rear "V-caliper" vs. "M" caliper, please jump in Eric Shea Options

[Wes V]

In the process of converting to 5 lug and also rear vented rotors, there appears to be two ways to go about it. Both have been explored and written about by Eric Shea over the years. (Ya, I've done a lot of searching and reading)

One is the usage of a late model 914 rear caliper with spacers placed in the body, to get the needed clearance for the vented rotor. (as I read it; a late model ATE caliper is used and not a rare 914/6 caliper) A spacer is required between the brake rotor and hub (moving the rotor and wheel outward). The rotor (911SC) has to have it's diameter shaved down 4mm) The parking brake cable just hooks up as stock.

The other option is to use the "M" caliper from a 911 and also the parking brake assembly. Mounting the parking brake assembly requires grinding and welding on the housing. Hooking up the parking brake cable requires fabrication, but is possible (and can be found by searching this site).

Now I can think of plus and minus points for both, but I'd like to hear from others.

Wes Vann

[Eric_Shea]

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[Wes V]

Are there any tricks to ID'ing 76-83 rear M calipers? (I know that the 3" bolt spacing is a given)

That's assuming I can't take them apart to verify the shape of the piston.

If somebody has an "M" caliper, is the thickness of the spacer between the two halves a quick give-away as to if it was a front or rear caliper. (rear having a 10mm spacer, front having a 7mm spacer, per earlier quote)

Is there any advantage (or is it even possible) to use a front M caliper on the rear, after swapping spacers.

Wes