Rear Disc Brake Comparison

[kamzcab86]

[RGS Paul]

I love mine, absolutely an improvement in consistency and parking brake compared to the drums.

I went GoWesty after buying a full Epytec kit because I couldn't find a local shop to turn my hubs. My brother also got the GW kit after trying mine and I gave the Epytec kit to my Dad because he has a couple hobby machinist friends. The price between GoWesty and Epytec was a wash once you include machining and finding all the extra parts you need to source.

One thing l like about the GW F/R kit is that both calipers are from 'trucks,' so I could get matched pad compounds front and rear. I put in EBC Green Stuff pads to get goo initial bite and a consistent braking feel as you modulate pressure.

In regard to the proprietary disks from GW, I figure if I buy an extra pair of front and rear rotors in the next year or so and replace everything in 5-6 years ( I never turn rotors) that gets me at least another decade of good braking. In a decade there will either a) GW will still sell the disks, b) there will be a good alternative kit to try or c) a lot of other stuff will change and driving a 50+ year old vehicle regularly will be a bit impractical.

Paul
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'87 Syncro 7-Pass. Adventure Touring Vehicle
"Simplicate, then add lightness." Colin Chapman

[Multiman mv]

I went GoWesty rear disc as well and I have to say I love them. I also did the front GoWesty big brakes and installed the bmw bigger brake booster. The combo of the booster and both front and rear discs provide great stopping power. A noticeable improvement over stock. Recently I drove with the parking brake on for a fair distance. There was a bunch of clothing piled over the hand brake lever and I just spaced it. I heated up the rear rotors pretty good. These things are so beefy that there is almost no way these things are going to warp. The parking brake actually holds very well when parked. I am very happy with the overall setup. The main improvement comes from the entirety of the system, booster, big front brakes and rear disc conversion. I'm not sure how much of a difference someone would notice from just adding one component and not the others.
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1991 multivan, FAS 1.9 tdi, Peloquin limited slip
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0

[OlisGarage]

Epytec is my vote. I know this is not part of the thread, but I did want to share for those interested in a better priced rear disc conversion. This comes out to about half the price of the kits listed. Though you do have to order custom brake lines, but that is not hard to do.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=9622397

custom brake lines: https://www.brakematerialsandparts.com
This guy also rebuilds all kinds of fancy brake components. He did some tractor brakes for me and did an exceptional job. He could certainly rebuild a brake booster as well.
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1981 VW Vangagon TDI (in progress)
1984 VW Rabbit Convertible (daily)
2003 VW Jetta Wagon TDI (recovering from a hit and run)

[indianpeaksjoe]

I have the gowesty big brake kit in the front and gowesty disc rear. My parking brake works great and I have a super steep crazy downhill to get off my Mesa. I love the setup.

Just sharing my experience.

-Joe

[Jake59]

mathieux46

I see you are repurposing the front sway bar, how did that work out for you?
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Curent ride: 87 2WD Westy, 2012 Jetta Sportwagon 2.5S

Past Rides: 62 (23 window) Bus, 64 Ghai convertable, 68 single cab, 72 Super Bettle, 78 Bay window Bus, 84 GTI.

[mitch5]

I went with the gowesty rear kit lest year when they had a slight sale during Black Friday. The price $700? Is pretty comparable to what a proper refresh of the rear drums will cost.

Install was super easy, parking brake is great and I just bought an extra set of rotors for future replacement.

It’s worth the money just to not mess with drums.

[mathieux46]

Jake59,

Yes I reused the front sway bar in the back. Much improvement on the handling, combined with T3technique front Koni shocks all around, 255/40r17 rear tire, body roll is gone!!

See details here:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=341321

[AndyBees]

I went piecemeal putting together a package for my rear disc brake set-up. I've not installed it yet. The project will be something I get to this winter.

On the flip-side, as many of you know, I've pulled a popup camper with my 84 Vanagon without stopping issues. It has performed well under various circumstances. But, I decided to go with disc brakes.

Side note: My piecemeal approach is only slightly cheaper than one of the package deals from the various vendors that have been mentioned in this Thread.
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'84 Vanagon Tin-top, ALH TDI. 1989 Tin-top
1983 Air-cool, 225k miles, 180k miles mine. Seven trips to Alaska from 1986 thru 2003.

[xstreamcanadian]

[akciddento]

I have several T3s and have driven before and after with all round brake upgrades. I have a 1986 double sliding door van with audi TT front vented discs and golf rear disc conversion and the difference in driving experience and safety is night and day, from before to after. This is especially apparent if there is any load in the van - eg passengers or camping gear.
I also have a fully loaded westfalia with Oettinger style brakes all round and that stops and drives much more like a modern vehicle. My '83 Double Cab is still on stock discs and drums and so I can swap and compare driving experience side by side. Even though the Doka is lighter than the westie and the double slider the other two out perform it easily and the driving experience is much more reassuring.
One thing I would note is to check what parts are used on the upgrade and how easy they are to a) identify b) source ....

the parts in the Oettinger style brakes on the westie are a mix match of audi, BMW? and Mercedes from the 1980's and are proving a pain to decode and replace - I have a full Epytec rear kit (using T4 brake rotors etc) to possibly replace then and the epytec kit looks (so far) to be very good quality...
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http://www.akciddento.com
let's drag race the bus !

[Franklinstower]

[joetiger]

My driver's side backing plate appears to be disintegrating. Might be time to pull the trigger on the GW kit.
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Joe T.

'86 NAHT Vanagon GL Syncro/ supercharged ABA 2.0 "Pigpen"
'04 GTI 1.8T
'04 Golf R32

"get metaphysical with it. if it's simply a means to get to and from places, it will let you down. if it becomes your zen, it can't fail you." -dabaron

"Still, it's good to be afield."--VWagabond

Available Now! Vanagon to Louisiana--A Two-Lane Reckoning Through Past and Present

www.josephtrussell.com

[montanasurfer]

If you have bigger brakes up front and in back, does it require getting a BMW Booster to ensure acceptable pedal feel?
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1987 Vanagon GL - Wolfsburg Edition

[Steve M.]

[ALIKA T3]

[wesitarz]

[MrPolak]

I'm about to finally install my GoWesty rear disc brake kit that I bought two years ago. I have the "bigger" GoWesty front brakes, and I went with their "proprietary" rear rotor because I should never have to replace them. Think about it. If you're worried about it, buy two extra rotors now (they're cheap), and rest in peace.

As for rear drum brakes, the trials and tribulations of sub-standard aftermarket parts are well documented. Yes, I know you like your rear drum brakes. Should I show you the brake shoe wear patterns on mine? Talk to me while I hand-adjust the brakes on my splitty .

I will be back to report in a few weeks. If they suck, I will let you know.

[shagginwagon83]

I haven't upgraded my rear brakes and I am very interested in how the e-brake is compared to a healthy drum brake setup. My e-brake is okay overall but the strong the better.

Small Car I believe is working on a wilwood kit.
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Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan

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