What do you think of my set up

[vwnewb88]

I know what TB means lol. But as far as the roll bar, im not putting the back seat back in so im not worried about passengers, and i know we are a global market now, but i was looking at buying the lowering spring plates from Red9design.com and the shipping was more then the product, and those are fairly small compared to the rest of the stuff i need/want.

But as far as the breaks go since i will only be pushing about 160hp would you recommend stay with the drum in the back?

[oasis]

Originally Posted by vwnewb88

... since i will only be pushing about 160hp would you recommend stay with the drum in the back?

My '71 was under 160hp (although I never got a chance to actually dyno it). I went with disk rears because I knew I would have moments when I wouldn't just cruise about but actually engage in some spirited driving.

Now having said that, I'm not sure I needed the rear disks. Even if my next car is more robust, I'm not sure I will need rear disks. My driving patterns will probably remain the same (although more robust hp may lead to more robust driving when I'm in the mood).

I chose disks because I could afford it at the time (a big consideration) and I felt better about it since disks are better.

In the end, the front brakes are most important as they do 70% of the braking and how stout your set-up is going to be is more dependent on your driving than your hp.

Others may disagree, my opinion only.

[evilC]

There is nothing intrinsically wrong with the rear drums:
+ve
1) Low/moderate speed braking they are more efficient than discs
2) Good hand brake(parking/emergency brake) function.
3) Unaffected by rain or spray

-ve
1) Retain heat with repeated applications that accumulates and ultimately causes fade.
2) Retain water when driving through shallow streams/fords.
3) Requires periodic adjustment

For normal day to day driving a drum braked rear is a good option. However, for quick driving where repeated application will ultimately see the brades overheat and fade the disc brakes are the preferred route. Disc brakes are not so good as hand/parking/emergency brake nor as good with slow speed work. The 160bhp you envisage will probably not tax the day to day use but anything competitive will be close to the limit even with competition linings - they bring their own concerns as well. The type 3 drums are a standard upgrade on the bug and would offer a noticeable improvement.

A bug requires around a 50/50 brake balance set up since the front end has only 35-40% of the static weight, that means that the caliper sizes should be equal front/rear with the standard master cylinder.

Using a Porsche set up front and rear is near to an ideal solution since you can tailor the caliper sizes to match the balance you are looking for, big powerful brakes are standard and the handbrake is a drum that is efficient. If you are intent on a fine handling/braking super then substitute a 944 front/rear suspension and brakes.

Clive