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-   -   Front brake upgrade (http://986forum.com/forums/performance-technical-chat/86566-front-brake-upgrade.html)

Marc_986 11-11-2024 12:44 PM

Front brake upgrade
 
My front brakes are worn out, so at least discs and pads need to be replaced.

My car is mainly for street use (do intend to pick up some trackdays next years, but that will be max two or three a year) and I am preparing for an engine upgrade to Audi V8.

What I read so far as input from at least the racing side is that the base brakes are actually good enough and the S-brakes are just added weight. Surely that is with upgraded pads.

But how about predominantly street use? As we have Germany close by the car will likely see high speeds and needs to be able to brake effectively to a standstill.

Is an upgrade to S-brakes sensible (Discs, pads, calipers and MC)? Would really like your opinion on this. On the rear I have 987 base brakes (which are essentially the same as 986 base rears except for the drilled rotors).

I'll also check with the government (RDW) on any specific brake requirements for the engine swap.

pilot4fn 11-11-2024 07:57 PM

For this kind of use that you describe, the 986 base brakes are more than enough.
If you're going to push the car hard on the track, then hi-temp brakefluid, braided brake hoses (fender to caliper) and DS2500 pads will be more than enough.
If you go racing, then it would be good idea to do a bit more (S or 996 front calipers and discs).

Smallblock454 11-12-2024 08:12 AM

Epytec offer adapters to allow the Cayman GT4 380 x 34mm front brake system on a 986:

https://epytec.de/en/brake-caliper-adapter-porsche-996-986-targa-boxter-cayman-gt4-380x34mm-brake-disc-porsche-997-gt3-rs-brembo-6-piston-brake-caliper-1059

And in the rear you can put 986 S-brakes and calipers.

:D ;)

JFP in PA 11-12-2024 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smallblock454 (Post 664203)
And in the rear you can put 986 S-brakes and calipers.

:D ;)

Only if you change the rear carrier hubs and uprights.

Marc_986 11-13-2024 11:29 AM

I really don't need 380mm. I was just wondering about base vs S.

Reason for wondering is that I used to own a BMW E36 325i and had a number of stops from a bit above 120 MPH to a stop. They held it, but I could smell the brakes and the Discs colored into a nice blue / purple. That car is of similar power to my 986 base and similar weight. It runs on slightly smaller discs.

So with a lot more speed potential coming I was wondering. I would think disc wise (basically just the heat capacity == weight) they would be too small. But that doesn't factor in how well they cool (compared to the E36).

harnishclan 11-14-2024 08:36 AM

The 986 stock brake calipers and size are fine. Regularly used for Spec series racing here in US. The upgrades I would do if concerned are (in order): fresh high quality brake fluid (Ate or Motul), stainless braided lines, GT3 brake ducts, high bite pads like Hawk DTC-70, and decent not drilled rotors (I like Zimmerman).

Larrymal2 12-29-2024 10:41 AM

On my 1999 boxster I put a power stop brake kit for all 4 corners. Reasonable price on Amazon. Slotted drilled rotors, ceramic pads, make sure to follow the break in for the pads. Changed the brake fluid with a kit from pelicanparts.com, and put in stainless brake lines. I don't do track days but love the twisted roads. Puts a smile on my face when I mash the brakes before a corner.

Marc_986 12-30-2024 01:39 PM

Thanks for all the comments, sticking to stock size for now, keeping some upgrade options (pads, ducts) for later.


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