If you’re wondering how well a manual conversion can work on a G body El Camino, I’m finally getting to the bottom of the issues I’ve been having with this one. There’s quite a few things that needed to be addressed and I found an issue that I found extremely surprising as to why this wasn’t working so well with the parts that I had. If you’ve been considering making the swap, here’s some things to know going into it and how to get past them!
I’m making a change from the ⅞” bore master cylinder to a 1” bore master cylinder. I’m using a Wilwood Master cylinder with a 1” bore, here’s a link to it jegs.ork2.net/ZQLkLz. I’ve been working with @BruceCoggins on this project, this master has been used successfully in other manual conversions using very similar parts in a front disc rear drum arrangement. The old master was not really generating the braking force to feel confident in the brakes.
After bleeding the Wilwood master and installing it, I turned my attention to the other ⅞” bore master. I set it up in the vise to see what happens and which brake circuit flows first. I was extremely surprised to see the disc brake port begin to flow fluid only after ⅜” of piston travel. No wonder I was experiencing such a long travel of the pedal before the car really wanted to slow down. By comparison, the Wilwood practically flowed through both ports at the same time. I’m suspecting there may have been an issue with this master and I’m only now catching it.
With the new Wilwood master mounted to the firewall, the brakes were bled using a custom tool I made for this purpose, and the El Camino was ready for its test drive, and it seems like things are moving in the right direction!
Here’s some links to stuff I like to use! These are affiliate links and I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
PWRCORE 12 Brushless 12V 3/8” Impact Wrench Kit
WavWatch – Use Discount Code ERIC100 for $100 off at checkout – https://www.wavwatch.com/
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