I need to rephrase this from:
Some of the newer fancy (and painted) 4 and 6-piston brake calipers would be a hoot on our cars (if you could get them to fit . . .).
To: “Modern multi-piston (4 or 6-piston) brake calipers would be a hoot on our cars (if you could get them to fit . . .) at an affordable price”.
If you have the will, you can even adapt todays Ram 4500/5500 series truck brake calipers to cars – but question is how much is it going to cost ya?
I’m with you. I obtained my Fifth Ave for $300 (US) more than a decade ago. I don’t mind spending $ on it, but I, also, can’t justify spending upwards of 2K$ just for brakes, correction, just for the front brakes - therefore I’m watching this thread.
Even the high-end Chargers, Challengers and 300’s brake calipers would be a great upgrade for us. I could care less if they are painted.
For giggles, I looked up the front brake calipers for a 2014 Challenger/Charger/300 – sense those parts should be more cost effective, by now.
The standard duty brake (single piston). This is somewhat equivalent to an FMJ. $112 each reman
Heavy Duty (Police) – dual piston. $111 each reman
Performance brakes (four pistons) which come either painted (red or black) or unpainted. $464 red or $441 in black/silver - new.
I did find some reman in red for $132 each on eBay
Front Red Powder Coated Brake Caliper For Chrysler 300 Dodge Charger Jeep | eBay
All prices are from RockAuto.com (except as mentioned), as of May 17, 2019, in US Dollars and if you have no core(s) to return.
Installing the H/D calipers (dual piston) would be an upgrade for us. BUT, if you are going through the trouble to upgrade, you might as well get as much brake as you can with the four-piston version.
The four-piston calipers consist of three main parts, both ends (that contain the pistons) and a middle part that contains the mounting bracket. Look at the black/silver version, above.
It is my understanding the two ends are mostly interchangeable between several car lines/brands, but the middle section – the mounting bracket, is not (no proof of this last statement, just what I’ve heard from friends who still work for Dealers). If a person was to get one of these calipers, take it apart to get the middle portion, a person can make a template get new versions that will fit the existing spindles/steering knuckles – and you would be set. There is fluid that goes through that bracket (look at the bleeder screw).
The bleeder screw might be the most complicated portion of making that bracket – maybe. As well as getting the caliper to sit exactly center on the brake rotor.
Most of all Chrysler brake calipers uses pins or slide rails to allow caliper to move in or out with brake rotor. These calipers are bolted solid and only the pistons move.
Digging out the popcorn (for both your Hemi build and the caliper brackets).
BudW