After reading a bunch of posts about suspension and brakes on our cars, I was wondering if anyone has any info on the difference between 4/130 discs and wide-five discs. I have seen some data on this years ago when someone did some accelerometer data collection at the suspension components that suggested that the 4/130 disc setup was superior. I think the article came out around 1970 or so.....I would appreciate your info/comments.............Bruce
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If the article came out in 1970 or so then I don't think there were any wide 5 disc brakes, as what's available today is aftermarket and I don't remember ever seeing any wide 5 disc brakes from the VW factory (and I started playing with VW's in '74). Even Porsche didn't ever make wide 5 discs (I think); they went to the 5x130mm pattern when they introduced discs on the 356C. Maybe the Ghia discs were being compared to 5x205mm drums?
The 4x130 (Karmann Ghia) and aftermarket wide 5 single disc assemblies are very similar (as far as I know); same size discs and similar sized pistons in the calipers, so they should deliver similar performance (I think). What the weight differences are I don't know, but I believe they are both heavier than front drum brakes.
Al, I believe there were some annular discs made in the early sixties, think wide5 drum with a disc inside, left open to the inside where the caliper was mounted close to the spindle. Heavy and not anywhere as good as the vented aluminum-ribbed 356 drums.
But yeah, things have certainly changed since the early 70s. Looking forward to my 4 wheel wide5 Airkewld brake install to be done over winter. 4 piston front, single piston rear with e-brake. Also, new ball-joints, and a trans overhaul.
Good info Danny; I stand corrected. They must be very rare.
And a pic even! Very cool, Danny.
Pulled it off Google, not mine....
Danny, that should be one sweet braking system. I have Airkewld front discs on my IM (dual piston).
...But yeah, things have certainly changed since the early 70s. Looking forward to my 4 wheel wide5 Airkewld brake install to be done over winter. 4 piston front, single piston rear with e-brake. Also, new ball-joints, and a trans overhaul.
It will be pretty hard to overtax those in a light car such as yours. Is it a vented disc in front?
All the Airkewld brakes have the same rotor, there is a front and a rear part number. Solid but drilled, no vented available AFAIK.
All the Airkewld brakes have the same rotor, there is a front and a rear part number. Solid but drilled, no vented available AFAIK.
I'm pretty sure you know about these, Danny-- but in case somebody is doing a search:
Wide 5 brakes, w/ vented rotors
(^click it, it's a link)
Love those vented wide fives. 
After reading a bunch of posts about suspension and brakes on our cars, I was wondering if anyone has any info on the difference between 4/130 discs and wide-five discs. I have seen some data on this years ago when someone did some accelerometer data collection at the suspension components that suggested that the 4/130 disc setup was superior. I think the article came out around 1970 or so.....I would appreciate your info/comments.............Bruce
Given the extra diameter of the wheel mounting surface and its thickness on a wide-five rotor, I would think the 4/130 disc is a little lighter and certainly have less rotational inertial, both good things. Which is better overall for those two things would depend more on the wheels/tires.
