Fitting VW Big Brakes, what are the options?

ok, I've heard a lot of different stories about fitting the larger calliper carriers to mk1 hubs, even changing the hubs to mk2 ones, but apparently this screws up the suspension geometry, not to mention the issue of the smaller ball joint… :?

Bearing in mind I've accepted modifications will need to be made to one or more of the components, whats the best way to go, make alterations to the mk2 ones or stick with the mk1 hubs and widen the hole spacing to 93mm by whatever method? :dontknow:

Machining and fabrication not an issue :wink:

cheers
Greg 8)

get the adapter brackets and fit g60 calipers, with 280mm discs, and fit master cylider and servo from a mk2 16v.

Vauxhall 280mm calipers, will bolt straight on with shoulder bolts....

Iv already got the callipers, Girling 60 twin pots :mrgreen:  They bolt straight onto mk2 hubs but obviously the hole spacing is different on the mk1….

Are adapters available for these carriers? surely they'd space the calliper miles out, already looks like im gonna have to run 16's looking at the size of these

cheers
Greg

Thegreg said

Iv already got the callipers, Girling 60 twin pots :mrgreen:  They bolt straight onto mk2 hubs but obviously the hole spacing is different on the mk1….

Are adapters available for these carriers? surely they'd space the calliper miles out, already looks like im gonna have to run 16's looking at the size of these

cheers
Greg

Yeah, you can buy adaptors to allow the Mk2 calipers to run on 256mm or 280mm discs. Since your twin pot calipers are based on the stock Mk2 fitting, using the same brackets should work out okay. Normally you'd need 14" wheels for 256mm discs and 15" wheels (and then, only certain styles) for 280mm brakes; but if your particular calipers are bulky then you might be forced into 16" wheels.

Some caliper manufacturers, and wheel manufacturers, make available technical drawings that you can look at before you buy, in order to check clearance.

It would be real sweet if you could provide a link or company or two that sells these. I have a completely rebuilt set of 256mm calipers (Gerling 54's) sitting in the garage that I want to install. I have tried to find the Scirocco carriers with no luck, new is about 160 Euro each, and all the 280mm adapters don't work with the 256mm calipers (called the sellers and that is what they told me). So if you or anyone knows of some adapters, please post it.

Sorry for the post stealing  ops:

GrimyFingers said

"Yeah, you can buy adaptors to allow the Mk2 calipers to run on 256mm or 280mm discs."

It would be real sweet if you could provide a link or company or two that sells these. I have a completely rebuilt set of 256mm calipers (Gerling 54's) sitting in the garage that I want to install. I have tried to find the Scirocco carriers with no luck, new is about 160 Euro each, and all the 280mm adapters don't work with the 256mm calipers (called the sellers and that is what they told me). So if you or anyone knows of some adapters, please post it.

Sorry for the post stealing  ops:

They often come up on eBay, but I don't know any particular suppliers etc. Having said all that, the Vectra solution always seems to work out more cost effective. Maybe you can get brackets which are Vauxhall Vectra to twin pot caliper fitment, since this would be the same?

paul_c said

Having said all that, the Vectra solution always seems to work out more cost effective. Maybe you can get brackets which are Vauxhall Vectra to twin pot caliper fitment, since this would be the same?

I have heard that Vectra calipers are a direct fit for using 256mm rotors. I am assuming that these are Opel Vectra cars, but can not find any real firm information on doing this. Vauxhall is something I doubt I would find around here, but any information you or anyone else has on using Vectra calipers would be nice (I hope Opel Vectra and not Vauxhall Vectra?)

GrimyFingers said

paul_c said

Having said all that, the Vectra solution always seems to work out more cost effective. Maybe you can get brackets which are Vauxhall Vectra to twin pot caliper fitment, since this would be the same?

I have heard that Vectra calipers are a direct fit for using 256mm rotors. I am assuming that these are Opel Vectra cars, but can not find any real firm information on doing this. Vauxhall is something I doubt I would find around here, but any information you or anyone else has on using Vectra calipers would be nice (I hope Opel Vectra and not Vauxhall Vectra?)

Plenty of info on this forum, its in "Running gear" I think. 256 or 280 option. Vectras are common in the UK.

We are talking OPEL, correct? Because the Opel Vectra is all over here, makes sense. The parts are often much cheaper then VW parts too.

GrimyFingers said

We are talking OPEL, correct? Because the Opel Vectra is all over here, makes sense. The parts are often much cheaper then VW parts too.

Look up the relevant threads to see a definitave list of cars the calipers can be taken from - its not just the Vauxhall Vectra. Do you have opel Vectras or Opel Omegas, or both? Calibra? Cavalier?

i think opel and vauxhall are one in the same just a differnent badge for on the continent......

GrimyFingers said

It would be real sweet if you could provide a link or company or two that sells these.

I got my 256mm scirocco caliper carriers from C&R enterprises a few years ago

VW Audi Seat Skoda Specialists | Parts Service Modifications

g60 twin pots are very heavy and are hard to get pads for (range rovers from the mid 90s fit iirc)

g54 ones are a better option imho