Disk Brake Conversions

I am considering replacing my drums for disks on all four corners. I am definitely going to put them up front, but am wondering what everyone thinks about putting them in back as well. The one question I have regarding the back is it seems that they don't come with the emergency brake. Thanks in advance!

Mark, when I was spec'ing out my car Carey told me that rear discs were not really worth the extra money because these cars are so light. The only reason for discs would be if you plan to take it to the track a lot. Just my humble opinion.

I would do the front brakes ,
I did the all around on mine with the E-brake kit,and if I had it to do again. I'd save some money.
I'd just do the front and buy the better vented and drilled rotors with the Porsche twin piston calipers, like BAD Brakes offers, They are much better.

If you Do want to upgrade the rear? The rear type 3 two peace drums and shoes are hard to beat on the rear you get more praking surface and much bigger shoes, snd the drum is removeable without touching the hub. They are not that hard to find salvaged try Interstate Vw in CA. The only thing better in disc is the twin rear disc brakes that feel like a you dropped a boat ancker when you use um, Very strong brakes. but thats a Lambergeni, or Mc Clarion type setup. No one makes a vw version

Thats my 2 CENT worth.

Thanks guys - I will take your advice and stick to just the front. Barry, do you have Porsche disks on your car? If so, what model p-car? I have seen info on 911 & 944's.
Lane - the interior upgrades to you car look nice!

Thanks again

I have discs all around. I started out with the fronts mainly for better stopping power, ease of maintenance, and VW drum brakes have no self adjusters. I for the life of me couldn't adjust both sides the same. One time it pulled left than right. I like them so much that I put CB RotoHubs on the rear. Blackie does stop now!

BD

No I have the Cb performace stuff . single piston calipers all around non drilled rotors. Im guessing like Bill has . I got the opertunity to drive a beetle with the t-3 drums and I think 70ish 911 front brakes they were stronger and harder hitting than either of my cars.

I don't no the porsche stuff that well by year model . So anybody knows the answer which model uses the twin piston caliper and vented rotors please speak up.

I have to agree with the drum rears, now that I've put a couple thousand miles on the Hoopty (6-700 of them yesterday). I have CB discs all the way 'round, and 205s.
There's a weight distribution problem, as Barry said, but it seems to me that I've got 70 percent of my braking stopping 40 percent of my weight (the front) and the remaining 30 percent trying to stop the heavier back half of the car! It wants to swap ends on deceleration, and they're still not bled right.
At least drums would be reliable, and I wouldn't have to spend months trying to get them dialed in.
The one shining point in favor of the CB rear setup is the dual lines for the e-brake; twin cables coming off of the hand-brake lever, each independently adjustable.

Barry - I did a search on the internet for BAD brakes and couldn't find the company. Do you have a link to them or some kind of contact info?

Thanks

As some have commented I'd only do the fronts being that these cars are so light. I'd also go for the wide five pattern; I guarantee they'll make the car look meaner. AC Industries/Tri-Mil manufactures them and sell them through So Cal Imports. I believe EMPI is also selling these (or copied them very well). They go for close to $500 and include German ATE (I've been told for VW Rabbit) calipers and iron rotors. Spring up for the aluminum drum covers from CB Performance for $89.95 and you're cooking.

Thanks Cory, If there was ever a ride that need the double disc rear thats the puppy. It needs neck jerking brakes. just to help tame that monster rocket.

I have seen them n Hot Vw . Found something www.airkewild.com But thats still the wrong ones they are drilled but are not vented and only have the single pistons. Now Im confused. Im going to have to go through my back issues to find it. I would tak to the folks at Airkewild. i saw the have a wide five version that does have the twin pistion calipers they may have a four lug version as well. Wiiwood Might also be a place to look as well

I got Empi on mine. They were around $450. The drum covers are the same as Ricardo's.

I've done a good number of speedsters some with all drum, some with front disc / rear drum and a few with disc all the way around
(over-kill and add'l money.)...IMO front disc and rear drum is fine considering it is a very light car.

Lambros - I see you have the wide five, and your car is obviously lowered. Is it lowered with dropped spindles?

No. It is lowered by adjustable beam.

The main factor in short stopping distances (aside from tires) is correctly splitting the braking effort between front and rear, brake proportion. All the rear kits use that caliper from an Opel Kadett (front engine) with the crapiest pad known to man. The caliper has a small piston (34mm)and is not powerful enough relative to the fronts. Your stopping distances will be shorter with a correctly setup drums.

A newer Golf rear caliper with the 38mm piston and rear pads all around is a much better balanced setup.

FYI, Empi has the T-3 drums and center hubs So All i need to find is the backing plates and figure out what wheel cylinder to use. I did know

I'd have to tear in to my dune buggy to find out again. If I do this Who wants a set of rear disc brakes? half priced

That, or you could buy my 944 Turbo aluminum rear control arms with 944 T discs. Now your rear may try to drag your front end down when you step on them.

Why did you pull the 944 disc off the back of your car after all the Ho ha I heard in their favor, and More inportant What did you put back on it ? Thats the better question. Sounds like your missing a porposioning valve. They aren't cheap