Installing S calipers on non S model

RPMClassic · 01-14-2002, 12:18 PM

New shock housings needed I am told. What else is involved? Is it worth the $ and labor for just a street driven car?

gaijinda · 01-14-2002, 12:27 PM

Very good question.

cegerer · cegerer's Garage

A friend did the conversion last summer. I don't know all the specifics, but it wasn't as easy as it appeared (is it ever!?). Other than saying that you have 'S' calipers, I don't think you would notice much difference on the street - at least I didn't when I drove it. -- Curt

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

As long as the ears for mounting the brakes on the strut have the 3.5" OC spacing everything just bolts up. If you currently have M front calipers(3" OC) then you need to replace the struts with ones with the correct ears.

RPMClassic · 01-14-2002, 01:50 PM

Any idea of the cost of this? Do you have to change the shock insert too, or just the housing? My current M calipers are mounted to Koni 's....I think. Somewhere on this board was a shock guide that indicated which color replacement shocks could be used on which cars. back to the question of it being worth it or not?? Less unsprung weight is the only advantage I have heard of. Any change in master cylinders?

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

When I replaced the struts on my 76 Carrera they were only available with inserts for ~$450 ea. for Bilstein 930 struts(HD)(of course this happened a few months after I installed Bilstein sports), Konis were a bit cheaper. In general I see little to no advantage in S over A. They are both a big plus over the M for track use though. In addition all are marginal to inadequate for serious track work. On the street, Das macht nichts!!

Jack Olsen · 01-14-2002, 02:29 PM

Jim, what kind of a project are you putting together? I think the only reason to go with the S calipers is if strict period authenticity is your goal. Otherwise, this is an arena where technology marched on, and something like Carrera brakes would offer you a lot more braking bang for your buck.

RPMClassic · 01-14-2002, 03:20 PM

jack -

I think you sum up the struggle that we all face at one point or another during Porsche ownership/racing/restoration. Certainly modern technology offers many cost effective, easily obtainable solutions. Sometimes we all have to use what we own though( or thought we needed it and bought it anyway). Case in point.....early S alloy brakes. How many times has one of us bought or sold a car and in the ad saw "S parts" included. Sounds sexy and hey - it was the factorys best option at the time.

Frankly, the non S brakes in my current rallye car work great. Its 20 degrees and snowy and icey right now and I can't even use the brakes I have! I bought a pair of S calipers last year that quite simply - look brand new. Seller included a bunch of different brake pads( different compounds) and based on my Porsche conditioning - I thought I needed them. I already have a variety of 15 fuchs and steel wheels i use for studded snow tires and street tires, so I am limited to the choices in upgrading calipers. I suppose the 930 set up would be the only other option given budget and time.

So yes, it feels great to have them on the shelf and ready to be installed "someday", but short of the 1 time a year that I will run out of brake at Limerock - my hotrod could benefit from the money being spent on other things?? What do you think?