Hey, has anyone tried putting the four piston aluminum caliper from a 2nd gen on to a stock first rotor. I figured that I could just make a differnt backing plate to bolt it to. I understand that I would probally need to put a larger master cyclinder on there too. I think in the end it would give me more grip and less high temp fade.

Any thoughts???

(oh ya, I did try a search)

 

cp racing sells a kit to put t2 rotors and 4 pistons calipers on the first gen. they claim you don't need to change the master cylinder or proportioning valve...

 

Bigger calipers need bigger and differently shaped mounting brackets. Then also bigger wheels (which you may already have) and of course, a bigger master cyl. Then it's nice to have some sort of proportioning valve so that your car doesn't nose-dive every time you apply the brakes. And the only real way I know of to lessen high-temp fade is bigger DISCS. Bigger discs have more material to absorb the heat and a larger surface area to absorb it over and disperse it.

So once you've got all that, and assuming you can find bigger discs that have the same bolt pattern and bearings to fit into them to fit them on the spindle, you're all set.

Doesn't look as easy now, eh?

That's why "big brake" kits cost so much.

Jon

 

My guess is it would work just fine, although I never heard of anyone doing that. I put the 2nd gen rotors on when I did it, which is quite a bit more work. I used the stock GSL master and it works fine. I don't think you need to change masters, but you may not get a lot of benefit without the larger diameter rotors.

I never looked at this, but what about the disc thikness?

If you can afford the machined parts, I highly recommend the full conversion like I did. You are welcome to look at mine and test drive it.

www.cardomain.com/ride/646433.

 

Ya, I have thought about the whole swap, but I have several sets of 13" racing wheels with tires. I like how they work and that they are paid for. I also like my 14 LE wheels that I drive on daily. I know I can go use the GSL-SE brakes with 13" wheels, but then I am back to buying a couple more sets of wheels.

I really like what you have done with your car...it has made me think.

 

Youd get better braking,but only until the smaller 1st gen rotors overheat.

The increased pad/piston area of the 2nd gen caliper will create more friction(heat) which stops the car better.But,like Viper said, the rotor needs to have an increased mass and surface area to absorb and dissipate this heat.If it cant dissipate the heat quick enough,then the brakes will overheat and become useless.Increased airflow can help cooling,but typically car makers will give the rotors more mass and more surface area so they match the caliper's abilities/car weight/horsepower/intended vehicle use/ect. Also,larger diameter rotors will give the calipers more leverage on the rotor,decreasing the effort required on the pedal to stop the car.
Bottom line,bigger calipers will give increased braking power,but you need more rotor to get the complete package.The number of times you can use the brakes without overheating is primarily determined by the rotor's ability to manage heat.

One thing that the 2nd gen 4pot calipers will definately give you is better modulation and pedal control.The fixed mount,opposed piston calipers give better feel because they dont slide on pins when clamping down on the rotors.Its a much more rigid design that translates to better "feel" at the pedal,under hard braking.

 

Wow, Steve, that is just what I needed to hear.
Thanks ~ JEB