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Whats the best braking system for a beetle?
sax - April 29th, 2005 at 11:01 PM

It's a 65 with 4 quaint little drums.

If money was not too much of an object what is the best 4 wheel disc setup for hardcore braking and generally fanging everywhere? Would like to have no wheel clearance issues for wide 5, 14 inch rims.

Is there a tried and tested formula of use this master cyl. with that brand caliper on certain disc that works best?

I'm expecting to have to cough up heaps if I do it, but how much?
Seen kits at Rydalmere but I'd guess the best place to source this stuff is O.S. I just wonder if there is a piss easy way to have really strong brakes without spending a fortune.

I shoulda asked the racing guys when I was at Wakefield Park
the silver beetle was running. (mostly)

Seriously though, what is the go?


HGFS - April 30th, 2005 at 01:03 AM

I may be wrong but I think your options are relatively limited when you want to keep the "wide 5" pattern. CSP in Germany & CB Performance are the 2 main systems that I know of that are meant to be top notch.

CSP are dearer but being German they're meant to be really well engineered. They come in vented front too if you're real serious. Don't think they add track??

CB kits you can get now either with or without drop spindles, the spindles will add width though. $600 US each for front & rear kits, plus shipping etc. Surely the difference between either of these & your current drums will be night & day. I didn't have too much confidence in the drums on my 64...the Oval will be getting discs for sure.

I think both kits are for 15 inch wheels, CSP may have an option for 14's not sure though. http://www.csp-shop.de 

Hope this helps.


malcolm - April 30th, 2005 at 04:19 AM

john shermon in Queensland


Che Castro - April 30th, 2005 at 09:43 AM

Your choice is going to be limited if you are sticking to wide 5 and 14inch rims. The CSP kits look good, although it isnt cheap at all, and you might need 15" rims to clear the caliper?? Rear end the EA/EB Falcon rear disc setup is good, or the XF setup which I think is vented.

On the other side there is the Porsche 944 Turbo setup which is 4 pot brembos all round. Some guys have used it with the Kombi M/C and have had good results. Although you'll need bigger rims to clear them as well. Whichever brake setup it is, it'll only ever brake as good as your tyres are.

I think the most cost effective good brake setup is the stock later discs with standard or type3 drums at the back, with fresh fluid, good pads/shoes and some sticky tyres.


lugnuts - April 30th, 2005 at 02:56 PM

I think if u stay with 14in rims your options are severely limited.:duh