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Author Topic: Brake Upgrade  (Read 1433 times)

Offline neo_ed30

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Brake Upgrade
« on: February 23, 2024, 03:13:42 pm »
Hi guys,

Looking to upgrade to GTI PP fronts. I've found these on ebay - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305400086588

They're brand new OEM VW calipers + carriers with OEM VW pads and Delphi discs. The price doesn't look too bad just wanted to get your guys opinions.

Also they are unpainted, how hard would it be to paint them myself? I looked at some shops that paint calipers and they're charging £150+

I did consider getting some used but I have no clue what I would be looking for as I'm a complete noob when it comes to cars and might get ripped off, and on top of that they would probably need a refurb. So I don't mind paying extra for a new set.

Thanks for any replies


Offline neo_ed30

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Re: Brake Upgrade
« Reply #2 on: February 23, 2024, 05:52:35 pm »
I think that kit is 312mm, for 340mm you need this one - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305406156646?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20200818143230%26meid%3Dc29f3ab47a374c3eb792f6a61abc30dc%26pid%3D101224%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D305400086588%26itm%3D305406156646%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D4429486%26algv%3DDefaultOrganicWebV9BertRefreshRanker%26brand%3DVolkswagen&_trksid=p4429486.c101224.m-1

A £25 tin of red Foliatec caliper paint and you're all set.  You will also need the 'GTI' metal plaques to stick in the middle of the calipers if you want to go that far.

Or a used set to make life easier - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/176213045015?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20200818143230%26meid%3Dc29f3ab47a374c3eb792f6a61abc30dc%26pid%3D101224%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D305400086588%26itm%3D176213045015%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D4429486%26algv%3DDefaultOrganicWebV9BertRefreshRanker%26brand%3DGTI&_trksid=p4429486.c101224.m-1

I did actually contact the used seller but he would only take cash on collection which I was uncomfortable with as theres no trace of him selling it to me so if there was and issue im screwed.

With regards to the first link it does say in the description 340mm so I believe it is the right one.

Another question, one of my rear caliper is sticky and a disc is warped. I could replace the caliper + disc for say £140 or I could upgrade to the R32 setup for £375. Is spending that extra £250 or so worth it? Since im upgrading the fronts there might be an imbalance if i stayed stock rears?

Cheers

Offline Flyingscotsman

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Re: Brake Upgrade
« Reply #3 on: February 25, 2024, 10:28:53 am »
I did this conversion a few years ago & noticed big improvement.  I have standard rears and don't notice any issues.  You will notice more travel on the pedal but braking is much better.

I would go for the new calipers and paint them. You never know with second hand - you might need to refurb them and price difference not huge.

Offline Lewo

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Re: Brake Upgrade
« Reply #4 on: February 26, 2024, 09:29:12 pm »
I bought some 7r's on Ebay from a German outfit, before brexit. Don't know if they still ship to Uk or not now? Prices by the look of it have shot up by the looks of.
Also have a look an Autodoc as well.
I'd get painted already as it's a right faff doing it yourself!!
Can't remember their name now but if you search for the brake thread on here you will get more info.

EDIT
here you go https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,108106.0.html

Offline neo_ed30

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Re: Brake Upgrade
« Reply #5 on: February 27, 2024, 11:46:53 am »
I bought some 7r's on Ebay from a German outfit, before brexit. Don't know if they still ship to Uk or not now? Prices by the look of it have shot up by the looks of.
Also have a look an Autodoc as well.
I'd get painted already as it's a right faff doing it yourself!!
Can't remember their name now but if you search for the brake thread on here you will get more info.

EDIT
here you go https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,108106.0.html

Thanks for the reply mate.

I have seen a couple of painted ones but I could only find them from german sellers and now with the 25% import/vat nonsense id be paying an extra £100 or so.

I also had a look on autodoc an unfortunately they only sell refurbed calipers, in total it comes to £400 for caliper + carrier. Whereas for the new/unpainted ones its around £320 if you minus the pads/discs from the link I posted. So for £80 less I'm getting new/unpainted instead of refurbed/painted which seems like a better deal to me.

If you dont mind me asking, why do you say its a faff to paint them? I just assumed you cover all the moving parts then put 2 layers of the foliatec stuff pudding mentioned.
« Last Edit: February 27, 2024, 11:49:39 am by neo_ed30 »

Offline GreigC

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Re: Brake Upgrade
« Reply #6 on: February 27, 2024, 01:10:24 pm »
I also have MK7 Golf R calipers, disks and pads on my MK5 GTI.

Offline fakie1977

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Brake Upgrade
« Reply #7 on: February 27, 2024, 01:58:53 pm »
I have a set of unpainted R32 front carriers if that helps (managed to get a set of painted ones afterwards). Not sure if they are different to the MK7 ones. Let me know.


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