Brake upgrade on 73

[Mondrian]

I am considering brake options on an upcoming project. 73 chassis with 3.2 engine on carbs with unimpressive S calipers, I am sure brakes will be better after an overhaul but wondering if they will be good enough for 250+ power of engine. 930 brakes are sexy but expensive and maybe an overkill for primarily road use. 3.2 brakes seem to be the sensible choice but would like to know if it's worth tinkering & overhauling the current S calipers setup or best to look for a new system.

[geneulm]

Unimpressive?? Never heard that. In group 3 and 4 trim 911st raced and rallied with the same or more horsepower and basically the same brake. And a 3.2 pad is NO larger than an S pad. If you want a little more cooling go to a thicker 3.2 rotor pad combo. Which will fit wht you have.

But if you insist I'm sure someone would be willing to trade you even Steven your S calipers for a set of 3.2...

[Mondrian]

Was the same caliper used on 2.7 RS?

[geneulm]

Same caliper

[Mondrian]

Ok thanks, I guess I start with refurb of brake system. I have new 3.2 rotors not sure if any mods are required to fit them though.

[RSTarga]

Try different pads, the aluminum S calipers should be sufficient unless you are running much wider tires.

[Richardnew]

I've always used the stock S system on my '73. It worked great on the old Bridghampton course.

Start building a data base of your track temperatures. That will help you. in pad selection.



Richard Newton
Historic Racing Images

[Jim Breazeale]

Ok thanks, I guess I start with refurb of brake system. I have new 3.2 rotors not sure if any mods are required to fit them though.

You can't use 3.2 rotors with your S calipers.
Get a set of "3.2" ugly, heavy A calipers (they will bolt right on in place of sexy S calipers) and your car will stop much better, though.
3.2 calipers are essentially the same as 911SC calipers but have a thicker spacer to accommodate the thicker rotor on a "3.2". Carrera 3.2 pads are the same as 911SC pads but don't come with as much meat on them.

Regards

Jim

[91133]

The S calipers in good order are great. 'Good order' is the key phrase. If you don't feel they are up to par, when rebuilding you should also check they have not splayed - it's teh one weakness of the alloy calipers.

Cheers,
Mark

[Mondrian]

Mark what do you mean by "splayed"?

Car has been visually restored but undercarriage has been neglected so brakes along with suspension need to be sorted. It is currently on 6 rims on all four with 185/65 tyres but the steel RS arches need a bit more meat under them. I do have a set of 7&8 15s which will probably be a better match for the carb'd 3.2 allowing wider tyres. I do however like the sixes so maybe play with spacers ... Lots to learn!