upgrading to disc: is it silly to just use stock Ghia parts?

[oasis]

When I was assisting my mechanic with the comprehensive TopLine install, I had a camera with me. I didn't take any pics because it was going rather quickly and I didn't want to incur any delays which would have meant more money. In fact, the most difficult thing to do was removing parts (the stock struts and springs especially) which had been there for so many years.

I have four-wheel disks on mine. Once I get the drivetrain upgraded, I will have a better sense if I need to upgrade the braking any further. I was pleasantly surprised how well the TopLine brakes perform and I am not so sure I will need an upgrade. If I do, I already know VeeDubEngineering (formerly VeeDubCustoms) will be getting my call.

A pictorial would be cool.

[V.waffe 3]

I just put my Topline brake kit on last weekend and man was a dream to work with. I suggest that anyone that needs brakes and do not want the expense of big, beautiful Porsche stuff or just need some disc till you can afford the Porsche stuff ( because who wouldn't want Porsche stuff) I highly reccommend Toplines kit. For 300.00 USD it can't be beat. I also suggest that you look at the tech article done by SuperBeetles.com The guy was a tad anal about the install, but it is a well written and easy to follow set of instructions. I took a bunch of pictures and will try to get those posted.

You might want to do a type 3 rear drum setup too. It is a simple bolt on from the backing plate out. bigger drum and shoe than stock. It's a nice complement to the Topline disks I put up front.

[V.waffe 3]

Will look into that. I saw the same reccommendation on the aircooled.net site. So, I will need everything including: backing plate, shoes, brake cylinders,and drums right? Will I need to step up to a larger master cylinder? And do I need different rear brake hoses ? I would like some Goodridge ss hoses like I got for the front with Topline's kit, but all I have seen is full 4pc kits for like 100.00usd or so. Do you know where I could get the rear lines? Thanks for the advice, Ryan :agree:

[oasis]

Originally Posted by V.waffe 3

Will I need to step up to a larger master cylinder? And do I need different rear brake hoses ? I would like some Goodridge ss hoses like I got for the front with Topline's kit, but all I have seen is full 4pc kits for like 100.00usd or so. Do you know where I could get the rear lines?

You won't need a change in a master cylinder and you won't need a proportioning valve. (You didn't ask about the second part but I remembered that from when I made my inquiry.) I don't think you will need different brake hoses but you may want them. One option is to talk to Jon at TopLine. He may sell the anscillary parts that come with the rear disk brakes separately. He certainly will know what you will need as this is not an uncommon upgrade.

Originally Posted by V.waffe 3

So, I will need everything including: backing plate, shoes, brake cylinders,and drums right?

That I don't remember as I opted for TopLine's rear disks. Again, Jon is an upfront man and knows his stuff.

[V.waffe 3]

Thanks Oasis,

I may also be getting the Topline rear kit if I sell off my N/A 944 stuff. Do you think a larger master cylinder would be of any use even though it is unnecessary? I have heard that a larger bore made pedal effort slightly higher, but also gave faster results. Have you heard this? Do you feel that it is worth it. Thanks again, Ryan

[oasis]

Someone else will have to answer on the pros and cons of a larger master cylinder.

When it came to the rear brakes, I was told it was unnecessary to go with rear disks versus Type 3 drums since the front brakes do most (70%) of the braking. I was locked in on wanting four-wheel disks for a variety of reasons and pursued that line of inquiry. I opted for four-wheel disks anyway.

When it came to changing master cylinders or adding proportioning valves, hearing they were unnecessary was good enough for me. I didn't pursue additional info as I was content to keep things as simple as possible.

I figured I could add to my braking if it became necessary. Until I improve the drivetrain, I won't know if it will be necessary. My experience is totally stock and my current TopLine four-wheel disk set-up. I am ill-equipped to compare anything else.