Cheapest Brake Upgrades, and hopefully a definitive list Options

[muddboy]

I have been reading and looking (in the search) all over the forums for the options on front brake upgrades. I've known about the BMW calipers for along time. I would like to know whats really availible as upgrades. I know there are also some really wild ones if you have a 911 front end.

Here's my problem, I have a stock '73 front end. It has been converted to 5-lug (drilled stock rotors). I have been throwing front pads at it about every 4months (not bad at only 14 bucks a set). But I am tired of Band-aiding it. I would like to run vented rotors in the front (I have vented for the rear, also 5-lug, to run with spacers and stock calipers). I'm not woried about any mods or machinework (occupation). So I just need to know what parts to get togther to do this. And OH... under 300 bucks (hopefully).

[Mueller]

what are you trying to fix?

the need for new pads every 4 months?

you could start off by getting some decent pads....$14 just scream "junk" soft pads (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smile.gif)

putting bigger calipers on it will just be a band-aid...sooner or later you'll end up warping the solid rotors........

for 5 lug and vented rotors there is normally just the option of using 911 struts...for you, I see a few options if you are a decent machinest with some basic engineering skills:

1)use an early 911 front strut assembly...vented rotors and should be less than $300 for the pair and that should include the calipers

2)make a set of new hubs similar to the 4-lug billet hubs that are offered in the 'club store....for 5 lug, I'd make them for press in studs, easier with the 5 lug design

3)take your stock front hubs and machine off the rotor, install a vented 911 rear rotor...not too sure about the spacing of the caliper, but it cannot be too difficult to figure that out.....Porsche switched to this method of front rotors in '89 with the 964 series 911s and continue this way today.