Brake upgrade, Parking brake Options

[Krank]

I have been thinking about doing the beemer front disk brake upgrade. The only thing that bothers me is the loss of the parking /(cough, cough) emergency brake. I had an idea to look for a motorcycle front disk brake rotor mounted to the axleshaft with a cable operated brake assembly mounted to the tranny (I think there are three useable bolts on the RH side). Anyone play with this idea before?

[jhadler]

Until you beef up the power train, don't bother with the so-called "upgrades". As someone else said, just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

The stock brakes on a 914, in good working condition, are more than ample to haul down a 2000 lb 914. Even for autox, the stock brake system is great. And for track duty, better pads, high temp fluid, and a little ducting will more than do the job for a relatively stock 914.

Yes, just because you can lock up the tires isn't the only defining factor in a good brake system. Modulation is just as important, but that can be readily be effected by either pad changes, a different master cylinder, or both. Neither of which require custom machining in order to mate another brake caliper/rotor design to your car.

Make sure everything's in good condition, flush and bleed the brakes well, get new flex hoses, some good pads, and you'll be good to go for many years.

-Josh2