Brake options please

[DrGonzoPOW]

Took the car out for a thrash yesterday as the tax runs out in the next couple of days and im not going to bother putting some more on until the weather starts getting nice again.
I took it into the middle of no-where and gave it a proper hammering and i never realised how shite the brakes really are. So...its one of them things that has been covered before i know, but what are the options ? Wilwoods are out of the question because of the price. Ive heard about the Volvo and Alfa calipers fitting, whats the case with those ? And is it worth changing the rears to discs or just beefing up the fronts ? Id like to keep costs to a minimum as crimbo has wiped me out a wee bit.

I would be nice to have a go at some track days next year so brakes are going to be important!

[e21-Mark]

Unless you've got your standard fronts in tip-top order I wouldn't bother with swapping the rears. The Volvo 4 pots worked well enough but you've got to find a set and then mod them. Keep looking out for second-hand Wilwoods. I've bought 3 sets in 12 months so they are out there. Alternatively just save for them as they're worth the dough.

Meanwhile, get decent discs and some upgraded pads. I found EBC worked well enough. Then use fresh fluid & braided hoses.

[nas80]

Fresh fluid and properly adjusted drums make a big difference.

[DrGonzoPOW]

Could do with an overhaul i guess. Never really touched the brakes.
How much is the going rate for a set of Wilwood calipers out of interest. Prob more than im willing to spend but then again its probably something i should spend money on above other things.

[drjim]

I had 323i spec calipers and discs on the slug/blue car for trackdays and they were fantastic once I added DS2500 pads and braided hoses. Currently have the set off the Slug on my Baur, and feel no need for more brakes.

Get some 323i kit on it or just decent pads new hoses and fluid on your current calipers and you'll be fine

Jim

[e21-Mark]

Once you've got 323 spec brakes with good pads & braided hoses you'll probably be happy enough for road use. Wilwoods seem to make around £200 used but then you need mounts, pads & hoses.

[DrGonzoPOW]

Ive got a set of 323 calipers lying around somewhere but they need new seals on. Remember struggling to get the pistons out with some old ones i refurbed donkies ago. Whats the best way/technique to do that ?

[e21-Mark]

Use an air line.

[DrGonzoPOW]

AH! Bingo, good thinking!

[DrGonzoPOW]

Does anyone know off the top of their heads what size and length braided hoses are needed ? Tar

[drjim]

I usually just buy a goodridge set off ebay, for the right car.

[DrGonzoPOW]

Yeah was looking at them. On the description though....it says E21 models 316 - 325 exc - 323i.
That doesnt make much sense does it ? Firstly there aint no 325 E21, and why would they not fit 323 calipers when their just the same as the other models but with a spacers in ???

[Reck]

Careful of the braided hoses on ebay. I bought a set from HEL and they didn't fit - unfortunately I'd missed the 30 day return window so they wouldn't let me exchange and ignored all my emails. 60 quid down the pan!

[DrGonzoPOW]

Mmm, not sure which one's to go for on ebays. Like i said the descriptions are confusing! Are the 320 and 323 lines different ? Other than the spacer in the caliper i thought they were the same ?

[drjim]

Fronts are same

320/316 has rear drums so just has flexi from car body to trailing arm. 323i has another flexi from trailing arm to caliper.

Jim