In the last installment of Michael’s journey on transforming his stock 1992 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon into a fire-breathing beast, we got to see Michael’s plans and parts list for the Buick. In this episode, Michael will be focusing on the braking and handling of the vehicle and getting the car as ready as he can before dropping in that sweet sweet LS3.
Wheels and Tires
Michael went with a set of 255/45-ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season tires on a set of 18×9.5 American Racing VN507 Rodders. Not only does this setup make the Roadmaster look great (sorry wagon sleeper fans) but it also helped with the handling.
Suspension
A QA1 front sway bar as well as a Hotchkis rear wagon sway bar help to try and limit the body roll and extra boatiness that these cars were initially designed to feel like.
Rear Differential
Rear diff legend, Frank over at South Bay 4×4 (Hawthorne, CA) install an Eaton Detroit TrueTrac limited-slip differential. This along with the new set of tires will be vital when that LS3 gets dropped in and you actually want to transfer that power to the ground.
Brakes
To bring that 4,500 LBMichael kept it simple and clean with a Wilwood D52 Brake Front Caliper Kit.
Much better brake options with the power upgrade this car has received. 18″ wheels leave a LOT of room for bigger rotors – the D52 is still using the stock front rotors. It’s not the caliper that’s the issue–it’s the rotors, which are really borderline even with the stock drivetrain.