Based on a thread I saw on the Discussions page, I figured I should ask my question here as well.

I just picked up a 67 for a daily driver for my daughter. A PO installed a mild 289 but didn't make any other upgrades to suspension or drive train. I know this wasn't a good move, but it hasn't caused a problem in the 20 years since and I don't expect it to be driven hard so I'm leaving it that way for the time being. The cars engine and transmission were rebuilt about 3 years ago.

What are my options for improving the braking? It currently has manual drum brakes. How does the conversion to power drum brakes compare to upgrading to manual disc?

I've noticed the kit at www.discbrakeswap.com is about $400 less than the one at CJ Pony Parts. What is the difference between the two? Am I comparing apples to apples?

The least expensive upgrade option is the power brake option. Will I see enough improvement in braking to be satisfied or will I always be worried every time she gets behind the wheel (more so than a typical parent does)? Or should I spend the extra and get the disc or even more and get the brake booster as well?

 

Though she wont be driving the car hard, an upgrade to disc brakes in the front is well worth the money. There is a noticable difference between drum all around as opposed to disc brakes. As for the power booster, its not so much that it will stop any better but she wont have to put nearly as much force on the brake pedal. The kit and labor can sting the wallet a bit but its an upgrade well worth it, especially if your daugther is going to be driving the car.

 

I love my CSRP disk kit. It was one of the best mods I did. The kit is very high quality and complete with the correct new master cylinder and proportioning valve

It is not that hard to install the kit if you have normal tools and mechanical skills. It is a weekend job.

I did not go with power brakes and really do not need it to stop the car.

 

Since it is your daughters car I say upgrade to disk front power brakes.

This will give her a car that that stops in line with what she is used to, and will require the smallest learning curve.

A good kit like the mentioned CSRP kit will give her great brakes hot or cold, wet or dry. The only thing she will need to learn about is the difference between antilock brakes and non-antilock brakes... (How to control and/or get out of a skid)

I don't think they teach that in drivers ed anymore...

 

Does anyone know why the two brake packages mentioned in my original post have such different prices? What else will I need for the CSRP package to make it complete?

 

One kit is a granada swap it comes with spindles you don't need that one its best for inline 6 cars.The kit that don't have spindles is the stock style 4 piston disc is what you need and the kit comes with everything you need.

 

Any daily driven Mustang should have this done to it. The difference is immediate and impressive. Basically, it upgrades the suspension geometry to work properly with modern radial tires.

Arning/Shelby Suspension Drop

 

You mention that the PO installed a 289, but you didn't say what was in it before. Do the wheels have 4 or 5 lugs?

 

It previously had an inline 6. It also has the original 4 lugs.

 

My opinion on the matter is that if the car is for a young female, power disc brakes up front is the only option to go. I have manual 13" cobra discs up front, and the pedal effort is much higher than 99% of drivers are used to. Reason #1 that I am the only one that drives my car.
You will probably want to do the 5 lug conversion. Your brake and wheel options will be restricted if you keep the 4 lugs.