986S Brakes on a 986

[Crono0001]

I've had some people answer back, but they've all been different. Thought I'd go public.

There are always people parting with their 986S Brembo drilled rotors and calipers for cheap. Seeing as my brakes are getting worn out, I was wondering if the 986S brakes would fit on my Boxster non-S. I consulted a mechanic and he said we'd have to see if the 'knee' or 'knuckle' was the same size. I was wondering if anyone here knew.

What would I need to purchase, aside from the rotors and calipers?

[JFP in PA]

Fronts are a bolt on swap; rears are vastly more complicated as the e-brake is entirely different. In order to get the rears on, you need to swap out the rear carriers for the “S” units and use “S” e-brakes; all of which is very expensive.

[san rensho]

The stock base brakes are pretty atomic. On the track they perform very well. The last DE event I did, the brakes were absolutely flawless with Mintex pads(cheapest OEM pad). No fade, no shudder, and I was late braking with the best of them. For the street, the stock brakes are way more than you will ever need.

[Topless]

Yep, a direct bolt-on with no issues in the front. I prefer the base front brakes though.

[Crono0001]

What other options do I have if I wanted to go for the large drilled rotors look?

[Spinnaker]

There are lots of manufacturers that make cross drill rotors for the base Boxster. Just do a search on some parts sites.
I don't think you will see the difference in diameter, since it is only ¾". Paint your calipers red and get the cross drilled rotors. Save yourself a lot of time and money. I doubt if anyone could tell the difference unless they took the wheels off and measured the rotors.

[Crono0001]

Would these fit my current non-S calipers?

Front Left:
Pelican Parts - Product Information: 996-351-406-02-M359

Front Right:
Pelican Parts - Product Information: 996-351-405-02-M359

Rear Right/Left:
Pelican Parts - Product Information: 986-352-401-04-M867

They're Zimmermann drilled rotors. Does anybody know about the brand?


I'll be honest, I'm not trying to lessen track times. My brakes are getting worn out and I need new ones, so I may as well get the drilled rotors and painted calipers for the bling value.

[Topless]

Originally Posted by Crono0001

Would these fit my current non-S calipers?

Front Left:
Pelican Parts - Product Information: 996-351-406-02-M359

Front Right:
Pelican Parts - Product Information: 996-351-405-02-M359

Rear Right/Left:
Pelican Parts - Product Information: 986-352-401-04-M867

They're Zimmermann drilled rotors. Does anybody know about the brand?


I'll be honest, I'm not trying to lessen track times. My brakes are getting worn out and I need new ones, so I may as well get the drilled rotors and painted calipers for the bling value.

Nope, but these will:
Pelican Parts - Product Information: 986-351-401-05-M867

Or these:
1997-2004 Porsche Boxster Brake Disc – Centric 126.37030SL - Front, Driver Side, Centric Power Slot, Slotted

[ekam]

Originally Posted by Spinnaker

Save yourself a lot of time and money. I doubt if anyone could tell the difference unless they took the wheels off and measured the rotors.

S brakes fill the wheel better especially when you have 18"s on.

I did a complete front S calipers DIY rebuild with red powder coat. Also bought a set of 2-piece floating dimpled rotors. Yes it was costly but I have OCD. Don't all Porsche owners have OCD?


adult image hosting

[pothole]

Originally Posted by Topless

Yep, a direct bolt-on with no issues in the front. I prefer the base front brakes though.

Interesting, why so?

[Crono0001]

What about the rears I listed there?

[Topless]

Originally Posted by pothole

Interesting, why so?

Lighter unsprung/rotational weight, less expensive consumables, never ever have brake overheat issues (even heavy track days in 106F air temps), front base brakes can easily overpower 255 R-comp rubber up front and go into ABS, don't care for the cross-drilled look. Due to my tire choices, brake bias is already pretty far forward. Adding "S" brakes would move it further forward putting the car on it's nose under heavy braking. This would unsettle the car and lengthen braking distances. The opposite of what I want. I see no benefit to "S" brakes on my car at this point.

If I squeezed a 450hp Raby 4.2L motor in there I would generate a lot more brake heat at the track. Then maybe "S" brakes would be needed to help manage heat. Maybe not.

[Topless]

Originally Posted by Crono0001

What about the rears I listed there?

Yep these will fit:
Pelican Parts - Product Information: 986-352-401-04-M867

[Crono0001]

Since the fronts are plug and play and fill the wheel better, I think I'm just going to replace the front brakes with S brakes, get that Pelican rear rotor, and paint the rear caliper red... It seems to be my most cost efficient aesthetic upgrade.

Thoughts?

[smlporsche]

Don't know if the car is for the track only or what but if it is DON't get drilled rotors...strictly bling...get either slotted or solid rotors...
Drilled rotors are more prone to cracking under hard usage.

[Crono0001]

Yea, I'm mostly going for bling value.


Thanks for all your input guys. I think I've concluded with going for front S Calipers and rotors, and the Zimmerman drilled rears with painted calipers.

That should work, yes?