Upgrading your Camaro for the drag strip? Don’t overlook your braking system. While horsepower and suspension upgrades grab all the attention, the right brake setup is just as critical for safety and performance. Whether you're launching off the line in a street/strip build or dialing in a dedicated race car, here's what you need to know about choosing the right drag racing brakes for your Camaro.
Why Drag Racing Requires Specialized Brakes
Unlike road course or daily driving, drag racing brakes are all about weight savings, straight-line stability, and cooldown efficiency. You’re not repeatedly braking from high speeds — you're stopping hard once, at the end of a run. That means your brakes need to be light, consistent, and capable of handling the heat after a 1/4-mile pass.
What to Consider When Buying Drag Brakes for a Camaro
- Vehicle Weight: Heavier street-driven Camaros will need more rotor mass and pad surface than a stripped-down race-only chassis.
- Front vs Rear Setup: Most braking force is on the front, but in drag racing, light rear kits help reduce rotational mass and improve rear-end stability under deceleration.
- Street or Strip: If you still drive the car on the street, opt for dual-purpose kits that balance weight and street safety features like parking brakes.
Top Brake Kit Options for Camaro Drag Racers
Below are a few proven setups, depending on your generation Camaro and build level:
1. Wilwood Drag Brake Kits
- Lightweight rotors and calipers designed specifically for drag applications
- Available in front and rear kits for most Camaro models (1967–present)
- Dual caliper options for those running trans brakes or line locks
2. Strange Engineering Brakes
- Ideal for hardcore drag builds — rear kits weigh under 20 lbs total
- Proven on high-horsepower applications and dragsters
- Direct bolt-on options for most GM 10/12-bolt and aftermarket housings
3. Baer SS4+ Drag System
- Dual-purpose street/strip brake kits
- Comes with DOT-compliant calipers and rotors
- Includes provisions for ABS and e-brake if needed
Brake Components That Make a Difference
- Calipers: Go for 4-piston forged aluminum for the best weight-to-clamp ratio.
- Rotors: One-piece, slotted, or drilled steel rotors shed weight and heat.
- Pads: Use metallic or ceramic pads with high heat tolerance for consistent performance.
- Lines: Braided stainless steel brake lines give a firmer pedal feel and better control at the end of the track.
Final Thoughts
If you're building a drag Camaro, make sure your brakes match the rest of your setup. Lightweight, reliable, and track-proven brake systems ensure you not only go fast — you stop safely, too. Whether you're running a fifth-gen Camaro SS or a classic big-block build, there’s a perfect brake solution to fit your performance and safety needs.
Need help finding the right kit for your Camaro? Reach out — we’ll match your year, build goals, and budget with the best options available.