GTV Brake upgrades

[scuzzyGTV]

Ok, so I know that the common upgrade to the 4cyl GTV brakes is GTV6 Brembo's & redrilled disks. However, it's coming up to christmas bonus time   and I'm keen to hear of some other options, in lieu of the fact I don't like the idea of redrilled disks.

I've been doing some research and am currently thinking that'd I'd get some bits from the UK. The Fiat Croma disks have an OD 4mm smaller (257 vs 261) than the standard GTV's, but are only 0.5mm shallower in height, and ventilated, plus many options for type (i.e multiple grove #'s & cross drilled). They also come in the standard 4x98 EDIT: they are actually 4x100 (damn it) PCD, which is a bonus. I'd also have to expand the centre bore out to 72mm from 59.

The calipers that I've been looking at are those of the Fiat Coupe 16/20V, 4 pot Brembo's, and make some sort of adaptor to mount them. They are the same caliper as the Peugot 406 & Ford Focus RS, and a common upgrade for the Fiat 124 folk (well from what I've seen anyway) and work with their standard 14/15in wheels.

I have some questions to go with this:
-What is the largest dia. disc that can fit under standard the 15in wheels? I know the SZ is closer to 300, but do they have larger dia. wheels?
-Should I be concerned about the clearance to the inside of the wheel, and if so what about wheel spacers, are they legal?
-Is there any other better/easier upgrades that I shoud also consider (keeping in mind I'm still on a budget)?

Thanks in advance.

Scott.

[AR116]

Scott,
            I have just finished my brake upgrade on my EFI Giulietta. Basically, consist of alfa 156 rotors (284mm) with volvo four piston calipers. This all fits under a 15inch wheel. The reason I went for this upgrade is because the cost of the rotors are extremely reasonable at $75ea (locally source melbourne area). Also bought braided brake lines from England (2 front lines + 1 rear) for $60 dollars and the calipers can be sourced from pick a part.

I you can get the fiat coupe calipers, then I would seriously consider them, especially now with the exchange rate or some gtv6 calipers for a 932 series or similar.

Just a remainder that most likely if bigger calipers are used then the brake master cylinder also needs to be factored in!

regards;

marco

[BradGTV]

there is thread on hear about brake upgrades,
i peronally have put volvo 4pot calipers with volvo rotors on my daily driver, for what it cost to do the conversion (very cheap) i now have unbelievable stoping power 

[scuzzyGTV]

Thanks for the reply's guys
Marco, did you have to redrill the 156 disks, or are you running 5 stud hubs, does the height of the disk change the clearance much? I forgot about the master cylinder, but I'm not opposed to having a larger one anyway. I do like the idea of the Fiat calipers, and think I'll grab those anyway, but still unsure on disks.
Brad, I did see those threads, but they were mainly along the standard V6/volvo upgrades. It's good to know that the volvo one works, and is a cheap fix.
Scott.

[AR116]

Scott,
           I didn't redrill the 156 disks because I run 5 stud hubs as my first upgrade were the 75 calipers and discs. However, I had to drill a second hole in the disc for the 2 chamber screws that go on the hub. In terms of clearances, what clearances were you refering to exactly?

With the brake master cylinder I haven't exactly worked out a replacement to suit the 4 piston calipers, but if any has an ideas please let us know!

One last thing scott, I do have so pics if your interested, which I could email if required.

regards;

marco

[alfagtv58]

in lieu of the fact I don't like the idea of redrilled disks.

why dont you like the idea of redrilled disks?  I wouldn't have thought it will comprimise the disc casting in any way?

[scuzzyGTV]

In terms of clearances, what clearances were you refering to exactly?

Marco, I was talking about the clearance from the outside edge of caliper to inside face of the wheel, obviously not an issue, as you are running it without problems!

why dont you like the idea of redrilled disks?  I wouldn't have thought it will comprimise the disc casting in any way?

Phil, I would have thought that given the fact that the smallest distance between the redrilled & original stud holes is approx 5mm (unless I'm mistaken, I'm using CAD, not looking at a disk) and given the rotational forces acting on the studs, that the integrity of the metal between would become suspect. If someone can show me that this is not the case, then I'd consider it.

[Duk]

My 2 Japanese cars have redrilled disc in them for their respective brake upgrades. Have been like that for years.

[Sheldon McIntosh]

When doing any mods on my cars (which are driven on the road) I always think "what would an insurance assessor think about this...?"   That's the reason I wouldn't use redrilled discs, those bastards would use any excuse to turn down a claim.

I wouldn't be too concerned about the MC yet either, it's really not an issue with such a small upgrade.  But if you're that worried, maybe a 164 MC, I think it's about 2mm bigger than a GTV6.

[Storm_X]

just order blank rotors

[BradGTV]

i too have redrilled pcd on rotors on the alfa and on a subaru, never any issue. and i dont think there will ever be 

a mastercylinder from a bmw goes straight on, but i dont know what model. i had an issue with the 4pot calipers, the amount of fluid used to push the pistons is greater than with the standard 2 pot calipers. the pedal doesnt feel right for my liking but the brakes work as normal.

[scuzzyGTV]

It's an interesting point you bring up Sheldon, I've no doubt that any insurance company would kick up a stink over redrilling brakes.
Storm, I've done some googling, and would love to know where I can get some blank disks from, do you know of any suppliers?
Thanks for the heads up on BMW master cylinder Brad, I'll look into that one a bit further later on.
Scott.

[Storm_X]

i am unsure, you could just try and ring dba.

but one of my friends said he has done a few for people he knows and they where blanks.

[Repco Lad]

Scuzzy,

I have access to blanks through one of our brake parts suppliers. They come as a 'rough cast', which means they do not have holes drilled or the braking surfaces machined.

If you can let me know what size you need, I'll see if they can supply, and how much etc.

Regards

RL

[Storm_X]

i spoke to my friend and he said he did a set on a rally tarmac car and they got the blanks through repco or sprint auto parts.


hay repco lad how much for a pair of alfa 90,75 rotors ?