Proper brake calipers

[jonbot]

Tomorrow I'm going to look at a '79 911SC with a widebody kit for sale. I want to know what I should look for in the brakes department. Should I be looking for any special upgrades done to the calipers. I hear "alloy calipers" tossed around a lot, is this something I should keep an eye out for? Would the stock brakes suffice even with the wider wheels? Also, how do I identify what I'm looking for? Thanks

Jon

[tonythetarga]

Hi Jon,
There is a lot to know about brakes and what to look at specifically. Most of us are still learning the subtleties. For SC brakes look at the attached tech article. It shows an SC brake caliper. Most of the calipers for the 911's, up to, I think 1989, were all 2 piston calipers with one on either side of the rotor. What changed over the years was the width of the rotor and the diameter of the caliper piston and the spacing to accomodate the wider rotor. You need a micrometer to check exact measurements if you don't know what to spot exactly.
Ask the seller what's on the car. If they say they have upgraded the brakes to Carrera brakes, ask for service records that verify the purchase/installation. If they are turbo calipers or others, you'll notice they look different than the ones in the attached article. If all else fails, take a picture and send it here for the masses to provide opinions. http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_caliper_rebuild/911_caliper_rebuild.htm

In my opinion, there are more important/expensive items to be concerned about, like the engine and trans. Much more to look at there. You want to know the engine # and type, look for the Carrera tensioner upgrade. Spend the $200 bucks and get a PPI done so everything is looked at and properly evaluated. A great deal can all of a sudden become the worst purchase you ever made after you find out all the things that need repairing.
Good luck. Search the forum for the items I mention and arm yourself with knowledge.

edit: wide body kits often mask earlier damage. This reinforces the need for a proper PPI.

[RWebb]

stock brakes will be fine for all street & most track use

alloy = Al alloy "S" brakes on early S and RS cars; not appl. here

PO has probably loaded up the brakes with heavy gee-gaws -- a good mechanic can make sure they are safe - only dis-adv. to BIG Porsche brakes IF PROPERLY INSTALLED is they will be unnecessarily heavy -- if Red then something has been done to the brakes, paint at least

- if you buy, replace all fluids, incl. brake fluid, and throw away any braided steel lines -- use factory rubber lines and do not succumb to a dangerous "Bling Effect" like so many do

[jonbot]

Originally Posted by RWebb

- if you buy, replace all fluids, incl. brake fluid, and throw away any braided steel lines -- use factory rubber lines and do not succumb to a dangerous "Bling Effect" like so many do

Interesting you should mention that, that was actually one of the things on my list. I had converted an old mini cooper to braided lines, and was very pleased with the results, I'd like to hear the other side of the argument.

Jon

[RWebb]

hit the search button

Summary:

1. not TUV - or often even DOT - approved
2. subject to catastrophic failure - at least early on
3. cannot be inspected, so must be discarded every year or so -- if used in a race, should be discarded after each race
4. no advantage, with the possible exception of placebo effect

There is a reason why Porsche does not install them on its road cars...