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Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: th3_f15t on 31 January 2016, 21:06

Title: Brake Upgrades on 16V GTI
Post by: th3_f15t on 31 January 2016, 21:06
Evening all, just wanted to confirm something quickly. Provided my Mk2 Golf GTI 16V has the 256mm front brakes, I should be able to swap over to G60 280mm discs and use pre-1994 Mk3 Golf GTI calipers, carriers and pads? Can I also use the same stainless steel lines that would be for the 256mm calipers or do I need different ones?

Also, the rear calipers can be swapped for Mk4 Golf ones (with the appropriate lines) but do I just re-use the Mk2 rear carriers, pads and discs or can I upgrade those too?

Many thanks!
Title: Re: Brake Upgrades on 16V GTI
Post by: Simeon on 31 January 2016, 21:32
Evening all, just wanted to confirm something quickly. Provided my Mk2 Golf GTI 16V has the 256mm front brakes, I should be able to swap over to G60 280mm discs and use pre-1994 Mk3 Golf GTI calipers, carriers and pads? Yes. Can I also use the same stainless steel lines that would be for the 256mm calipers Yes. or do I need different ones?

Also, the rear calipers can be swapped for Mk4 Golf ones (with the appropriate lines) Yes. but do I just re-use the Mk2 rear carriers, pads and discs Yes. or can I upgrade those too? Only upgrade is Polo 6n2 Gti rear disc set up as these use the same style caliper as mk4 golf, but you also change stub axle and you get a pressed in bearing as opposed to the taper type.

Many thanks!
Title: Re: Brake Upgrades on 16V GTI
Post by: th3_f15t on 08 February 2016, 20:27
Are these any good for me?

Passenger:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-GOLF-GTI-MK3-2-0-8V-N-S-F-PASSENGER-SIDE-FRONT-BRAKE-CALIPER-/301850528638?hash=item4647b18b7e:g:Vx8AAOSwwbdWGD9y

Driver:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-GOLF-GTI-MK3-2-0-8V-O-S-F-DRIVERS-SIDE-FRONT-BRAKE-CALIPER-/301850541551?hash=item4647b1bdef:g:HygAAOSwA4dWGD82
Title: Re: Brake Upgrades on 16V GTI
Post by: Simeon on 10 February 2016, 11:34
No, they are off a '96 model so won't fit - pre '95 came with the 280mm brakes, later ones came with 288s
Title: Re: Brake Upgrades on 16V GTI
Post by: th3_f15t on 10 February 2016, 12:25
Damn, the search continues. Also, are there any particular Mk4 rear calipers I should look out for, or are they all the same?
Title: Re: Brake Upgrades on 16V GTI
Post by: Simeon on 10 February 2016, 12:57
As long as they are from a fwd car they'll be fine. The late mk3 rear calipers have the internal handbrake mech and the standard hose fitment, but they aren't alloy so are a little heavier
Title: Re: Brake Upgrades on 16V GTI
Post by: th3_f15t on 10 February 2016, 15:44
Thanks for that. I'll just opt for the lighter Mk4 calipers with the right lines, assume the hand brake just connects without modification?
Title: Re: Brake Upgrades on 16V GTI
Post by: Simeon on 11 February 2016, 10:59
Yes handbrake connections are the same, although there is some minor difficulty if your's is an early Mk2?
Title: Re: Brake Upgrades on 16V GTI
Post by: th3_f15t on 11 February 2016, 12:47
It's a 1989 so should be alright...
Title: Re: Brake Upgrades on 16V GTI
Post by: Simeon on 11 February 2016, 15:23
Yeah think it's pre '88 that has added complications
Title: Re: Brake Upgrades on 16V GTI
Post by: th3_f15t on 11 February 2016, 15:27
Cool, thanks for your help. Found someone who can sort me a set of Mk3 280mm (from a 1995 model) front calipers and will source a set of Mk4 Golf rears and get them all refurbished up. Brake upgrades sorted!
Title: Re: Brake Upgrades on 16V GTI
Post by: gazareth on 11 February 2016, 17:57
think the 1989 cars had the handbrake cables running under the axle? the alloy rear calipers are quite prone to corrosion around the piston seals so it would be good idea to strip that part down and give it a good clean out. unless they are new of course :grin:
Title: Re: Brake Upgrades on 16V GTI
Post by: th3_f15t on 11 February 2016, 21:03
Regardless of what I do, all my brakes get a full rebuild before being installed, done enough single piston calipers now that it's not too hard for me at all! :laugh:
Title: Re: Brake Upgrades on 16V GTI
Post by: tinman on 15 February 2016, 02:38
Provided you still have the 16v engine in the vehicle, why are you bothering with bigger brakes?

The size of the brakes are to do with weight of the vehicle. The g60 and mk3s all weigh more than the 16v so got the bigger brakes as they needed them.

By adding bigger brakes to your 16v you are simply adding unsprung weight to the vehicle, thereby making it handle worse.

If you are adding bigger brakes because you're overheating the existing brakes, then simply replace everything for new, and you'll get a much bigger improvement than you're expecting.
Title: Re: Brake Upgrades on 16V GTI
Post by: th3_f15t on 16 February 2016, 09:55
I don't have the original 1.8 16V but the 2.0 16V engine, plus I plan to further upgrade to an ABF unit which will see the power output increase significantly over the stock specification. I'm also going to be running a lot of Mk3 Golf gear in my Mk2 so will also be adding some additional mass to the car so overall, bigger brakes are welcomed.

However, totally agree that for low tune or stock cars, bigger brakes are unsprung weight that may have a negative effect, but when did anyone have an accident because their brakes were too good? :grin:
Title: Re: Brake Upgrades on 16V GTI
Post by: VWSteve on 20 February 2016, 20:24
Hi I have mk2 1991 rear disk set up complete both sides disks pads and calipers and brackets possible the cables too if any good to you?? They are off a gti I broke have all the bolts everything right back to the axel. Steve
Title: Re: Brake Upgrades on 16V GTI
Post by: th3_f15t on 21 May 2016, 19:19
Sorry to drag this post back up, but wondering which brake lines I need? I'm looking at Hel ones as I've always used, and loved, them, but do I need the kit with 4 lines (when running Mk4 rear calipers):

http://www.brake-lines.co.uk/hel-brake-lines-for-volkswagen-golf-mk2-1.8-gti-139-bhp-rear-discs-1986-1988.html

Or stick with the 6 line set:

http://www.brake-lines.co.uk/hel-brake-lines-for-volkswagen-golf-mk2-1.8-gti-139-bhp-rear-discs-1988-1992.html

Thanks for the help!
Title: Re: Brake Upgrades on 16V GTI
Post by: lemski on 21 May 2016, 20:09
4 line kit. But hel do a 6line kit with the mk4 conversion pipes
Title: Re: Brake Upgrades on 16V GTI
Post by: th3_f15t on 21 May 2016, 21:40
4 line kit. But hel do a 6line kit with the mk4 conversion pipes

I'll give them an e-mail and get them to select them for me... Probably best!
Title: Re: Brake Upgrades on 16V GTI
Post by: Craigwilson on 22 May 2016, 20:24
Provided you still have the 16v engine in the vehicle, why are you bothering with bigger brakes?

The size of the brakes are to do with weight of the vehicle. The g60 and mk3s all weigh more than the 16v so got the bigger brakes as they needed them.

By adding bigger brakes to your 16v you are simply adding unsprung weight to the vehicle, thereby making it handle worse.

If you are adding bigger brakes because you're overheating the existing brakes, then simply replace everything for new, and you'll get a much bigger improvement than you're expecting.

I have the 280mm girling 60 callipers and they are substantially heavier than the single pot 280 calliper, is the handling different noticeable with this extra "unsprung weight"
Title: Re: Brake Upgrades on 16V GTI
Post by: th3_f15t on 22 May 2016, 22:59
Going by my 6R, swapping from the mega heavy stock calipers to Brembo 6 piston calipers which weight about half the stock calipers, the steering is much lighter and it seems to ride slightly better now I find.