the brakes at varying speeds after I installed the kit a few years ago.

Last edited by Toploader (8/18/2023 7:34 PM)


1964-1/2 D Code Coupe - 289 V8, 4 Speed Toploader, 3.00 ratio rear, Autolite 4100 Carb, 15" tires, Pertronix ignition
     Thread Starter
 

8/18/2023 7:31 PM  #5


Re: SSBC Disc Brakes

Toploader wrote:

Rudi wrote:

A bigger booster won’t give you more brake pressure, it just makes it easier on your leg.
Did you do a brake line pressure test on the existing master cylinder?
If it’s too low you may have the wrong diameter Mayer cylinder.
Usually the too big diameter ones can’t generate enough psi.
Even though I have 4 wheel disks I use a stock 68 front disk rear drum MC that gets me about 1150 PSI at all four corners.

Thanks... For some reason I was thinking that a bigger booster would apply more pressure.

It will, given similar leg pressure


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

8/18/2023 7:31 PM  #6


Re: SSBC Disc Brakes

MS wrote:

I have installed a few sets of SSBC brakes years ago.  They suffer from using the worst possible friction psd materials.
Install OReilly Brakebest el cheapo pads and they will improve. 
Typically a 15/16” master cylinder is used with them.  I would suggest converting to MustangSteve booster system but, since your car is a four speed, it will not work. 

I would recommend remove the tiny booster and install a 74 Maverick 15/16” master cylinder for best results. Also swap the pads.
If your calipers are old, be sure they are not seized.  The four piston calipers were known to seize up one piston at a time until you only have one piston working.

Thanks MS!
Just to clarify... What booster are you suggesting to use with the Maverick master cylinder? Where would you purchase the suggested master cylinder from? Is there a model number?


1964-1/2 D Code Coupe - 289 V8, 4 Speed Toploader, 3.00 ratio rear, Autolite 4100 Carb, 15" tires, Pertronix ignition
     Thread Starter
 

8/18/2023 10:29 PM  #7


Re: SSBC Disc Brakes

I was suggesting you remove the booster and use manual brakes. 1974 Maverick manual disc/drum master cylinder with 15/16” piston bore.
Use the pushrod for the Mustang. 

There is not really a decent booster for 65-66 with original style clutch linkage and disc brake master cylinder.

The MustangSteve booster will not work with original clutch linkage.


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

8/18/2023 10:52 PM  #8


Re: SSBC Disc Brakes

MS wrote:

I have installed a few sets of SSBC brakes years ago. They suffer from using the worst possible friction psd materials.
Install OReilly Brakebest el cheapo pads and they will improve.
Typically a 15/16” master cylinder is used with them. I would suggest converting to MustangSteve booster system but, since your car is a four speed, it will not work.

I would recommend remove the tiny booster and install a 74 Maverick 15/16” master cylinder for best results. Also swap the pads.
If your calipers are old, be sure they are not seized. The four piston calipers were known to seize up one piston at a time until you only have one piston working.

SSBC calipers have stainless steel liners to remove the seizing tendency. Swapped mine way back then when SSBc was a going concern.  The 74 Maveric MC works well, even with manual brakes.  On mine, they lasted a couple of decades and several pad changes.

 


Original owner - 351w,T-5, 4whl disks, power R&P
 

8/19/2023 2:27 AM  #9


Re: SSBC Disc Brakes

MS wrote:

I was suggesting you remove the booster and use manual brakes. 1974 Maverick manual disc/drum master cylinder with 15/16” piston bore.
Use the pushrod for the Mustang. 

There is not really a decent booster for 65-66 with original style clutch linkage and disc brake master cylinder.

The MustangSteve booster will not work with original clutch linkage.

I would probably want to keep the booster, so maybe the Maverick master cylinder and the SSBC booster?


1964-1/2 D Code Coupe - 289 V8, 4 Speed Toploader, 3.00 ratio rear, Autolite 4100 Carb, 15" tires, Pertronix ignition
     Thread Starter
 

8/19/2023 2:28 AM  #10


Re: SSBC Disc Brakes

lowercasesteve wrote:

MS wrote:

I have installed a few sets of SSBC brakes years ago. They suffer from using the worst possible friction psd materials.
Install OReilly Brakebest el cheapo pads and they will improve.
Typically a 15/16” master cylinder is used with them. I would suggest converting to MustangSteve booster system but, since your car is a four speed, it will not work.

I would recommend remove the tiny booster and install a 74 Maverick 15/16” master cylinder for best results. Also swap the pads.
If your calipers are old, be sure they are not seized. The four piston calipers were known to seize up one piston at a time until you only have one piston working.

SSBC calipers have stainless steel liners to remove the seizing tendency. Swapped mine way back then when SSBc was a going concern.  The 74 Maveric MC works well, even with manual brakes.  On mine, they lasted a couple of decades and several pad changes.

 

That's reassuring! Do you run the SSBC booster with the Maverick master cylinder?


1964-1/2 D Code Coupe - 289 V8, 4 Speed Toploader, 3.00 ratio rear, Autolite 4100 Carb, 15" tires, Pertronix ignition
     Thread Starter
 

8/19/2023 8:06 AM  #11


Re: SSBC Disc Brakes

Toploader wrote:

MS wrote:

I was suggesting you remove the booster and use manual brakes. 1974 Maverick manual disc/drum master cylinder with 15/16” piston bore.
Use the pushrod for the Mustang.

There is not really a decent booster for 65-66 with original style clutch linkage and disc brake master cylinder.

The MustangSteve booster will not work with original clutch linkage.

I would probably want to keep the booster, so maybe the Maverick master cylinder and the SSBC booster?

If the mc will physically fit the space with that booster you could certainly do it.  If using a booster, I would run a 70 Mustang disc/drum mc.
 


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

8/19/2023 12:49 PM  #12


Re: SSBC Disc Brakes

Toploader wrote:

lowercasesteve wrote:

MS wrote:

I have installed a few sets of SSBC brakes years ago. They suffer from using the worst possible friction psd materials.
Install OReilly Brakebest el cheapo pads and they will improve.
Typically a 15/16” master cylinder is used with them. I would suggest converting to MustangSteve booster system but, since your car is a four speed, it will not work.

I would recommend remove the tiny booster and install a 74 Maverick 15/16” master cylinder for best results. Also swap the pads.
If your calipers are old, be sure they are not seized. The four piston calipers were known to seize up one piston at a time until you only have one piston working.

SSBC calipers have stainless steel liners to remove the seizing tendency. Swapped mine way back then when SSBc was a going concern.  The 74 Maveric MC works well, even with manual brakes.  On mine, they lasted a couple of decades and several pad changes.

 

That's reassuring! Do you run the SSBC booster with the Maverick master cylinder?

I have evolved past the KH stockers.  Now I have Wilwoods, but the brakes remain manual with the 74 Maverick mc.
 

Last edited by lowercasesteve (8/19/2023 12:50 PM)


Original owner - 351w,T-5, 4whl disks, power R&P
 

8/19/2023 3:41 PM  #13


Re: SSBC Disc Brakes

lowercasesteve wrote:

Toploader wrote:

lowercasesteve wrote:


SSBC calipers have stainless steel liners to remove the seizing tendency. Swapped mine way back then when SSBc was a going concern.  The 74 Maveric MC works well, even with manual brakes.  On mine, they lasted a couple of decades and several pad changes.

 

That's reassuring! Do you run the SSBC booster with the Maverick master cylinder?

I have evolved past the KH stockers.  Now I have Wilwoods, but the brakes remain manual with the 74 Maverick mc.
 

A local friend works for Wilwood and hosts brake seminars. I asked him what was different on the Wilwoods that made them an improvement over the K/H calipers. He said they are dimensionally the same. They just look different.
My choice is a larger caliper and rotor that gives more control.
 


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

8/20/2023 12:58 PM  #14


Re: SSBC Disc Brakes

MS wrote:

lowercasesteve wrote:

Toploader wrote:


That's reassuring! Do you run the SSBC booster with the Maverick master cylinder?

I have evolved past the KH stockers.  Now I have Wilwoods, but the brakes remain manual with the 74 Maverick mc.
 

A local friend works for Wilwood and hosts brake seminars. I asked him what was different on the Wilwoods that made them an improvement over the K/H calipers. He said they are dimensionally the same. They just look different.
My choice is a larger caliper and rotor that gives more control.
 

My K-H's were 11" and the Wilwoods are 12.19".  I'm not sure they work any better.  Unless you do a lot of canyon carving, I would recommend keeping the K-H's.
 


Original owner - 351w,T-5, 4whl disks, power R&P
 

8/23/2023 5:53 PM  #15


Re: SSBC Disc Brakes

Is this the master cylinder to use and can it be used with the SSBC booster?

https://mustangsteve.com/product/manual-brake-master-cylinder/
 


1964-1/2 D Code Coupe - 289 V8, 4 Speed Toploader, 3.00 ratio rear, Autolite 4100 Carb, 15" tires, Pertronix ignition
     Thread Starter
 

8/23/2023 10:43 PM  #16


Re: SSBC Disc Brakes

That looks like the one.  74 Maverick disk-drum w/manual brakes.  That's what I use.  I do not know about using it with power brakes.

Heere is the SSBC web site

SSBC-USA | American Stopping Power


Original owner - 351w,T-5, 4whl disks, power R&P
 

8/30/2023 5:56 AM  #17


Re: SSBC Disc Brakes

Toploader wrote:

Is this the master cylinder to use and can it be used with the SSBC booster?

https://mustangsteve.com/product/manual-brake-master-cylinder/
 

MS, is this the brake master cylinder that you were referring to and will this one work with the SSBC booster ok?


1964-1/2 D Code Coupe - 289 V8, 4 Speed Toploader, 3.00 ratio rear, Autolite 4100 Carb, 15" tires, Pertronix ignition
     Thread Starter
 

9/01/2023 2:49 PM  #18


Re: SSBC Disc Brakes

If you are gullible enough to install an SSBC booster, you should ask them.


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

9/04/2023 9:52 AM  #19


Re: SSBC Disc Brakes

MS wrote:

If you are gullible enough to install an SSBC booster, you should ask them.

Wow, thats a bit of a harsh response 😕


1964-1/2 D Code Coupe - 289 V8, 4 Speed Toploader, 3.00 ratio rear, Autolite 4100 Carb, 15" tires, Pertronix ignition
     Thread Starter
 

9/04/2023 8:44 PM  #20


Re: SSBC Disc Brakes

Yes, it was.  I forgot I wasn’t on facebook.

The 15/16” master cylinder for Maverick or Granada bolts up and has same physical dimensions as the 1” bore 67-73 Mustang master cylinder.  The line fittings are different sizes.  Both have 1” engagement depth.
The Mav unit has a c-clip inside to retain the pushrod, which is not a factor when using a booster.

But, seriously, the SSBC booster is not something I would've ever put on a Mustang.


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

9/05/2023 9:48 PM  #21


Re: SSBC Disc Brakes

MS wrote:

Yes, it was.  I forgot I wasn’t on facebook.

The 15/16” master cylinder for Maverick or Granada bolts up and has same physical dimensions as the 1” bore 67-73 Mustang master cylinder.  The line fittings are different sizes.  Both have 1” engagement depth.
The Mav unit has a c-clip inside to retain the pushrod, which is not a factor when using a booster.

But, seriously, the SSBC booster is not something I would've ever put on a Mustang.

With the car being a 65 and it having a manual transmission, I figured I was limited to just SSBC brake booster and master cylinder set up? If there's another option, I'm always happy to express that.


1964-1/2 D Code Coupe - 289 V8, 4 Speed Toploader, 3.00 ratio rear, Autolite 4100 Carb, 15" tires, Pertronix ignition
     Thread Starter
 

9/07/2023 8:02 AM  #22


Re: SSBC Disc Brakes

I’m not sure this helps, but here is my brake setup. 
I have four-wheel disc brakes on my 65 Mustang.  Original I had non-power brakes and used the following master cylinder.  Increased brake pedal force was needed, but not what I would consider excessive.
Raybestos: MC390217
Master Cylinder: 94/95 Cobra SVT, 15/16" bore, outlet ports toward the engine
 
I installed a hyroboost power brake system a few years ago and switched to this master cylinder.  Brake pedal force is like that of a modern vehicle. 
Raybestos: MC390269
95-97 Explorer MC, 1-1/16" Bore, outlet ports toward the fender.


65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
 

Board footera


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