Front Brakes - 302mm?

Post by **ojdorson** » 31 Mar 2011, 11:26

I need to replace the front rotors and pads on my '96 850R.

I've read up on the 302mm conversion and have seen FCP's kits. I only need to do fronts right now - they backs should be good for another year. Does it make sense to put together the front-only 302mm kit (brackets, discs, pads, ss lines)? Would I get just as good an upgrade with quality rotors, ss lines and Akebono ceramics, without going larger?

Has anyone done this "on the cheap"? If I get the brackets from the junkyard, what models have the larger caliper brackets? If I'm in the junkyard anyway, what does it take to put on the S60R brembo brakes?

Post by **jblackburn** » 31 Mar 2011, 12:07

Very few cars have the 302mm package. Some S70 T5's do, but they're pretty rare. I don't know about the R's, but 98 models don't.

Unless you race or tow, I would just go with the good rotors and ceramic pads.

Post by **ojdorson** » 31 Mar 2011, 12:21

I do not race or tow, but I do very much like strong brakes. I figured that since the only difference in cost is the one-time bracket purchase (~$100, less if I can get them at the junkyard!), it might really make sense. Are you saying not to bother because there really isn't much of a performance difference?

Post by **jblackburn** » 31 Mar 2011, 13:37

My S70 has a supposed "sport package" from the factory on it. Very very few S70s had this; you might be able to find them on a t5-se or a 99/00 R - very few of which are probably in a junkyard.

Do they make a huge difference? No idea, it does stop nicely though. FInding parts is a problem; I had to special_order my rotors.

Post by **ojdorson** » 31 Mar 2011, 15:16

Okay, after looking around, I think I can get the brackets for $50-60 bucks total. The rotors don't cost anything extra and pads are the same. I need longer brake lines, but I was going to replace those anyhow. Also, none of this stuff would be hard to find as it's all standard parts on the 2000 V70R and others.

So, the cost of upgrading to 302mm front brakes is $50-60 extra. Isn't that worth it?

Post by **JDS60R** » 31 Mar 2011, 16:32

Where did you find the brackets for $60 ????

Post by **ojdorson** » 31 Mar 2011, 17:43

Task says $24 each. They say $0 core charge, but I've read elsewhere that it's $10/ea. I guess that's $70, then.

Post by **jblackburn** » 31 Mar 2011, 19:05

At that price, go for it. I always thought the upgrade kits were way overpriced.

Post by **Red-Arrow** » 31 Mar 2011, 21:44

Better tires with good brakes are better than big disc, same caliper and average tires. Good tires ain't cheap but don't brake the bank on a big brake upgrade. Replacing the rubber hoses will give that race brake pedal feel.

Post by **jblackburn** » 01 Apr 2011, 07:34

Agreed. The brakes themselves probably aren't all that much stronger - the 280's will stop the car just as quickly from 70 mph or so, but the big ones with ceramic pads will stop - repeatedly - or under heavy load faster since they'll bleed off the heat better. That's why I asked if you were racing/towing.

I don't like the OEM rotors; my last set were pretty warped. I was able to call FCP and they ordered me some of the big cross-drilled Zimmermans.