uprated rear brakes on a 16v mk3

[tweed]

Sorry posted early 

Well that's fair enough, bigger disc and pads should be better 

[Khare]

Now I've got 16" wheels I might look into 312mm brakes. If I can use the same pads (someone correct me) then I'll upgrade even earlier!

[whileoceanasleeps]

what is the standard size of fronts for a 16v? is it 280 or 288?

[Ess_Three]

but mainly because I like being 100% in control and I don't get that with ABS. If I'm braking hard into a corner and the rear starts to lock up for me it helps turning in. It's just my driving style.

Same with my driving style...and I run ABS.
I even have some pukka tarmac rally pads, that stop only fractionally slower than hitting a tree...yet the ABS is a Godsend.
Can't see what anyone in their right mind would not want it on a road car.

Wrong. The further outwards the disc is the easier it will be to stop, and also bigger discs will have a bigger contact patch. The fact they take longer to heat up is a bonus.

Same sized pad.
Same pad.
Same calliper.
Same hoses.
Only the carrier differs...

And there really isn't that much difference between a 288 and 312 set-up.

[Khare]

As I said, I'm not taking the rear discs out to put some rings in  If they ever need doing again then yes, but as of now, no.

So do you think it's not worth going 312mm then?

And what pads are you running?

[thai-wronghorse]

Yes,  288mm & 312mm  calipers are the same only the discs,  carriers and a spacer are required. This said i have read somewhere that some cars that had the 312mm set up had standard did indeed have slightly different pads but im not sure how or what tbh. Might just be tinterweb talk...

[VW BUSH]

P=F/A
If you have a bigger area of pad but only the same applied force then what is the net result? Just saying like.

[Khare]

Using larger discs (312mm will be 24mm larger in dia) will aid slowing down considerably. Think about a spinning bicycle wheel its easier to grab hold of and stop a spinning wheel from the outside edge, if you try it from further in it gets a lot harder.
I would try the larger discs and standard calipers first and then if you're still not happy upgrade to 4 pot calipers. Larger discs will also dissipate the heat quicker as well so should prevent overheating.

[Wayne]

So do you think it's not worth going 312mm then?

312mm is a worthwhile upgrade, running no abs is madness however.

[Ess_Three]

As I said, I'm not taking the rear discs out to put some rings in  If they ever need doing again then yes, but as of now, no.

Lazy git!
Get it done 

So do you think it's not worth going 312mm then?

Not if you want a massive increase in braking...and the extra unsprung weight should be considered!
Worth it if you get the carriers cheap?
Yes.

But unless you are using the brakes hard, getting them hot or doing track days?
Possibly

And what pads are you running?

Mintex M1155s on the road, as I have 2-3 sets spare (front only...standard VW rears).
Mintex F4R competition pads every now and then...noisy, aggressive, messy...but like hitting a tree when you hammer them on.