Early or Older?
Pre '85 944 brakes are more than enough for most Bugs on the street. If you want to go for late 944 brakes and spend more money to look good... go for it but technically wise you won't need them.
MG

The early 944 brakes are a known straight forward swap onto a Beetle. They are the single piston caliper which is easy to rebuild and parts are cheap. On the down side the front rotors are mounted inside the hub and all has to come off to change them.

The later 944 brakes were again single pot calipers. But the front rotors sat outside the hub and can be changed easily. Parts are more expensive for some of the stuff, but some are carry-over parts from the earlier 944.

Special sport models and the Turbo are totally different animals. Parts are expensive, but you get the big calipers. Also I do not think the 15" wheels can be used..?

In my opinion it is better to go with the early 944 parts just because the rotors are cheaper as they interchange with the 911 units. Granted the method of mounting is a big factor here as well. 944 bearings or Beetle bearings? What machining do you want to do? Blah blah blah.

Good Luck,

is there a "manual" on how to put 944 brakes on a beetle? and if not how hard or easy is it to put the brakes on?

Check out Performance Ghia (my website), German Look technical articles, http://www.ricola.co.uk amongst others.
What is your bug? this makes a big difference as to how you fit them.
MG

it is a 1303

What year? if it's post '73 then you have an almost bolt on application.
Check out all the websites with info on how to fit them.
http://www.performanceghia.com
German Look technical articles
MG

993TT brake components
 

I can weigh the spindle/rotor/hub/bearings/adapter/caliper assembly if any one wants me to.

I'm just afraid of how heavy it really is !! Add the 18" wheels and it's scary !

I want to track race my car and I have no trouble going to 16" or 17" setup if I need to.... live and learn. I hope I can sell my setup if I have to !! :eek:

Sandeep