E30 M3 brakes

[e21Mark]

I've been looking at front brake upgrades for my M3 and understand Porsche 996 calliper are a good option? I just wondered if anyone here has converted their brakes and what the sensibly priced options might be?

[stevesingo]

The problem you will find is space for a opposing piston caliper behind the stock or BBS RS wheels. If you are prepared to change the wheel for something with the spokes nearer the rim, then there are plenty of options.

There are options using stock calipers from other models and the Porsche Brembos http://300mm.de/bremsanlage.htm

Have a look here http://www.massivebrakes.com/brake-systems.php

BG Developments do a kit using 304mm discs and AP Racing calipers.


Or these if you want to go racing

http://classifieds.s14power.com/parts-sale/p929-ap...

[e21Mark]

Thanks for that. Plenty of info to work through! I'm not running stock rims so will hopefully have room for something larger?

[stevesingo]

Diameter is not the problem, you can get a 330mm disc behind a 16" Stock wheel.

The problem is the space between the back of the spokes and the disc face. You can offset the disc a little (6mm) to gain some space, but I think you may run it to issues with those rims. E39 5series fitment I think?

[warsteiner///M3]

hello mark,
same wheels..........
i've fitted e46 m3 front discs and calipers to mine.
i had a double hubcentric spacer made, and its fitted between the hub and the disc.
its hubcentric on the inside, so that it sits on the hub properly,
then on the outer side it has a hubcentric shoulder to locate the disc centrally, then another hubcentric shoulder to hold the wheel properly.
next time i take off the wheel / caliper / disc, i'll get a pic for you if you need it...........

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glenn

[stevesingo]

Glenn,

What is your effective ET?

[e21Mark]

Must admit the Porsche 996?callipers are most appealing option so far. Actually the AP are gorgeous but well out of budget.

Are the e46 callipers better performance wise though?

[stevesingo]

I expect the E46 brake will work well in a car with 25% less mass, but I guess they will be heavy. I don't think a Porsche caliper will fit behind those wheels. The kits from 300mm.de work really well for not much more weight.

The DIY method http://wp1016621.server-he.de/fotost/f00464/f00464...

[e21Mark]

I'm thinking of ordering a set of Compomotive TH as they say they'll give the clearance I'll need for the Porsche callipers. It'll mean waiting a few weeks but they want less for a new set, than I've seen some folk pay for used! I've also found a pal with the detail for the mounting brackets, so could potentially be a simple enough conversion. Am I likely to have any bias issue though?

Also, what pads would you run? I'm pretty sure Ferodo are currently fitted, although I much prefer Hawk (considering they're not stupidly expensive and work well from cold)

[Output Flange]

A question from a step back - WHY are you upgrading the brakes? What problem are you trying to fix?

[stevesingo]

e21Mark said:

I'm thinking of ordering a set of Compomotive TH as they say they'll give the clearance I'll need for the Porsche callipers. It'll mean waiting a few weeks but they want less for a new set, than I've seen some folk pay for used! I've also found a pal with the detail for the mounting brackets, so could potentially be a simple enough conversion. Am I likely to have any bias issue though?

Also, what pads would you run? I'm pretty sure Ferodo are currently fitted, although I much prefer Hawk (considering they're not stupidly expensive and work well from cold)

There is a stock proportioning valve in the rear line just below the master cylinder that you can remove if you feel you have too much fwd bias.

[e21Mark]

Output Flange said:

A question from a step back - WHY are you upgrading the brakes? What problem are you trying to fix?

Fade. Initially brakes are fine but after a few corners there is noticeable fade.

I've also been looking at exhausts as the current Scorpion system doesn't sound great and I haven't read great things. Like the look of www.zeroexhausts.co.uk system and that manifold is a work of art! Anyone got any suggestions?

[Output Flange]

Then all you need to do is put some better pads in and you'll be sorted. Try some RS29s.