Is there REALLY that much more braking power to be gained from swapping in disc brakes on my 98 Civic than keeping the stock drums?

Or is it just mainly for looks? I read somewhere that the front brakes do 80% of the stopping...

 

every little bit helps, but yeah, the front brakes are where its at

 

I did the rear conversion on my 98ex. It helped, but I got a bigger improvement simply by changing my front brake pads. However the braking is more balanced with having front/rear discs.

 

When you are braking, the weight of the car shifts to the front so most of the braking is done up frant. Rear discs just help with balance.

Just get a good set of pads up front with good brake fluid. More cost effective.

 

yes do it. i did the conversion on my ej1 recently and the brakes are so much better now. i just make the braking feel a lot better and balanced. this was the best $150 i spent on my car. when i did the swap i also installed hawk hps pads and earls stainless steel brake lines. no more brake fade in the highway for me.