Club 80-90 Forums

Looking to improve braking performance of my 1.6d T25 and wondered if anyone had any experience of these:

http://ultimate-engineering.co.uk/

Would they significantly improve the braking performance or would it be best to concentrate on increasing the size of the front discs?

With all due respect you have possibly the slowest engine ever fitted to a T25! so if you feel like it's underbraked i suggest the ones you have fitted arn't working as they should and i would consider a overhaul of the standard set-up.

Don't take this the wrong way but standard brakes in good working order should easily stop a 1.6d.

I know it's slow (the brakes are fine at present, they've all been replaced over the past 3 years), but it may not be for much longer!!! I 'm planning a 1.9TDI engine exchange. Combined with the fact we are just about to have our first baby, safety comes before engine. I'm not going to upgrade the engine before the brakes. If that can't be done then I'll leave the engine as it is.

It can be done, it just depends how much you want to spend! but i would have thought even with the mighty 1.9td engine fitted standard brakes in good order should be ample.

There's a guy who does front drilled disc conversions too, he may be worth a look.

http://www.futbus.com

Give him a try

Check to see if its actually got a servo on the brakes.. early ones didnt... so this may explain it..
but standard brakes in good condition with good pads and shoes work very well..
If you really must.. simple option would be to upgrade to the south african front vented setup..
rear discs are not needed until track days/lots more power..

these posts are spot on, the std set up is very good. Is your van particularly heavy?
If you upgrade to rear discs you risk over braking the rear end, this would actually make your van less safe as you could lock the rear wheels earlier/easier. You have to look at the complete set-up including wheels and tyres, if you significantly increase braking power but not the rubber footprint you'll just lock the wheels more easily. You should also consider bias adjustable braking so that you can tune the amount of pressure going to front & rear. To answer your question uprating front brakes is best option.
I've got a GTi conversion and 2 kids under 2, I'd be reluctant to alter spec from a VW std setup as I've learn't everything above from race prepping cars for trackdays and I know from experience it's really easy to get it wrong.
Hope this helps
Chad

Still cant understand why people would go for a rear disc conversion. When you brake hard the braking system automatically reduces pressure to the rear brakes via the brake pressure regulator, preventing them from skidding and spinning you round 180 degrees!
Why then would you need to change to discs?