Best brake upgrade from 256mm without changing hub carriers

[DanHinsley]

So Had my Polo GTI 6R for a while now with the stock 256mm brakes. New wheels and coilovers are sat waiting to go on but I'd like to do brakes at the same. Been reading about Audi TT 312mm brakes but I'd need to change hub carriers from what I've read. Are there any other options which only require discs, pads, calipers and caliper carriers?

Thanks

[iichel]

Pretty sure a gti has either 288 or 312mm. The first will upgrade to the latter with a change of caliper carrier.

[DanHinsley]

Pretty sure a gti has either 288 or 312mm. The first will upgrade to the latter with a change of caliper carrier.

Read multiple things. Demon Tweeks recommends 288mm but euros recommend 256mm. I've got a 10 plate so one of the earlier ones

[RUM4MO]

I'd still think that even an early GTI must have at least 288mm front discs, so the hub carrier with the detachable calliper bracket is already on that car - so changing to bigger diameter discs would be easier.

Edit:- I'll stick my neck out and say, look at the front calliper - has it got FS111 moulded into the casting on the outer face, if so you have 256mm discs, if it has a vertical anti-rattle spring fitted and so no FS111 markings, then it will be a bigger disc size.

Edit:- remember euro, or ECP is quite "generous" with its options it offers so you need to dig in deeper to see what limitations are included in the description for each size offered. Which means you should not just grab the cheapest or the first version/size offered.

[Dink]

The 9n3 gti even had 288mm brakes up front.

I've got a complete 312mm setup off my 6c if you are looking for that

[DanHinsley]

I'd still think that even an early GTI must have at least 288mm front discs, so the hub carrier with the detachable calliper bracket is already on that car - so changing to bigger diameter discs would be easier.

Edit:- I'll stick my neck out and say, look at the front calliper - has it got FS111 moulded into the casting on the outer face, if so you have 256mm discs, if it has a vertical anti-rattle spring fitted and so no FS111 markings, then it will be a bigger disc size.

Edit:- remember euro, or ECP is quite "generous" with its options it offers so you need to dig in deeper to see what limitations are included in the description for each size offered. Which means you should not just grab the cheapest or the first version/size offered.

Yeah I've done a bit more digging and I believe they are 288mm. Just wanted to make sure before I commit to buying a set of calipers and carriers and refurbishing.

[DanHinsley]

The 9n3 gti even had 288mm brakes up front.

I've got a complete 312mm setup off my 6c if you are looking for that

How much are you looking for?

[Dink]

How much are you looking for?

Not sure what they are worth tbh only done 18k and i can chuck in a set of brand new brembo pads.

[DanHinsley]

How much are you looking for?

Not sure what they are worth tbh only done 18k and i can chuck in a set of brand new brembo pads.

Send me a message dude. Won't allow me to compose one yet

[iichel]

Pretty sure a gti has either 288 or 312mm. The first will upgrade to the latter with a change of caliper carrier.

Read multiple things. Demon Tweeks recommends 288mm but euros recommend 256mm. I've got a 10 plate so one of the earlier ones

2010 gti 180hp had 288mm

[RUM4MO]

How much are you looking for?

Not sure what they are worth tbh only done 18k and i can chuck in a set of brand new brembo pads.

Send me a message dude. Won't allow me to compose one yet

I think that if you do not have enough postings yet to send a PM, that other people can not send you a PM, I could be wrong though.

Also, have you checked which callipers are used where, what I mean are, maybe these callipers are the same for 288mm and 310mm discs, there will be better callipers out there, maybe 2 or 4 pot, so just changing the calliper mounting bracket is all you need to do to move up to 310mm discs from 288mm discs, I'm just suggesting that you do enough background checks before buying anything.

[DanHinsley]

Not sure what they are worth tbh only done 18k and i can chuck in a set of brand new brembo pads.

Send me a message dude. Won't allow me to compose one yet

I think that if you do not have enough postings yet to send a PM, that other people can not send you a PM, I could be wrong though.

Also, have you checked which callipers are used where, what I mean are, maybe these callipers are the same for 288mm and 310mm discs, there will be better callipers out there, maybe 2 or 4 pot, so just changing the calliper mounting bracket is all you need to do to move up to 310mm discs from 288mm discs, I'm just suggesting that you do enough background checks before buying anything.

You are correct in regards to both private messages and calipers The same caliper is used so just changing the carrier would allow me to use 312mm discs

[RUM4MO]

Good, it must be one of my lucky days for thinking/guessing!

[Jay-Jay]

You could go for Porsche 986 4pot calipers (986.351.421 and 986.351.422) with specific carriers (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/123649037903?ul_noapp=true) on the 312mm discs.
I think it's a very good alternative.
Much better than the original 54mm single pot calipers.
And, despite the fact everybody says that 312mm discs are not thick enough (25mm), I've never read a single negative experience about this brake upgrade (obviously, don't buy cheap discs).
You'll need to replace your brake hoses with these: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111046291292?ul_noapp=true

Also a little spacer could be needed to ensure clearance with the rims.

[cheba]

So, (as already mentioned) if you have the 288mm ones you only need caliper carriers and rotors to upgrade to 312mm brakes, calipers are the same.

Technically there is an OEM option for 4-piston calipers with the OEM 312x25mm rotors. They are "SEAT SPORT" branded AP Racing calipers found as an option on the Seat Ibiza 6L Cupra. They don't use a caliper carrier and instead bolt directly to the hub. Finding a set can be tricky though, and if you find a set they will likely need a rebuild.

Another OEM option is 334x32mm rotors from mk4 Golf R32, mk2 Audi A3 3.2 or mk1 Audi TT 3.2 with 2-piston calipers (still sliding calipers though). Here you also need calipers, caliper carriers, rotors, pads and probably brake hoses. A nice thing is that the rotors are 2-piece semi-floating ones with aluminium hubs (much like the rotors seen more recently on the Golf GTI Clubsport S and Golf GTI TCR). A big downside is the price (well beyond 1500€ for brand new parts) and if you go for a used set you may still need to rebuild. Once you get into this price range then a brand new V-Maxx 330mm kit with 4-piston calipers and semi-floating 2-piece rotors, or a Brembo GT 323mm kit with 4-piston calipers (1-piece rotors) seems like the better deal.

I recommend this thread to read up on the options that fit cars on the Polo and its platform siblings (use Google Translate if needed): https://www.ibiza-forum.de/index.php/Th ... /?pageNo=2