Late model non turbo help

[LOAF]

Gents, question for you all.

I bought a 944 non turbo setup for my 1303 vert, believe 87 single piston, definitely not turbo. As you discribe the Spindle and hub it sounds like what I have. From what I have read and similiar posts it seems like I am scr@#$!. Unless I can find a strut that fits the later spindle and a strut bearing mount that has no gap for the bearing. Does a rabbit or early model strut compatible. I am looking for some options.. From reading is would seem that I Can not use a earlier spindle and mount my hub, disk and calipers to. Can I salvage anything and still make this an affordable project. I am so inclined to purchase an earlier 944 spindle and hub and transfer the caliper but am unsure if it is interchangable. I don't want to tell the Mrs. that I messed up.. I drove 14 hrs round trip. I can salvage and use the rear:) but what can I do with the front.
I saw the link to MBT. It seems like this can be an option as it indicated any 944 floating caliper can be used.. From the picture the kit seems to include spindle, bracket for caliper but what about the other stuff such as bearings, hub, disk.

The kit says something like "Machined discs spindles or drum spindles (2 (ldre)) with mounted MBT adapters (5 (2x); 1 (4x); 3 (4x); 4 (4x)) for floating saddle frame. MBT-Front Hub (20, 22 u. 23 (10x)) for rear mounted disc with bolts. " Does this imply that the custom hub which seems to be included allows you to mount a rear disk up front onto a beetle spindle and allow you to use a front caliper?

If someone can clarify or suggest appreciated.. Since I have to order from oversees I would like to do it all at once.. Anyone know how much these kits cost.. Only read english and spanish..
ALex

[LOAF]

Just went outside to check and see of I had the Skinny or Fatter struts. Only to be surprised that it was snowing and that the distances between bolts was different from what is on the car and what I have in the basement.. Now I really need help.
ALex:broken:

[Superman]

The 87-91 944, regardless of Turbo or not has the same mount as the 86 Turbo... meaning it's the wrong mount for the Super. Everyone needs to keep in mind that it's the 83-85 944 parts that will bolt to the Super. I'm not sure of the details of the MBT kit for this application.

[LOAF]

Superman,
Had a thought this morning.. The biggest concern with attempting to maintain the Stock Porsche Front struts is the top strut mount. From reading its the attempted use of the Beetle top strut mount and I would assume the porshe bearing.. Thus the gap that everyone mentions... Could this not be remedied by using an appropriate bearing.. It would seem simple enough.. I thought if you know the O.D and the I.D of the bearing, searching around the web, somebody should make a bushing or bearing that can withstand the load. It seems that this is just a rollerbearing of some sort... Has to withstand certain amount of load but it is not a thrust bearing. Would not a bronze buhsing also work.. The strut is not spinning so having a bearing is not really needed? I see a lot of cars that have adjustable camber plates that utilize bearings should be able to find out manufacture of their respective bearings.. Any thoughts or am I looking for a death bed..
ALex

[Superman]

The top strut bearing mount is of no concern. The Porsche bearing can not be used at all and the Super bearing is used. The concern is the mount of the spindle to the strut, the late Porsche mounts are different than the early (83-85). Being that the 83-85 is the same mount as the Super. The use of the Porsche strut is not an option as the spring perch is bigger due to the 944's larger diameter spring.

[LOAF]

Any suggestion to try to use the parts I have.. Would be a real waste... Being that the strut is incompatible is there anyone who makes a strut that won't break the bank..
The MBT kits from looking around seem quite high... Semi costum shocks should be able to be had for less than the price of MBT kit????

Since porsche parts are not the answer what can I do....
ALex

[Superman]

There is no strut on the market for this, you'd have to make your own. The calipers are the same but you need to get the 83-85 944 componets for it to bolt up [this applies to the front].

[Pillow]

I thought you could put early or late 944 front spindles on a 1303? Then use the matching barke system.

But no the early and late brakes are different. But are very similar. Actually I think the actual calipers are the same, but do not quote me on that.

[LOAF]

Supe, Pillow
Thanks, for the info.. For now i will rebuild the calipers and get them powdercoated.. Looks like I will be going to the Junk yard.. Man if someone came up with a Strut that would allow you to use later model Porsche Spindles to a VW, it would facilitate things a hole lot.. I will try to pursue this and talk to more VW, Early Audi, or Porsche people to see if there is something in stock that has not been looked at.. My guess everyone has tried.. Are Audi's that much different up front.. ?
Alex

[Superman]

I've researched the last 7 years for that strut and it don't exist. I've looked at all VW/Porsche/Audi/Seat/Skoda models and can't find it.

The spindle changed in 1987 (in 86 on the Turbo) that the mount to the strut is tall and skinny as the 83-85 is short and fat (simple terms to describe this). The bolt holes got wider apart and the flange became more narrow, for the later struts. Also, in 1987 the hubs were redesigned with a much wider offset and some have ABS.

The calipers are the only thing that stayed the same; the spindle, hubs, and discs are different.

[LOAF]

Supe, you the man.. Thanks for the insight as it has been truely appreciated.. I now need to go and fing the earlier variant.. Did not want to do anything stupid, "Safety First"
Thanks
Alex

[typ4boy]

go to my website there are pics of our struts to do this job www.germanlook.co.uk or www.laperformance.co.uk regards Lee L.A.P

[Superman]

I built my own struts with a Ground Control Kit (http://www.ground-control.com/gcapguid.htm) for $199, just make sure to tell them you want a 70 to 80 pound spring rate. Download a picture here. (http://www.germanlook.com/Forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=10676)