GSX Calipers to GST??

[fade2black]

A newbie here, what would be involved in putting 2G GSX calipers on a 2G GST? Is it even worth it (as an upgrade)? Lastly are the rears the same for both? Thanx in advance.

 

[NJGSX96]

Taken from the VFAQ on big brakes:

What parts do I need to upgrade to 'Big Brakes'?

1G: You will need the 2-piston calipers, hub-to-caliper mounting brackets, shimming hardware, brake pads and rotors. (NOTE: some 95 AWDs also come with the banjo fittings, so make sure the calipers you get have the threaded fitting not the banjo bolt fitting, if transplanting to a 1G.)
2G FWD: Same as 1G, except that you if you get 2G AWD calipers that don't have banjo bolt fittings, you will need to replace the brake line with a custom SS line to fit the body and caliper. If you get 2G AWD calipers that use the banjo fitting at the caliper, I believe they will bolt onto the FWD, though I have heard reports that the banjo fittings may be different sizes.


What can I use as a donor car to get the parts from a salvage yard, or to reference when ordering new parts?

Any '93+ DSM AWD, '91+ non-turbo Dodge Stealth / Mitsu 3000GT, or '92-'96 Mitsu Diamante.


Do I need to cut, weld or fabricate in any way to install these brakes?

No, everything is bolt-on.


Do I need to get new brake dust shields to clear the larger rotors?

No, the existing dust shields will clear the bigger rotors (barely), and it avoids the major task of pulling the front hubs and drive shafts to replace them.


Can I use aftermarket pads, or do I need to buy them from the dealer to get the shimming hardware?

Most aftermarket pads and calipers do not come with shimming hardware, so you will need to search around to find it (Pep Boys, NAPA, et al). If you can't find the shims anywhere, you will have to buy factory pads to obtain them. Yes, those shimming clips are important for the life of your brakes (and you too!). Without them, you may have excessive clearance and the pads may rattle in the caliper, or become misaligned, possibly reducing brake effectiveness and unevenly wearing the rotor.


I don't want to buy used calipers / rotors from a salvage yard, or I can't find them anywhere. Where else can I get them?

Try any of the various aftermarket dealers, one of the dealerships that offer discounts, or your local auto parts store. They can sell you new rotors or new / rebuilt calipers, whatever you desire.
NOTE: Be sure that the calipers you are purchasing come with the hub mounting brackets. The calipers are useless otherwise since the brackets are not sold separately.

 

[fade2black]

Thanx alot for the info NJGSX96.

 

[NJGSX96]

No problem. It's a great mod. I did it to my 1992 Tsi. Make sure you use a good brake pad. I personally like the Porterfield R4S.

 

[IPT]

GREAT info. I am going to the salvage yard this week or next to get the "big Brakes". Your in fo was exactly what I wanted to know. LAter

 

[fade2black]

Rich, do you HAVE to upsize the rotors to use the calipers? I just put new rotors (drilled and slotted brembo) all around on my car last month.

 

[gstspyder1998]

Which is better the 1g or 2g calipers??? Also will a 1g caliper fit the 2g GST (if the 1g is better)???

 

[gstspyder1998]

Originally posted by gstspyder1998
Which is better the 1g or 2g calipers??? Also will a 1g caliper fit the 2g GST (if the 1g is better)???

Anybody???

 

[RamenPride]

Originally posted by gstspyder1998
Which is better the 1g or 2g calipers??? Also will a 1g caliper fit the 2g GST (if the 1g is better)???

they're basically the same. some time in 95, they went to a banjo bolt fitting for the brake lines.

 

[Kokomo]

I say get the 2G AWD calipers or any caliper with the banjo fitting... so you avoid trying to find/make a custom brake line for your calipers with the threaded fitting. Also, makes it easier if you're adding SS lines.

 

[ryan2987]

on my 95 Tsi FWD i was thinking about getting the AEM big brake rotors for an AWD. So would i also need the 95+ AWD caliber and where on the internet can i find these?