Wilwood Electric Parking Brake installation!
This update covers the Wilwood electric parking brake.
Related notes live on the Factory Five Cobra build hub.
Why a Wilwood electric parking brake instead of a hand lever
The past month was crazy with California wildfires. Also, we had a few weeks over 105F. So the garage was both smoky and hot! Then things cleared up a bit. As a result, the air is less hazardous. Meanwhile, night temps sit in the 60s! Whew! Ultimately, 2020 needs to be over already!
One item I held off on was the parking brake setup. First, I know the classic style uses a hand-pull emergency brake. However, this car already packs new technology. Therefore, I wanted electric parking brakes. Because of that choice, the look stays cleaner. Also, the parking brake should hold the car firmly. Besides that, the passenger gains space once the handle is gone!
E-Stopp vs Wilwood (cables vs motors in the calipers)
Initially I planned to use the E-Stopp electric parking brake. That kit uses a motor to pull cables and lock the brakes. In other words, it beat a plain handbrake. Then the Wilwood kit arrived. As a result, there are no cables and no junctions. Instead, motors live in the calipers. So you only run electrical wiring!
Kit numbers: 950-140-15978-BK and 950-140-15978-RD
The Wilwood kit I ordered fits .81″ rotors. For black, use 950-140-15978-BK. Meanwhile, red is 950-140-15978-RD. First, I opened the kit. Then I saw how beefy the caliper motors look. Next, I test fit them. However, they interfered with the springs! So I felt instantly defeated. For example, check out the pics below.
Test fit and spring clearance
The calipers look left/right — they are swappable
But I had not checked the directions yet! Fortunately, the sides are swappable. Therefore, mount the EPB calipers per the Wilwood kit instructions. EPB calipers are left and right handed, however they can be used on either side of the vehicle to best suit your specific application.
After that, I swapped sides. Then they fit!
Wiring the EPB
Once I finished the physical part, I still had to wire it. So this step was really exciting! Also, the new calipers weigh about 1.6lbs more than the MC-4 models. Still, that weight bump is relatively small.
Plug clearance and a 90-degree connector
Update: my buddy Tony stopped by. Likewise, he is building one too! Then we test fit the wiring. First, I removed the caliper to slide the harness plug onto the motor. After that, clearance was still there! Next, I will ask Wilwood about a 90-degree plug. Because that would add a lot more room. Also, I will use a ziptie to keep the wires snug against the plug.
Switch and harness notes
Ultimately, the kit is excellent. For example, the wiring is great. Also, the switch looks great! Pics are below!
