Upgrading the brakes....

[C. Clark]

Hello,
I'm nearing the completion of my 69, 912. The only major thing left is to update or upgrade is the brakes, I've read several post hear and elsewhere concerning the adapting of larger rotors, calipers, etc. but have never read a good blow by blow of how it's done. What do you racers do? Do you upgrade to bigger stuff?, the parts catalogs show a change in parts from 911 to 912, is 911 system better?
I run big wheels, 16" would that allow using one of those high end aftermarket systems? Has anyone ever done that ? Any advice would be greatly appricated.
Thanks,
Chas.

[Efrain68912]

Chas-

As far as racing goes, the 912's stock brakes are plenty strong enough. Remember, the 912 is a fairly light car. Make sure everything is in good shape, go to stainless lines, good fluid, and a good pad, and your brakes will be plenty strong. The setup I use is a 19mm master cylinder, PBR metal master pads, stainless steel lines, and Ate Blue/Gold fluid. For an all out racer, you could go with a much more aggressive pad, but since this is my daily driver, I chose the PBR pad. I've had these things super-hot and could smell brakes inside the car, and never had any pedal fade or degredation.

I know of at least two 912 racers that have converted to SC brakes. One of them did it by swapping in the SC strut, while another made some adapters for the A calipers. John (mein12 on this board, the white 912 in the European Car article) has done some major mods to his brakes, maybe he'll chime in here.

With 16 inch wheels, you could fit the Boxster Monobloc calipers on SC struts, but that's just major overkill. The SC brakes will fit with the 15 inch wheels.

[mein12]

Hi,

I am working with CSP in CA to develop a brake kit that is bolt on. It exsists on my car, but Bill at CSP wants an even better version. The main difference is appearance only.
What you will get is SC vented fronts and a secret larger rear caliper and solid rear disc.
I am working on a vented rear upgrade as well, but it really isn't needed.
Performance is excellent. I can launch an unsuspecting passenger if I am not careful. This is usually the reminder to put on their seat belt
I'll move a little faster to bring it around. I am trying to make it happen in time for the German AutoFest in late summer.

Regards, JMB

[C. Clark]

JMB,
Your remarks are very interesting, do you have any idea what such a kit will retail for?, and will you notify me or the BB's when it becomes available?
Thanks.
Chas.

[mein12]

Hi,
Yes I will let everyone know about the kit. I do not know what it will sell for, but it should be affordable. I will let Bill figure out that part.
Regards, JMB

[jac912]

My brakes seem to operate well but need a lot of pedal effort. To lock them up at speed I'd have to stand on them. Does this seem normal? Have stock original master cylinder and new lines.
Thanks Guys.

[mein12]

Sounds normal....

If they lock up easily, that is a problem. I only modofied my brakes because I drive hard enough to make them fade and I hated almost running into 930's entering corners. They would always have way more brake then me. Not any more though.

JMB