MK1 > MK2 Brake Upgrade Question

Can somebody explain exactly why you can't use a MK2 brake setup on a MK1?

Is it because the bolt holes for the carriers don't line up?

I have read so many posts on this and can't get my head around it.  Maybe I am more of a visual learner.

The mk2 doesn't use separate caliper carriers and calipers, its a whole unit. And yes, the bolt holes don't line up. Because the hub carrier is a cast item, its not possible to relocate the holes by eg welding. Because of slightly different geometry, its not possible to use a mk2 hub carrier on a Mk1.

Aftermarket adapter brackets are available which allows one to use mk2 brakes on a Mk1.

What is the benifit of using Mk2 calipers anyway ? I thought the pads are the same size as the big block Mk1 ones.
If you just want better brakes then change the servo and master cylinder as a unit to Mk2,there is a thread on here on this conversion which I have done to mine,worth it.

Later Mk2 16V used 256mm discs and calipers

G60 used 280mm stuff

I assumed the original poster knew about this, so the desire was to use Mk2 components and upgrade to a larger size of brake, not just use them for the sake of it??? (Maybe I assumed wrong!)

baller said

What is the benifit of using Mk2 calipers anyway ? I thought the pads are the same size as the big block Mk1 ones.
If you just want better brakes then change the servo and master cylinder as a unit to Mk2,there is a thread on here on this conversion which I have done to mine,worth it.

The benefit is that you don't have to spend the time searching for the calipers and carrier from early Audi vehicles.

paul_c said

I assumed the original poster knew about this, so the desire was to use Mk2 components and upgrade to a larger size of brake, not just use them for the sake of it??? (Maybe I assumed wrong!)

You got that right.  I am aware of the options available and the benefits.  I just found it to be a hard job finding parts from older cars.  There must be a shed load of MK2 products knocking around.  So my first thought was so look at the MK2 brake setup and work out a way to install it to the MK1.

Do you know who sells the adapter Paul?

I used to know who sells them, but it was a few years back now. I think it was the caddy forum.

It is pay day soon.  I think I will just buy a front pair from ebay and have a look myself.

From what I gather, some mod work is required to convert the rear to discs?  Shed any light on this?

aye caddy forum, or look on ebay.

one reason the bearign carrier from 16v/g60 doesnt work as standard because the part where the strut bolts to is thicker (can be ground down tho, or struts modified. maybe mk2 strut could be used with tweaks?)

the main problem though is the steering arm connection. on mk1 it sticks straight out, on mk2 it angles down a bit. this will result in bump steer but can be corrected with ball joint or track rod spacers. i think you also need longer steering arms, but iirc mk2 ones will fit if you cut the ends down slightly

rear discs just bolt on using mk2 gti stub axles. you need to change the rear hard lines plus fab a bracket to hold them in position, usually a mk2 bracket is welded to mk1 beam. then use scirocco 16v handbrake cables, done.  need some kind of pressure reduction, think the mk1 gti valve on the beam works ok, but mine was dead so i made a bracket to fit a mk2 one. can also use late cab/rocco in-line pressure reducing valves