ECS Porsche caliper???

[Gti Dave]

I did think about it but figured that if I'm going to go through all this trouble then I might as well upgrade to something with some bling to it. LOL. Nah seriously, I did consider that but wasn't sure if the calipers were from the mk1 tt or mk2 tt and the part number and other parts required and I'm sure by the time I get everything new here in Australia, its going to cost me about the same if not more than the ECS or Neuspeed porsche kit (assuming if its a direct bolt). Thanks for hte suggestion though vwthunder. Appreciate it.

[vwthunder]

Volkswagen Golf IV 1.8T > Braking > Big Brake OEM > ES#412 ECS OEM Big Brake Kit - (TT Carrier, 12.3 One Piece Cross Drilled & Slotted Rotor) - MK4TTBBKNPXS

I have some calipers and pads here which will finish off the conversion

Guess it all comes down to $$$$$$

I was also thinking about doing the TT conversion, but wanted better for my car

[Gti Dave]

Yeah asides from the $$$ factor, its also got to do with bling (rather than something that looks like stock calipers only larger), braking performance and the old childhood dream of having a turbo charged vehicle with BOV, performance a plenty and of course da BIG BRAKES...LOL.

Come to think of it, I've never rocked up to one of those regular Monday night meets. That's something I definately will do when I get the chance and after I get everything done. Just so much to do but so little cash!!! *sigh*
Still got the edition 30 steering wheel and the cup kit/caractere kit to go after this.

[vwthunder]

Just so much to do but so little cash!!! *sigh*
.

Tell me about it
I have had my brakes sitting there for 6 months, need to get wheels repainted and tyres

[gtimonkey]

alluring ecs website

Hi Dave

It is annoying trying to work out what fits Polos from that otherwise alluring ECS website. Good luck. Please keep everyone posted

I have the agree that the Porsche calipers look the part. I run S3 calipers, slotted rotors with good pads (I think they are Remsa's from memory) and martini fluid. Thanks Jimmy!

I have to say that my right foot is very happy with the result but that solution does not have the eye candy of the Porsche option.

[Gti Dave]

No worries Gtimonkey. Will definately keep you all updated on the progress. Not only is it frustrating but it can get mighty expensive trying to get things through custom one off fabrication etcetera...Anyway just waiting for Jmac's opinion on fitment compatibilty first before I make any move. Spoke to the local brake guru and owner of Race Brakes Melbourne and was told best performing and longer lasting and better durability are the AP racing calipers and would need custom caliper mount brackets and especially the two piece rotors with custom cap to provide about 8-9mm of spacing (what ever you call it that connects the disc and hub) in order to fit is all under my 17's and keeping it all legal and roadworthy since wheel spacers aren't. Anyway, was quoted $4200 installed for full front four piston AP's with all the custom work required and of course rotors and goodridge stainless steel braided lines.

Opinions anyone? (Yes it's pretty expensive hence I originally wanted to go for the porsche calipers if they are a direct bolt on and plug and play and FIT under my wheels without any custom work done.

[noone]

Sounds like some serious cash...

If you went for a 'track' package for the Mk1 Aud TT or something else that is highly compatable, surely you'd get very good braking for a slice of the cost.

TBH, with those costs, you are not far off the APR brembo kit price.

[Gti Dave]

Yeah I know but don't know if those would fit or whether I'll still need custom work done as I'm not keen on getting new wheels. My boss is gonna kill me if I change wheels again. Might have to ask for the Brembo template again from Guy. If it fits and they have the big sale again soon, then I'll seriously consider buying. Saves me some cash and no need for rear caliper re-painting as AP's are a few hundred more if ordered in red (don't know why that's so).

[Lonewolf1983]

did you test with the ECS template on your wheels?

AP's are great, check that they come with dust boot seals though, as a lot dont... Also check piston sizes for brake bias...
Also, check what replacement rotors are worth, if it has to be custom machined then they can be very expensive.

[Gti Dave]

Yeah was told the AP's are far superior (more reliable, longer lasting and less maintanence) than brembo's or porsche calipers (also made by Brembo) or alcons as their seals are internal and therefore do not catch fire from excessive heat during track days whereas the seals in Brembo's and porsche calipers need changing after 2-3 track days. Thanks for the heads up. Tried to download and print out hte template but the link was dead/didn't work and took me to a blank "could not find" page. Replacement rotors are around $350 mark (assuming each) but was told I wouldn't need to change it for many years to come since 99% of my driving is highway back and forth from Melbourne and Bendigo or Wodonga. Wasn't told of any need for machining though apart from knowing that the discs are 2 a piece system and the hat/cone needs to be replaced with a custom made one with a lip for the hub and alloy wheels to sit on rather than relying on the wheel bolts (hence keeping it all legal and avoiding use of wheel spacers). Brake bias? Hmmm I better ask about that. Thanks for all the awesome suggestion Lonewolf1983, was too fixated on the whole "will it fit?" and "how much will it all cost" mentality.

Cheers.

[Lonewolf1983]

I think I have the templates downloaded for the ECS stage 2 and stage 2v2 on my laptop.
Pop me off a PM with your email addy and I can send them through.

Not 100% sure on the fact you were told that the porsche calipers will need changing after a couple of track days. Remember that these are OEM on cars that have to be warrantied for 3 years...
FYI, the porsche calipers being monoblock are a bit better than the cheaper brembo's around.

Alcons are the bomb, but you pay for it, and unless your going to be doing a shedload of track work, its probably a waste of money IMHO, especially on a light car like the polo.

[Gti Dave]

Was told the porsche calipers are fine for road and track use but just require replacement of seals as they tend to catch fire/melt or something or rather from excessive heat produced on track days and hence need servicing and changing seals (not replacement of calipers). Apologies if I made a boo boo and didn't explain it clearly.

[gtimonkey]

I think that you would have to be going very hard to cook the seals on those expensive calipers.

The upgrade you are thinking about will gve your light little pog massive brakes. Much heavier, higher output cars employ smaller rotors than your pog will be running. That setup should peel the skin off your face.

I run the s3 front only setup with slotted rotors, decent pads and fluid. That setup feels like overkill - they don't fade nor get overly hot. I have not tracked the setup but I have given them some grevious punishment. What you are talking about is should be far past that - I agree with lonewolf.

[Lonewolf1983]

I also agree that its going to be hard to cook them unless making big power, and doing a large number of laps on a frequent basis.
Eg. a 993 porsche caliper comes from a much more powerful and heavier car, and I dont believe they have issues with cooking seals, and are warrantied for 3 years when new

Beware advice that comes from people trying to sell you an alternative

[fuzion]

312mm ate power discs, porsche calipers, pads, braided lines - and rear ate's and new pads should cost you no more then $1500-1700 to do complete.



r32/s3 and also mk5/mk6 golf kits easy as well. 4-8 pot calipers front and rears..