Front Brake Conversion - Sanity Check
 

Righteo, as the title I just need a bit of additional clear thinking on a brake conversion for the coupe at the front.

Currently setup is factory standard, Girling Calipers on a 239 solid disc. Wheels are 14 inches.

So I know I want to go to a 256 vented setup. I know I will need the discs, pads and carrier. Will I also need a new single piston caliper unit as well. I am assuming yes

I also know that a dual piston caliper conversion will be two big for the wheels so no G60 recommends please, I'm not changing the wheels as well

Appreciate and additional information from anyone who has experience of this. Upgrade is needed to reset the brake bias as there is currently an drum to disc upgrade taking place and someone one here reminded me about bias issues.

Thanks in advance

Martyn :D

Hi Martyn,

Yes you will need the calipers and carriers for the vented disc. They can be tricky to find though as the 256 vented discs were only on Scirocco 16v's and some B2 Audi 80s and Coupes..

Most combos you will find will be from B3's and Mk2 Golf 16v's.. which won't fit your hubs..

I've ID'd the parts on VagCat and it seems the calipers also fit a Jetta and I have found two albeit pricey at VW heritage. Promising start

Discs I can source but the carriers are problematic

The callipers themselves are used on loads of cars in the VAG range, but like you say its the carriers that are the problem as they're only used on Audi Coupes and 16v Sciroccos.

A wanted ad on here may be your best bet

Alternatively you can use Vauxhall callipers and carriers with VAG 256 discs (callipers still made by Ate)

http://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/index.php?pa...pe=misc&id=141

Ignore the bolt/sleeve issue, you can buy these:

http://www.classic-vw.co.uk/mk1-golf...lts-4974-p.asp

Maybe just source a pair of B2 coupe facelift struts complete with brakes?

You may have to change your outer CV joints to suit though.

bit too much effort for what I want to do tbh

Are you fitting a bigger master cylinder too?

I'm thinking of the same thing for my 80CL.

Seem to remember if you're going from 239mm to 256mm on a mk2 golf then you need a different master cylinder.

not seen it mentioned in the numerous upgrade right ups I've seen. However I have confirmed that the larger calipers are best used with a 22mm master cylinder. As the current master cylinder is only 20mm bore then it looks likely I will have to.

If all this comes together I will do a full write up. If it doesn't I'll be ordering some new drums and shoes shortly :shocked:

Blimey this brake upgrade thing is a bit of effort. Having sourced and confirmed the front caliper set-up I've started the search for a 22mm bore tandem brake cylinder. So far I've identified two potentials. One is from a Scirroco 16 valve and the other is from a Coupe.

The only down side to both is the fact there is no way to fit the brake light switch. If anyone knows of a unit that can also take the brake light switch I'd be interested to hear from you.

Thanks

Martyn