RT/10 Brakes

[got one]

Just curious...Can the front calipers of a Gen 1...fit the rear? Is that workable, feasible, cost effective...what's involved?

Thanks!

 

[RobZilla]

Toms 40mm brake upgrade

 

[FrankBarba]

+ 1 Agreed, if you want better braking do Toms Brake upgrade

 

[plumcrazy]

Another vote for toms. Talk to him, he's very helpful and knowledgable

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the active "word of mouth" endorsements!

Just curious...Can the front calipers of a Gen 1...fit the rear? Is that
workable Yes, after cutting off existing arms and adding new brackets and losing the parking brake feature

feasible Yes, this is how all "big brake kits" are installed.

cost effective Expect about $3500 plus a day's labor. You'd be changing front calipers also.

what's involved? Well, much more than R&R the rear calipers with 40mm version.

Thanks!

Here are instructions. When you're done you've only spent $700, taken one hour, and can brake at over 1.0G with all OEM parts.

How to Install

My links page has a VCA thread about BBK costs and the first VCA discussion includes data comparing the 40mm performance to ABS cars.

 

[GTS Dean]

Another extremely good mod for Gen 1 brakes is a Gen 2 booster. MUCH improved pedal feel!

 

[TexasPettey]

It is possible, but you'll need to get the adapter kit. You'll also need to get an ebrake kit with a separate pad. Dave's Big Brake kit does this for you.

However, you'll also need to CUT the mounting point where the existing calipers mount. On a Gen2 this is relatively easy as it's made out of aliminum. Given that the Gen1 is a man's car, they made it out of steel. It's a PITA to cut and get right.

All in all, I'd suggest a different approach. If you're looking for more rear brake, go with Tom's. If you're looking for some bling, Tom also has some red caliper covers that do close to the same thing. They aren't as good as nice calipers, but they are close. You can check them out on my car.

 

[TexasPettey]

Another extremely good mod for Gen 1 brakes is a Gen 2 booster. MUCH improved pedal feel!

Nice. I haven't heard of this before. Is it a direct fit replacement? I'll give this a shot if it is.

 

[GTS Dean]

It's been a while, but as I recall - it's a direct swap.

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

Nice. I haven't heard of this before. Is it a direct fit replacement? I'll give this a shot if it is.

Yes, it's direct and they look the same, so if you are going to put them down side by side, mark them!

I swapped for the Gen 2 version (can use Gen 1 master cylinder) because one fell into my lap, but I already had different calipers on the rear (maybe still 38mm or early 40mm) and can't remember that there was a noticeable change. I changed a lot of things for brakes back then, and now I'm old...

 

[Knight Viper]

Perfect winter project

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

Perfect winter project

OK, but it is only the "feel" and not the actual braking performance.

 

[FastZilla]

What is the "feel" part of the improvment? Softer, harder???

 

[FastZilla]

Given that the Gen1 is a man's car, they made it out of steel. It's a PITA to cut and get right.

Don't be scared!!! It's a piece of cake!

Get your chop on!

 

[RTTTTed]

Tom the question is does changing from Gen 1 or early Gen2 (before 01 ABS) rear calipers to 4 piston rear calipers increase the stopping power or decrease the stopping distance? My understanding was that even massive rear calipers don't help anymore than your brake kit or 01 rears???

Larger rear calipers cost lots of money, but don't help unless used in racing conditions?

Ted

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

What is the "feel" part of the improvment? Softer, harder???

It was stated that the Gen 2 booster made it easier to modulate the braking - not feel so much like stepping on a brick.

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

Tom the question is does changing from Gen 1 or early Gen2 (before 01 ABS) rear calipers to 4 piston rear calipers increase the stopping power or decrease the stopping distance? My understanding was that even massive rear calipers don't help anymore than your brake kit or 01 rears???

Larger rear calipers cost lots of money, but don't help unless used in racing conditions?

Ted

Of course installing larger rear brakes help a lot. The four piston calipers of any type start off as "too big" and need an adjustable proportioning valve to throttle down the brake line pressure so the rear doesn't lock up. And as you said, it is expensive. The 36mm OEM brakes start off too small and the 40mm re-sizing sneaks up to the size for very good balance. As noted in other threads, then disabling the stock proportioning valve may sometimes allow rear lockup, so it demonstrates that the 40mm size is in the sweet spot for brake balance. And because the same rotor, pads, wheels, hoses, and attaching hardware are re-used, it is a quick, easy and inexpensive swap.

Because the pads used with the rear calipers are small, too, in the long run they will wear out a little sooner or you would need a little harder compound vs. a larger caliper. There are so many track cars out there with 40mm brakes, though, it is certainly not a handicap. And in a funny way, because they weigh less than a four-piston + parking brake system, it does have an advantage...

 

[FastZilla]

It was stated that the Gen 2 booster made it easier to modulate the braking - not feel so much like stepping on a brick.

Got it! It is like stepping on a brick still (stock Gen1 booster). I have some trucks in the fleet that have air brakes - the Gen1 acts very similar: Very heavy feel - not much/hardly any modulation (pedal travel) between no brakes and locked wheels, just like air brakes.

That being said I would say the Gen2 booster would "soften" the "feel".

Personally I like the go-kart feel, maybe I've just bounced my face off the steering wheel of the trucks with air brakes enough times to get used to it. You can still modulate very well with stock. I found that out out during the "bedding in" process - first 10-12 stops were ***-luck on which wheel would lock up...Then it all just came together.

Thanks for the education Tom!

 

[FastZilla]

Bump....

I'm trying to pawn off my old front calipers to Ryan! This has got to be do-able!!! Somebody help! Chuck, Tom, ...someone.

 

[RTTTTed]

Tom, I'm pretty sure I sold another set of your 40mm rear calipers for yah.

I also have a set of 20,000miles front brakes from a Gen 2 (stock Brembo) with Eradispeed front lightweight 13" rotors (slotted and cross-drilled)

Ted

 

[got one]

Eddie...done...we will get out the cutter, torch, duct tape, super glue and spray paint...we got this