I work for sumitomo's which is called ADVICS in NA and came across a 3rd gen caliper in our bench marking room. I pulled my calipers off the 10ae and brought them in too. First, the calipers are identical except the 3rd gens didn't have the fins due to the open wheel design. Other differences are in the pads. First, they're non asbestos linings. Next, the backing plates for the 3rd gen are about a mil thicker (probably a noise/wear fix) and they also have pad wear indicators.

Either way, they bolt right up to our cars no problem. I might work the super employee discount on a loaded vehicle set. I want to call hawk and find out if the back plates are different from 2nd to 3rd on their parts as well. Thicker backing plate is better.

Don't know about the rears, I sent JPN an email and asked them to send me a set. I was also bummed to find out we don't have the Red R1 calipers in service any more

 

thanks for letting us know...

 

its TOTALLY interchangable? can you post some pics for us?

 

Rears are supposed to be the same thing...

 

No, the brake pads are identical for all FC 4-piston front and FD US-spec.
The industry model numbers are HB155 front and HB158 rear, IIRC.
Almost all other aftermarket brake pad manufacturer is like this.


-Ted

 

Are the FD calipers any better than the 4-piston fronts on the FCs?

 

Its the same caliper (pistons, seals, return springs..etc). The only advantage is looks. The 3rd gens are a smooth casting. The 2nd gens had cooling fins, probably because the wheels were darn near solid.

Again, STOCK replacement pads, I would give the nod to the 3rd gens. Thicker backing plates and pad wear indicators. The shims are identical.

I'm going to paint mine red, so not having fins is a bonus. Plus the Mazda logo is bigger and more raised, so it'd look really nice polished up with a red caliper.

 

so let me get this right (i just woke up and i'm not all there)the calipers on 2nd gens & 3rd gens are the same and they use the same pads? if so this is good news cause i'm bout to get new pads and stuff

 

Yes they're the same thing if you have 4piston calipers. GXL, TURBOII, and FD pads are the same. You can go to Autozone and ask for FD pads to trick the nerd behind the counter into thinking you have an FD.

 

yes thats what i'm talking bout. thats the best news i've heard all day

 

For all intent and purposes, they are identical.
The FD ones are special "squeeze cast" and are supposedly slightly lighter.
I doubt anyone would feel the difference.


-Ted

 

yeah but we can get just a lil better pad is always good. the rears are the same also right ? i just want to make sure of this before i go start buying things, and hey looks are always good also .

 

Get the porsche carrera calipers instead....6-pot