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-   -   upgrading to disc: is it silly to just use stock Ghia parts? (https://www.germanlook.net/forums/showthread.php?t=6868)

joetech December 9th 2005 12:38

upgrading to disc: is it silly to just use stock Ghia parts?
 
Hi y'all, I'm new here. What a great site!

I'm starting to think about disc breaks for the front-end, I already have most of the stock Ghia parts to do this, I'm thinking of just going 'stock' for now.

My car is a 1973 Super, and I'm not sure just yet if it's an early or late model (gotta check my vin# and get back to this) but I think this isn't an issue with using the Ghia parts...

Question:
Seems like lots of others have Porsche upgrades or other hi-end disc breaks, is it silly of me to just do the Ghia upgrade? Is it the same expense, does it require the same sort of install (and/or fabrication)?

Cheers,

Joe.
--------------------------------------
1973 Super Beetle convertible
San Francisco, CA

LOAF December 9th 2005 13:18

I had looked at the option, at one time..

I may concider it for my vert.. but for the saloon, 1303, I chose the 944 route..why.. because I want to track it..

You have to factor many things, such as how much hp, what kind of driving you will be doing.. if your not going over board, the ghia option with bigger drums in the rear may just be the ticket.. remember that you can also upgrade pads, and put some R-compound tire and get much more grip and thus stopping ability..

Bottom line its what you plan on doing with your car..

As far as 944 somewhat straight fwd.. except for which M/C to use.. Kersher if you have the money seems like another option..

Other will chime it, but again, it depends on what your upto..
Alex

Supa Ninja December 9th 2005 16:09

So Cal Imports has a front disc brake kit for super's, and it's only $150. With those kinds of prices I wouldn't even consider trying to fab up you own ghia style front brakes. I'm looking at going that that route for the mean time, but i'll be the rear disc also. One thing the ghia brakes have over the porsche stuff is that it's light weight. Like previously stated by Loaf, build it to suit your needs. Disc's are far superior to drums in all regards.

kleinporsche December 9th 2005 19:07

I will be going that route too but put discs all round and have the rotors drilled by a machine shop for better cooling. If you have good tires and lighten your car as much as you can, Ghia brakes are A1: I use to have those on my VW/PUMA.

Supa, last time I checked with CIP1(yesterday), the front kit was more like 379.95$US with dropped spindles or 299.95$US for a kit with regular spindles. The thing is when you change to discs you need to change to change the spindles aswell.

Supa Ninja December 9th 2005 20:53

KP you must be talking about beetle disc kits, thats what CIP1 is charging but So Cal Imports is asking only $149, plus bearing and steel braided lines thats about another $75. Still a smoking deal.

kleinporsche December 9th 2005 21:30

I have to agree. It's quite a deal, but then I don't know about shipping with SoCal. Cip1 is quite cheap in terms of shipping. BTW, what's the difference between Ghia and beetle discs? Are Ghia less expensive?

oasis December 10th 2005 00:59

I highly recommend TopLine's conversion. Everything is included and the quality is top drawer. The brakes are KG-based.

I opted for four-wheel disk brakes. I don't know if the rear disks are overkill or not for ordinary driving. I do know I have avoided at least two scrapes since converting from the stock drums.

I am planning on a more exciting drivetrain eventually for my 1302. I am satisfied the brakes will be more than enough for my application.

If you are going to race the car or put in a monster engine, you might want to consider a Porsche conversion. I don't think my future engine will be over 140-150 HP so what I have should be plenty.

Eurolook71 December 12th 2005 01:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by kleinporsche
I will be going that route too but put discs all round and have the rotors drilled by a machine shop for better cooling. If you have good tires and lighten your car as much as you can, Ghia brakes are A1: I use to have those on my VW/PUMA.

Supa, last time I checked with CIP1(yesterday), the front kit was more like 379.95$US with dropped spindles or 299.95$US for a kit with regular spindles. The thing is when you change to discs you need to change to change the spindles aswell.


I'm sorry, but I have to disagree. Getting a disc and simply drilling holes into doesnt equate to better cooling. If you want a reliable setup for steet use, that wont break the bank, go with Toplines kit, I've seen and felt this kit on a couple bugs, from new to well used, and would highly recommend it. Another option, since you already have discs, calipers, etc...juat get the caliper backets from Topline, get the new billet style ones, beefier than the original. Vdub customs also has some very pretty, super tough looking caliper bracket for $90/pair. You will also need the hoses(whatever ones are "teflon-lined"), seals, and hardware.

Drilling for daily driven steet use is a common misconception. All too often, you will end up going through pads like crazy. Why? Picture your pads as a block of cheese and the drilled rotor as a cheese grater...get the picture. The drilling concept started at the racing level, not for daily commuting. I'm not saying NOT TO, I just would'nt. For true, usable cooling benefits, you need a vented rotor. Check out vdubcustoms.com for options that use a vented rotor, such as the golf, mazda, or of course the porsche kits. Of course going this route, the cost starts going up, be it custom hub, caliper brackets, parts, etc....

IMO, I feel that the kit from Topline would be good even for a weekend autocross car, much less a dd. Also, if you feel you need to upgrade the rear end, you could replace all related parts and hardware, getting the best possible quality available. For really good results, replace your drums with new german units, and have a look at the "super stopper" rear break shoes from aircooled.net. I've heard good things about them, and will increase stopping power. Probably some sort of ceramic material. If you want discs at all four corners, check out the roto-hubs from CB Performance.

Overall, you would come out spending less money, but have less of a wow effect...it all depends on what your going for...

Plus, with the options described, your still able to get a custom bolt pattern, (ie 4X100 or whatever), so you can get more rims to choose from.

Just some ideas....

bean_8044 December 12th 2005 05:17

dont drill non-vented rotors. Just get them heat treated and get a good set of pads

kleinporsche December 12th 2005 15:41

Thanks guys. I had misconseptions due to a guy I know who drag races who had his discs cross drilled and it seamed to work well. I do agree though about the cheeze grater. hahahahahaha. also I thougth Cip1 brakes were autocross brakes: that's what I want. The reason why I'm going that route with 1 piston galipers is because: 1st, I believe it's enough for a 1915 0r 1966 engine in a 850 pound car, 2nd it's less expensive when you buy it, 3rd less expensive when changing parts, 4th only one piston per wheel to service: less time, less money, less complicated. i will check with topline.

LOAF December 12th 2005 23:30

Lot of folks have purchased topline products.. to include myself..

Real good costumer service and parts are top notch..

I have pretty much everything except the brakes since I went a different route, and no regrets.. how it works on the road, well time will tell, as I still have her on Jack stands.. :) but quality is excellent..
Loaf

kleinporsche December 13th 2005 02:19

With Topline I can only see disc conversion kits for SuperBs. Mine is a 1974 BJ... The interesting thing with them is that you don't have to change the spindles... but are the Super and Standard using the same spindles?

Also, does anybody have any information about the specs of their GT4 racecar?

Eurolook71 December 13th 2005 04:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by kleinporsche
With Topline I can only see disc conversion kits for SuperBs. Mine is a 1974 BJ... The interesting thing with them is that you don't have to change the spindles... but are the Super and Standard using the same spindles?

Also, does anybody have any information about the specs of their GT4 racecar?

For your beam bug, check out CBPerformance for a front end kit.
The topline plug was for joetech, he said he has a 73 super.
And no, super and std bug spindles a are not interchangable.

V.waffe 3 January 29th 2006 19:05

Topline brakes
 
I just ordered Topline's disc conversion and will let you guys know how easy it is to install them. I am impressed that the kit comes with everthing down to the steel braided brake lines. I am also happy that there is no need to change my spindles.

Eurolook71 January 31st 2006 22:41

Hey there!

Even though this kit has been used for many years now, it still is an obviously popular item. For fun, (and for the enjoyment of others) take pics and right your own step by step of the mod. They might just put it in the tech section.


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