Help Identifying this Brake Caliper

[CLynn85]

My 914 when I bought it already had a "911 front suspension/brake conversion". I'm a little new to the Porsche thing so I was wondering if anyone here could ID these calipers so I can get some rebuilt units. Sorry for the crappy shots but I was running out of daylight.

[racer]

Can't identify, per se, but measure the spacing between the mounting bolts.. If 3.5" they are "later brakes" if 3.0", they are earlier brakes.

[racer]

Per pelican parts:

At Pelican Parts, we offer a wide variety of brake pads, whether it's for your stock Porsche or for more of a track purpose, we can match the right brake pad to the right application for you. The "M" Brake Calipers are a small, 2 piece cast iron caliper and measure approximately 75mm between the mounting holes. The "A" Calipers are a large 2 piece cast iron caliper and measure approximately 95mm between the mounting holes. And finally, the "S" Calipers are a large 1 piece aluminum alloy caliper and measure approximately 95mm between the mounting holes. Can't figure out what's best? Just ask us, and we'll make a recommendation for you. Check out our Pelican Technical Article on Brake Pad Replacement for the low-down on the best way to change out your pads

[CLynn85]

3.5" Hole spacing, what constitutes "later"?

[CLynn85]

Originally Posted by racer

Per pelican parts:

Thanks, that helps a lot. So in theory, any "A" caliper would work with this setup?

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

M calipers: Ferrous (a magnet sticks to them)--either steel or cast iron--with 3" mounting bolt spacing.
S calipers: Aluminum (magnet will not stick) with 3.5" bolt spacing.
A calipers: Ferrous with 3.5" bolt spacing.

The S and A calipers are pretty close, and I think are interchangeable with each other. The M calipers are pretty much it if you have the 3" mounting bolt spacing. But frankly, they're quite good enough for anything but really heavy-duty abuse.

--DD

[Matt Monson]

Just send them off to Eric Shea for rebuilding. They come back looking like this:


He's quick and not terribly expensive.

[djpateman]

What you are holding is an "A" caliper; it has the 3.5" mount spacing.
The A and S differ in the thickness of the brake pads as far as fitment goes.
There is also the 'wide A" that fits the 24mm rotors as opposed to the 20mm rotors.

[SirAndy]

Originally Posted by Matt Monson

Just send them off to Eric Shea for rebuilding.

I second that!

PMB Performance: Online Parts Catalog (801) 674-3669


Eric does outstanding work ...
Andy

[Eric_Shea]

What you are holding is an "A" caliper

Wide A-Caliper to be precise. That's a Carrera caliper... all 9lbs. 6oz. of it.

[Eric_Shea]

So in theory, any "A" caliper would work with this setup?

Make sure you're specific about "Wide" A-Caliper (1984 +), otherwise the el cheapo rebuild houses will send you calipers with 7mm spacers and you'll never get them over your 18lb rotors.