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DISCUSSION => Suspension => Topic started by: shutter on November 14, 2006, 12:39:56 PM

Title: Girling calipers vrs ATE?
Post by: shutter on November 14, 2006, 12:39:56 PM: My brakes definitely need some work, so my first non tune-up job is going to be the brakes. I haven't been able to get in there much yet b/c I just got out of my sling =] So I have a question about our calipers. My only question really is that I see kits out there to upgrade the rubber guide bushings to machined brass pins. Unfortunately, the only kits out there are for the ATE brakes. I assume our calipers are Girling?? Do our calipers have the rubber bushings or did they already have metal pins?

I think I'm going to replace the fairly beat up rotors as well as the pads. I've been looking at Turner rotors b/c they are decently priced in the kit. Anybody have any reviews of their rotors? I'm tempted to do it up and get the nicer kit with braided lines and slotted rotors b/c the kit price is pretty decent.
Title: Girling calipers vrs ATE?
Post by: bmwman91 on November 14, 2006, 12:42:32 PM: The rears ate usually ATE and the front units are commonly Girlings. The stockers had rubber guide bushings. I did the solid guides and I do not think it did too much. Maybe if it was a track car it would have been worth it.

Also, braided lines are a VERY good upgrade. Pedal firmness goes through the roof.
Title: Girling calipers vrs ATE?
Post by: dude8383 on November 14, 2006, 05:21:46 PM: Quote from: bmwman91;13741
The rears ate usually ATE and the front units are commonly Girlings. The stockers had rubber guide bushings. I did the solid guides and I do not think it did too much. Maybe if it was a track car it would have been worth it.

Also, braided lines are a VERY good upgrade. Pedal firmness goes through the roof.

Definitly going to get braided lines when the subframe comes down for bushings..
Title: Girling calipers vrs ATE?
Post by: e9nine on November 14, 2006, 08:55:33 PM: Quote from: bmwman91;13741
The rears ate usually ATE and the front units are commonly Girlings. The stockers had rubber guide bushings. I did the solid guides and I do not think it did too much. Maybe if it was a track car it would have been worth it.

Also, braided lines are a VERY good upgrade. Pedal firmness goes through the roof.

I thought it was the other way around - ATE fronts & Girling Rears. I'll check mine sometime soon and post an update. I have had one m42 car that came with ATE fronts and Girling rears. All others have been Girling on all 4 corners
Title: Girling calipers vrs ATE?
Post by: sheepdog on November 14, 2006, 08:59:18 PM: Unless you are tracking the car (and even then it is questionable) I would just do better pads, fluid and braided lines.

Hell, after just better pads this car brakes better than almost any other car I have driven.
Title: Girling calipers vrs ATE?
Post by: bmwman91 on November 14, 2006, 11:38:15 PM: I think I heard that the brakes were sorta mix-n-match toward the end of the E30 build generation. Could explain a little.
Title: Girling calipers vrs ATE?
Post by: shutter on November 15, 2006, 12:21:22 AM: I'm only thinking new rotors b/c the old ones look pretty beat with the summer rims on (mags), doesn't matter so much now :( Figured I'd do it all at once.
Title: Girling calipers vrs ATE?
Post by: Alpine003 on November 15, 2006, 01:10:21 PM: Imo, just get the Brembo blanks and be done with it. No need for fancy rotors.

BTW, I'll have some new Pagid rears for sale soon.
Title: Girling calipers vrs ATE?
Post by: shutter on November 15, 2006, 11:09:51 PM: Yeah, I agree. I just posted in a dreamlike excitement. I'll have more than enough stopping power with some maintenence and the lines ;)