I have a 1990 LX that used to have a 2.3 which was swapped out in favor of a carbureted ’85 302. The brakes and suspension are all stock aside from 5.0 sway bars, but my main concern here is the brakes! Under hard braking from a 100mph the brakes are completely useless as they will slow me down to about 60mph and fall victim to massive brake fade. I never expected the stock brakes to perform well, but then again I didn’t expect them to perform so poorly. Now I have a solution but I need some pointers on what I need based on my budget and what I’m using the car for. First off I am a college student I don’t have a lot of money so high dollar brake upgrade kits are out of the question, as well as big wheel and tire combos. I do plan on participating in some hill climb events in my local area. Now I already have sub frame connectors, K-frame brace, strut tower brace, and FMS lowering springs in my possession to help with the chassis, and I recently acquired an 88 turbo coupe rear-end. Well that pretty much takes care of the rear brakes as they are 10” vented discs, but I need some pointers on the fronts and master cylinder. My idea is to use 87-93 spindles, 11” slotted or cross drilled rotors, 73mm calipers (I have ’86 police calipers from a Crown Vic and have been told that these fit the 87-93 5.0 spindles). I am Indecisive on what Master cylinder to use… I could use a 91 Lincoln mark VII MC (1.125” bore), a ’95 Crown Vic MC (1.000” bore), or an SN95 MC (0.840” bore). I’m leaning toward the Mark VII MC because the bore would provide a short firm pedal. I’m open to suggestions, as far as what to get, other options, what pads to use. I would also like to note that I have the stock 10 hole 15” wheels. Please let me know if this combination works well and if there is anything else that will help with braking performance.

Thanks,

Joe

I did a complete swap of a '90 LX to a '84 GT; engine,K-member,wiring,computer,brakes,rear-end,full interior including dash,fenders, front end, you name it.  Two things I didn't change were the rear side-glass-quarter panels and the master cylinder.  I know the early V-8 'Stangs through '86 used the same small 10" brakes that the 4 bangers used throughout their life spand, so I don't suspect you need to change your master cylinder, just your spindles & rotors.  Good luck.  

yes but I'm converting to rear discs as well and plan on using front calipers with 73mm pistons rather that the stock 60mm, which leaves me to believe that I need a master cylinder that moves a larger volume of fluid for front and rear to work properly. my question though is which one to use and how much of improvement this will make?