Brake upgrades
Brake upgrades are modifications intended to improve the braking performance, feel, heat capacity, serviceability, or appearance of the Pontiac Fiero brake system.
Brake upgrades are especially common on modified Fieros, engine-swapped Fieros, cars used for spirited driving, and 1984-1987 Fieros where owners want better braking performance than the original system provides.
Overview
All Fieros were equipped with four-wheel disc brakes from the factory. However, the 1984-1987 brake system is often criticized by enthusiasts for limited braking performance compared with later sports cars or modified Fieros with more engine power.
The 1988 Fiero received a redesigned brake system that is generally regarded as an improvement over the earlier design, but brake condition, tire choice, driving style, and intended use remain important factors.
Common upgrade types
Common Fiero brake upgrades include:
- Higher-quality brake pads
- Stainless braided brake hoses
- Larger rotors
- Different calipers
- Master cylinder changes
- Brake booster upgrades
- Parking brake repairs or upgrades
- Complete brake conversion kits
Common conversion topics
Frequently discussed Fiero brake conversions include:
- Grand Am brake upgrade
- Beretta brake upgrade
- LeBaron brake upgrade
- Corvette brake upgrade
- C4 Corvette brake upgrade
- Brake booster upgrade
- Stainless brake hoses
Important considerations
Brake upgrades should be planned carefully. Larger or stronger parts do not automatically create a better brake system.
Important factors include:
- Front-to-rear brake bias
- Master cylinder bore size
- Caliper piston size
- Rotor diameter and thickness
- Wheel clearance
- Parking brake function
- Brake pedal travel
- Brake pedal effort
- Brake hose routing
- Unsprung weight
- Replacement-part availability
- Intended use
Brake bias
Brake bias is the balance of braking force between the front and rear wheels. Incorrect brake bias can make the car unstable during hard braking.
A brake upgrade should maintain safe and predictable front-to-rear balance.
Related topics:
Parking brake
The Fiero parking brake system is part of the rear brake design. Some brake conversions may remove, weaken, or complicate parking brake function.
For a street-driven car, retaining a working parking brake may be legally and practically important.
Related topics:
Tires and suspension
Brake performance is limited by tire grip. A brake upgrade may not shorten stopping distances if the tires cannot provide more traction.
Suspension condition, alignment, tire quality, and brake condition should be considered before assuming that a larger brake conversion is needed.
Related topics:
1984-1987 brakes
The 1984-1987 brake system is the most common target for upgrades. Many owners choose to rebuild the original system, improve pads and hoses, or install a larger brake conversion.
Related topics:
- 1984-1987 brake system
- Brake problems
- Brake pad replacement
- Brake bleeding
- Grand Am brake upgrade
- LeBaron brake upgrade
1988 brakes
The 1988 Fiero brake system is different from the 1984-1987 system. Many 1988 brake parts are model-year-specific.
Brake upgrades for a 1988 Fiero should be researched separately from earlier cars.
Related topics:
Safety
Brake upgrades are safety-critical modifications. Parts should be installed correctly, lines should be routed safely, fasteners should be properly tightened, and the system should be bled and tested carefully before road use.
Poorly planned brake conversions can reduce safety even if the parts appear larger or more powerful.