which big brake kit?

[Franklinstower]

I like the adapters made by epytec in Germany. Although difficult to get in the US. They have a variety of brake kits using VAG components. Well engineered and tuv approved. I use their rear brake set up. Matches will with my 4 piston jag front brakes.

Paul
_________________
'89 Westy - EJ25/22 Frank 4.44 5mt
'75 Miami Blue Sunroof FI Standard Bug
YITB

[MarkWard]

It would be nice to know what the difference in uprights is. I know in production the outer wheel bearing changed dimensions, but I remember reading where someone was able to mix and match in the correct order. The other problem might be the caliper bolt spacing. It would be nice to have this piece of information.

We recently had a Syncro with G60 2 piston calipers and vented rotors. The calipers were attached with long bolts spacers and nuts. Pain to take on and off. Rotors were off the shelf Audi 200 I believe.

We just finished another late model vanagon with G57 single piston calipers. These calipers took no spacers or nuts. The caliper bolts fit through the spindle and threaded into the caliper. As far as I could tell, nothing was modified. So the G57 was a cleaner install, but minus the extra clamping force.

Ironically, our 82 stock brakes are dual piston calipers, but on each side of the disc. So, technically in stock form to me is a preferable design. Floating calipers work fine, but just not a fan of them.

The Wilwood caliper in the Boxeer kit is likely a 4 piston caliper. Wilwood lets you choose your piston diameter, which might come in handy with a stock vanagon 23mm master cylinder.

[shagginwagon83]

[MarkWard]

From what I can tell, its the caliper adapters and the rotor "hats" that are unique to the Boxeer brake kit. Those items should last forever.

Caliper availability and rebuild kits would not be an issue. You'd have a lot of pad compound options with the Wilwood calipers. Coleman Machine could easily supply new discs. They could even be directional vents. So, when they are available I would not be afraid to pull the trigger on them if I wanted larger vented brakes. No affiliation.

[thatbaldwinlife]

We have the Small Car kit on our 87 with the BMW booster. The brakes are very good and all of the parts are off the shelf at any auto parts store (except the hubs).
The Boxxeer kit looks amazing but I would be worried about replacement parts down the road.
nate
_________________
1987 Westy
Insta: @Thatbaldwinlife
Vanagon Adventure and DIY videos:
That Baldwin Life YouTube Channel

[MarkWard]

The first step is modified bearing housings. You can modify a set of original vanagon discs by machining them or it looks like GW has bearing housings already.

[space]

Looks like you still need the later model spindles thru small car

"Please note: This kit will fit an 80 to 85 Vanagon if you install front uprights (spindles) and wheel bearings from an 1986-1991 Van."
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82 westy
w:
2.5 JDM Subie
Rear discs

[MarkWard]

[bosstyn]

Curious. I have long been skulking around the brake conversion. I drive an 85 2wd. Most of what i find is that i need the spindles from an 86 or newer van to accommodate the big brake kit. From what i read, it sounds as if the kit from Small Car may do the trick if i have the correctly sized wheels. (i have 16 inch). Does anyone have any feedback from this perspective?

IE: will the small car audi brake kit fit my 1985 2wd van with the stock spindles?

Experience?
Thoughts?
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Donquita, 85 Westfalia GL

[floggingmolly]

[Sodo]

[volksdragonvw]

Hey Eric,

When are you gonna make some of those for Syncros?? I just finished a set of the Audi Turbo caliper carriers (ala Syncro.ca), but I really want Porsche pattern.

Rennie
86 Syncro
TDI dreamer

[Tiiconaut]

[Crughy]

[Tristar Eric]

Option #3, my kit. Porsche 993TT calipers, rotors. (big reds).

I replace the entire hub assy with mine. The bolt pattern is changed to Porsche 5x130mm. Min wheel size = 17" et 50

I have 2 kits in stock.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ka-7RZXaIsc
_________________
Vanagon/Transporter flares here: www.terrawagen.com
[email protected]

[Dogpilot]

The subject of what wheels fit the brakes can be tricky. Some wheels may have the correct ET, but then, in the case of steel wheels, the welds can interfere on the inside flange with some of the brakes. You kind have have to do a trial fit.

As for the effectiveness in Florida, do you even need brakes there? I am puzzled by the addition of the emergency brake there. When I lived in Miami, I didn't use mine for something like 10 years or so. If you are in stop and go braking hard, you might notice it. I can stop shorter from 75 since the swap, but you are correct, lacking a g meter, how much is a thing of by the seat of my pants. I do go up and down at least 6,000' at a stretch here to get just about anywhere from here. We actually have hills out here, we are not a recently exposed reef. Having non-fading brakes on my loaded Syncro Westy is a good feeling.

If you ever take your Westy to the Tail of the Dragon, or other scenic curvy roads out east you will appreciate the change as well. If you stuck on Useless 1 in traffic, well; invest in XM or a good stereo, it would be a waste to go for the big brakes.
_________________
Geology with a Syncro rocks!
86 Syncro Westy AKA "The Bughunter"
98 Disco I
08 Range Rover SC
08 VW Rabbit S
1951 O-1G

[J Charlton]

[Tiiconaut]

[Crughy]

Very likely. 15 or 16' almost compulsory for most kits.

You will have to check, it depends on each kit (they are not all the same).

Van Cafe and Small car kits need 15 or 16' wheels. They clearly mention it.

When purchasing wheels, some wheels with the wrong ET might not clear the new kit. Most should. But check it.

JP

[rowan]

the small car kit only fits some 15" and (all?) 16" wheels.

r