Overview
The Baer Brakes 4301656R is a 13 inch Classic Series front brake kit with red pad-guided calipers and modified stock height spindles, made for 1978–1988 GM G-Body vehicles. Baer lists fit for the Chevrolet El Camino, Malibu and Monte Carlo, the Buick Regal and Grand National, the Oldsmobile Cutlass and Cutlass Supreme, and the Pontiac Grand Prix.
The kit replaces the front brakes with 13 inch one-piece slotted, drilled and zinc plated rotors, paired with 2-piston pad-guided calipers. The application details also name GM S10 and S15 pickups (82-04) and Blazer and Jimmy models (83-97); the manufacturer fitment list below covers the G-Body cars.
Key features
- Aluminum 2-piston pad-guided caliper with red powder coat and black Baer logo
- Slotted, drilled and zinc plated 1-piece integral hub rotors, 13 inch
- Stainless braided brake hoses with DOT approval
- Uses the common FMSI D0412 brake pad with ceramic friction material
- Modern brakes for small wheels, sized for 17 inch and larger wheels
- Dust caps, mounting brackets and hardware included with the kit
Choosing the right setup
Modified stock height spindles keep the car at its original ride height, so the brakes can be fitted without changing suspension geometry. Brake feel, though, depends heavily on the master cylinder and the hydraulic system behind it. If the old master is worn or the wrong bore size, the pedal can feel spongy or too hard even when the new pads and rotors are correct.
Many G-Body owners upgrade the front brakes alongside the rear drums or the proportioning valve, because the balance between front and rear affects stopping under load. Check the rear brakes, brake lines and fluid condition before the final bleed. A fresh fluid fill and a thorough bleed at all four corners prevents air pockets that make the pedal feel weak.
Inspect the wheel bearings and seals while the rotors are off, since bearings and races are often replaced at the same time. Keep the old parts until the new setup is tested, and make the first stops at low speed on a quiet street.
- Confirm the master cylinder bore matches the brake setup
- Bleed all four corners after the lines are opened
- Check rear drums or shoes for wear at the same time
- Replace worn wheel seals while the hubs are apart
Specifications
| Brand | Baer Brakes |
|---|---|
| Part number | 4301656R |
| UPC | 90127854211 |
| Kit type | Front brake kit with modified stock height spindles |
| Caliper | Aluminum, 2-piston, pad guided, floating, red powder coated |
| Pad type | FMSI D0412, ceramic |
| Brake template | D082H |
| Rotor | 13.0 inch outside diameter, 1.1 inch thick, vented |
| Rotor type | 1-piece integral hub, slotted, drilled and zinc plated |
| Wheel bolt pattern | 5×4.75 inch |
| Minimum wheel diameter | 17.0 inch |
| Brake hose | Stainless steel braided, DOT approved |
| Axle | Front |
| Country of origin | USA |
Vehicle fitment
Baer’s manufacturer fitment list for this kit covers the 1984–1987 Buick Regal (GNX and Grand National), the 1978–1987 Chevrolet El Camino, the 1978–1983 Chevrolet Malibu, the 1978 and 1980 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (Sport), the 1978–1981 and 1985–1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass, the 1978–1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, and the 1978–1988 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Coverage for the Monte Carlo is limited to the 1978 and 1980 model years. Applications for the S10, S15, Blazer and Jimmy are not covered by this kit’s G-Body fit, so confirm fit for your vehicle’s year, model and trim before ordering.
Installation notes
The kit uses modified stock height spindles, so it is set up for the car’s existing ride height rather than a drop. Baer recommends a 15/16 inch master cylinder, or a 7/8 inch master on manual brake cars, for the correct pedal effort. The ABS tone ring is not part of this kit. Test pedal feel in a parking area before driving, since a mismatched master changes brake response.
What’s included
The kit includes the modified stock height spindles, 13 inch rotors with races, the red pad-guided calipers, dust caps, mounting brackets, stainless braided hoses and the hardware needed for installation.
Not included: the ABS tone ring.
