Big Brakes for an 85

snowleopard · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 9:08 am Post subject: Big Brakes for an 85

I know there has been much discussion here regarding brakes, enough to inspire me to want to change mine (thanks alot, samba-teers). I went to the Smallcar site but they've only got the kit for 86 and up. And I don't see them at GW or BusDepot. Any complete kits for an 85? I'm not competent enough to manufacture or hodgepodge something together.

I also see that GW sells the grooved rotors for the 85 and earlier. Would these alone make any significant difference in stopping power? Or should I just install a large anchor coming out of my ass and drop it in emergencies?

Richard
_________________
85 Westy: The Green Machine
PCT Hiker: Mexico to Oregon on Foot
(It was faster than a Westy going up an incline)

Mikees86TransSyncro · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 10:20 am Post subject:

I don't have an answer for you with regards to a source. I do have a coment on the cross-drilling & slotting of rotors -

Cross-drilling and slotting rotors does not DIRECTLY improve braking in any way, and it actually does to opposite - two rotors, side by side, if exactly the same with the exception that one is cross drilled & slotted? The un-modified rotor will stop better.

Reason being, more surface area / contact between rotor & brake pads. Cross drilling & slotting helps with cooling - so if you race your vanagon on the weekends on slalom courses, the cross-drilled / slotted rotors are necessary - otherwise, FOR A VANAGON, they are just for looks and will, in fact, reduce braking performance.

(Comments above are from real-world experience, and many will not agree - just my 2C)

snowleopard · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 11:17 am Post subject:

I appreciate the opinion! It was actually your post on brakes that pushed me over the edge to desire big brakes, but I can't find them anywhere for my year.
Your comments on the slotted rotors make sense. Overheating has been an issue, especially when descending from the eastern sierras on these steep and long grades, but overall stopping power is more of an issue for me.
_________________
85 Westy: The Green Machine
PCT Hiker: Mexico to Oregon on Foot
(It was faster than a Westy going up an incline)

ProvoCyclist · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 11:43 am Post subject:

van-cafe has a good looking big brake kit. im seriously thinking about getting it. also, im seriously not going to use any caps in this post.

:EDIT: So. Besides the fact i'm a moron, i just ordered the V-C setup, should be here friday! Very Happy

_________________
Clark
Current: 1986 Tintop GL 2wd, stock 2.1L, manual trans, Flash Silver LP7Y.

Past: 1985 Sunroof GL, 2wd, Subaru 3.3L, manual trans, resprayed to Diamond Silver L97A

ChesterKV · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 12:22 pm Post subject:

snowleopard · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 1:01 pm Post subject:

Van-cafe! I should've looked there first! Going to order those soon.... Big brakes, here I come. On a scale of 1 to 10, how difficult do you think this kit is to install? For a newbie to mechanics?
_________________
85 Westy: The Green Machine
PCT Hiker: Mexico to Oregon on Foot
(It was faster than a Westy going up an incline)


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