Front brake upgrade

[Marc_986]

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]

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]

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.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Smallblock454

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

Only if you change the rear carrier hubs and uprights.

[Marc_986]

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]

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).