QuestionHi,
I'm looking at an '86 911.
What would the best brake upgrade be?
Are there aftermarket ABS options?
Rgds,
Owen
AnswerOwen, the best brake upgrade for a 911? Sounds like such a simple question.
One hundred Porsche owners would probably give you at least fifty different answers!
The real answer is "it depends".
It depends on factors like how "original" you want the car to be. And why you want the upgrade...are you wanting the upgrade because the car isn't braking like it did when it was new? Are you doing it for improved braking to match improved engine performance? Are you doing it for 'show'...there are many who never utilize the new bright red Brembo calipers, but they will do everything possible to let everyone know they've got them. Are you doing because you're a boy-racer when you end up in your favorite stretch of canyon roadway?
There are many who would argue that if the Porsche engineers created it, don't mess with it. I'm of the opinion that bigger is always better when it comes to brakes. But I'm not a 911 guy yet , so I checked in a Performance Products Catalog... and if you have $3-$4,000, the Brembo kit with 14" rotors seems like just about as big as you can get for a 911.
Just to throw cold water on my own bigger is better comment, if you change the size of the caliper piston(s) the size of the master cylinder would also have to be changed or pedal feel would be awful, even though the braking performance might actually be better. This gets really technical really fast...you can get a better idea of why by looking at a 914 example, where the hot upgrade is to replace the master cylinder and switch to BMW calipers: (http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/914_BMW_calipers/brake_calc2.htm).
I'd suggest actually taking a look at some brake kits at places like Performance Products (http://www.performanceproducts.com) or other Porsche accessories retailers...at least these kits have parts that have been made to complement each other.
Another approach is to use your brake upgrade money to buy original style equipment and renew every single piece...it has to be better than a tired 15-20 year old brake system...then upgrade it by installing different brake pads...common wisdom is that the best stopping pad compound is not the quietest for street use...and vice versa. You chose.
By now I'm sure you have realized I'm just one of those 100 Porsche owners with my own views....
Here's a good starting point for your analysis:(http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/wizards/parts_wizard.cgi?wizard_root=911_bra...).
As for your ABS question...: No way, can you imagine the liability for someone who recommends taking apart an auto manufacturer's original equipment brake system??? The attorneys would have a field day.
Dave
