What's the difference? (pre-74 question)

[layzee]

Between:

Front Caliper Rebuild Kit, Steel M, 911/912 (1965-73)
A-351-964-11 $16.50
Front Caliper Rebuild Kit, Alloy S, 911 (1969-74)
A-351-998-00 $27.40

Is the cheaper one for 911T and 912 only? I have emailed Pelican but am awaiting a response

My dad is taking a trip down to Pelican in Redondo as they are vacation in Marina Del Rey and is fixing us up with some parts for the 911. He is looking forward to taking a look at the fabled Pelican Parts - sure is a long way from home!

Our E is due a brake overhaul and all the calipers are going to be rebuilt and the master cylinder replaced. Any other suggestions?

[BK911]

Measure the bolt spacing on the front calipers. If they are 3" you have the steel calipers. If they are 3.5" you have the alloy calipers.

While you're redoing the brake calipers you may as well replace all the brake lines as well.

Have fun!
BK

[JSDSKI]

Phil - they are two different caliper types - the S type is aluminum (rare, expensive and desirable) the M is stock for most early cars.
Get the kit that matches part number of your caliper.

You might consider fresh rotors, stainless steel brake lines, and fresh Ate Blue brake fluid. Depending upon miles and project complexity, it's easier to replace tie rods with turbo tie rod kit (check it out Pelican's catalog and 101 projects) when doing brakes. Also a good time to clean, adjust, and repack wheel bearings.

Have fun

[layzee]

Well I'll just order the cheaper ones then - my parents will be airborne now heading for LAX so I can't get my Dad to check the size and I am not at home.

We have replaced the brake lines recently, but the rotors (discs for British English ) might be worthwhile. The trouble is they are heavy and will need to be suitcase packed.

I'll have a look in my 101 projects about the turbo tie rods. $129 seems reasonable.

[Wayne 962]

Easiest way to tell is with a magnet...

-Wayne

[layzee]

I have no way of knowing. The car and me are 220 miles apart! I take it the steel one is the most likely for a '72 E?

[HawgRyder]

My 69S has the aluminum calipers...and the first thing I noticed is that they are one piece units.
They do not come apart at the normal split line (creating 2 halves).
I hope this helps.
Bob

[Early_S_Man]

Phil,

I believe the Sportomatic cars got the 'S' brakes because of reduced engine braking with the torque converter.

[Howard Nelson]

Early_S_Man is correct - according to the parts manual, the '72 E Spotomatics received S brakes. Lucky you!

[layzee]

That is impressive! I did not know that, Warren amazes again with an unparalled depth of knowledge. Thanks!

[billwagnon]

My T with S suspension came with S calipers (they're not-magnet-sticky, anyhow).

Was this an option? Is there a source to find out all the 1973 T options available?

[layzee]

One more question. Do I need the brake pad retainer kits? They look quite expensive for what they are. How easy is it to re-use the exisiting retainers?

911 Brake Pad Retainer Kit, rear (1969-83)
C-352-951-00 $34.60

[Early_S_Man]

Phil,

Usually the old hardware cleans up just fine and can be reused.

[Rot 911]

Originally posted by billwagnon
My T with S suspension came with S calipers (they're not-magnet-sticky, anyhow).Was this an option? Is there a source to find out all the 1973 T options available?

The best book to have on options on any 911 is the "Porsche 911 Red Book" by Pat Paternie. I just happen to have an extra new copy (part of the group of books I got cheap from Hastings Book Store). It sells for $12.00, but you can have it for what I paid, $5.00 and the $2.00 it will cost me to mail it to your doorstep. Send me a private message if you want it.