2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.
Sponsored by:

Single Piston vrs 2 piston calipers

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-13-06, 06:01 PM
  #1  
Junior Member

Thread Starter
 
santacruzx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Santa Cruz
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Single Piston vrs 2 piston calipers

I have single piston front calipers on my '91 NA. I assume the 2 piston calipers are a better design and probably bolt-on to the existing spindle. Does anyone know if they require a larger rotor and/or different master cylinder?

Thanks!
Old 09-13-06, 06:38 PM
  #2  
Senior Member

iTrader: (2)
 
Noel Caraballo's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Ohio
Posts: 358
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
i believe theres only single and four piston calipers on our cars
Old 09-13-06, 06:41 PM
  #3  
Mazda goes MMMMMMMM

iTrader: (8)
 
Mankdrake 2661's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Collinsville, IL
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
As long as it's 5 lug you can bolt on the 4piston calipers.
Old 09-13-06, 06:42 PM
  #4  
Senior Member

iTrader: (2)
 
Noel Caraballo's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Ohio
Posts: 358
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
i think your best bet is to get used 5 lug wheel assemblys including the spindles and a used master cylinder
Old 09-13-06, 07:04 PM
  #5  
slo
registered user

iTrader: (1)
 
slo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: San Diego
Posts: 2,469
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
S5 cars with single piston calipers use the same rotors hubs etc as single piston in the front. In the front all you need to change is the caliper, in the back to go to vented rotors you need the rotor bracket and caliper.
Old 09-13-06, 07:06 PM
  #6  
Junior Member

Thread Starter
 
santacruzx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Santa Cruz
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have 5-lug wheels w/ single piston calipers. The brakes go away quickly at open track events, so I am looking for a better system.

thanks slo, I will change my front calipers. The rears are allready vented.

Last edited by santacruzx; 09-13-06 at 07:08 PM.
Old 09-13-06, 07:59 PM
  #7  
Lives on the Forum

 
Black91n/a's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 5,707
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
I actually just did that swap. The 4 pot calipers bolt right up to the same holes, and you can re-use the single piston caliper brake lines.

I doubt that changing the calipers will help with fade. Better ways of preventing it are to use higher temp brake fluid, full race pads, and add some ducting. If it's not competetive racing you can just be a little more gentle on them too.

The advantages are bling, and caliper stiffness for better pedal feel.
Old 09-13-06, 07:59 PM
  #8  
Senior Member

 
RN's X-7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Murray, KY.
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Which models have the 4 piston calis and where can I find a pic of one. Because I thought both of my 7's had them. I have a 91 n/a and a 90 GXL, do either of these have them. Thanks

Last edited by RN's X-7; 09-13-06 at 08:19 PM.
Old 09-13-06, 08:06 PM
  #9  
Eats, Sleeps, Dreams Rotary

 
Valkyrie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Japanabama
Posts: 4,731
Received 88 Likes on 64 Posts
It's incredibly easy to tell just by looking...

To keep it simple, the 4-piston calipers are big and say MAZDA on them (plus they look like they have four pistons in side them... you can tell from the shape, with two circle shapes sort of molded together on each side).

The single piston brakes are small and only have one big circle shape, indicating the single piston.
Old 09-13-06, 09:50 PM
  #10  
slo
registered user

iTrader: (1)
 
slo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: San Diego
Posts: 2,469
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The GXL has them the 91 coupe doesn't
Old 09-13-06, 10:02 PM
  #11  
Senior Member

 
wiL87's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: norcal
Posts: 529
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I also recently changed mine on my 91 na. I think it's better to go with the 4piston hardlines as well for the front.
Old 09-13-06, 10:27 PM
  #12  
Lives on the Forum

 
Black91n/a's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 5,707
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
I really don't think it makes much difference what lines you use, as long as they're in good condition. If you've already got new 1 piston lines, then use those, if all you've got is old stock lines, then get some new 4 pot SS lines, or new stock 4 pot lines. I had just bought 1 pot SS lines when I decided to go 4 pot, so I used them, and it's fine, no leaks, no tension, no problem.
Old 09-13-06, 10:34 PM
  #13  
Mazda goes MMMMMMMM

iTrader: (8)
 
Mankdrake 2661's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Collinsville, IL
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
4 piston calipers

Old 09-13-06, 10:49 PM
  #14  
Senior Member

 
wiL87's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: norcal
Posts: 529
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
https://www.rx7club.com/suspension-wheels-tires-brakes-20/brake-changing-problems-573736/
Old 09-14-06, 12:35 PM
  #15  
Junior Member

Thread Starter
 
santacruzx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Santa Cruz
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Black91n/a
I actually just did that swap. The 4 pot calipers bolt right up to the same holes, and you can re-use the single piston caliper brake lines.

I doubt that changing the calipers will help with fade. Better ways of preventing it are to use higher temp brake fluid, full race pads, and add some ducting. If it's not competetive racing you can just be a little more gentle on them too.

The advantages are bling, and caliper stiffness for better pedal feel.
I use good pads & fluid and should have ducting in place before next event. I find it real hard to be gentle. All I see is red mist in front of my eyes when there are Corvettes to catch. Those 4-piston calipers look pretty good, I don't like floating or sliding calipers - especially if they only have one piston, so this looks like an easy upgrade.

Anyone know a good source for rebuilts w/o cores?
Old 09-14-06, 01:42 PM
  #16  
Mazda goes MMMMMMMM

iTrader: (8)
 
Mankdrake 2661's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Collinsville, IL
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Ebay is were I got the picture from.
Type in "jdm fc brakes"

They're at $20+shipping
Old 09-14-06, 02:06 PM
  #17  
Goofyrotor

 
jonesfromindia's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: San Diego
Posts: 2,787
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
has anyone ever picked up a four piston in one hand and a single in the other?

huge weight difference.
Old 09-14-06, 03:06 PM
  #18  
I just wanna hump my car.

iTrader: (3)
 
NeCr0mStR's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Lansing area Michigan
Posts: 841
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I would strongly recommend rebuilding any calipers you get that are used due to the lack of knowledge about the use and age/mileage on them. Its a fairly easy thing to do, just takes some patients and the FSM and a couple special tools.
Old 09-14-06, 04:37 PM
  #19  
Lives on the Forum

 
Black91n/a's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 5,707
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
That's a good point. It's a good idea to rebuild your stock calipers even, as they're old and you probably don't know the full history on them.




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:32 PM.