Need some help with mk1 brake upgrade so I can stop!

**willwho** · 03-02-2013, 12:38 PM

Okay, so I'm finally at a stage where I can start throwing money at the golf again, however because I work two jobs, I don't get much time to do proper research, so I'm hoping someone knowledgeable can help me out

if someone sources where to get all the parts from I'll send a case of beer anywhere in Aus

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Okay so for my brakes, I was looking at Volksee's thread, and the VR6 calipers w/ 280mm discs looked the goods for the front. I already have machined drums with everything I need sitting on the shelf ready to put on the rear.

- Would this combo with mk3 booster and cylinder be a good match?

- What carriers would I need to use for these to match up to my mk1 hub? And where would I source them? If Volksee reads this pm me back mate, I'll buy the kit off you straight away haha.

- Where am I best sourcing mk3 brake booster and cylinder from? I know I can get some in from the uk but is there anyone locally which will be able to source one?

- I need the brake retaining springs for the rear drums which are self adjusting, I'm assuming they came from later models - does anyone have this part number?

- What are people's experiences with using poly bushes all round? Including engine mounts. I can find these kits relatively easily, is there anywhere which sells the OEM or other alternatives?

Thanks to everyone in advance, I'm sure I'll have more questions as I pursue my endeavor to be able to pull up safely haha.

**Peter Jones** · 04-02-2013, 07:01 AM

Mk1 brakes aren't that bad if they're maintained. You're probably just suffering from 30 years of neglected brakes.

The MK3 booster will work OK, and certainly much better than the original one.

A bigger master cylinder might be necessary, but I'd try the MK3 one first.

The most common upgrade is to use MK1 GTI calipers up front over vented discs, but they're getting harder to find these days.

280mm is pretty extreme for a road car, your tyres will never get the best out of them.

MK3 boosters can be gotten from the wreckers, Camden GTI will sell you what you need.

Polybushes work well, I've run all types in all positions. The SuperProPoly ones can be bought from Repco, Super CHeap etc and would be my pick for a road car. They do all the suspension bushes but only do the engine reaction mount.

For the engine mounts You can use the red Prothane ones in all positions but they will transmit noise and vibration into the car. I find the rear gearbox one the worst for this. Diesel mounts are a good choice for the road, perhaps combined with the inserts for the round mounts on either side.

**willwho** · 05-02-2013, 01:07 AM

Yes, most definitely neglected brakes haha!

The rarity/price of the mk1 gti brakes is what lead me to the big brake upgrade - since making this thread i've found that mk3 calipers + carriers are easier to find and you could still have some change left for rotors. i'll keep an ear down to the ground and do some hunting though - obviously the easier/bolt-on option would be better. I do live at the bottom of a mountain range however, so bigger brakes couldn't do much harm i guess. from what i've read the mk3 booster and 22mm cylinder should increase the pedal feel a great deal yes?

I was thinking that with the engine mounts (noise/vibration) - the car i have was once a diesel, and i'm guessing the diesel mounts were once not mushy too! Can these diesel mounts be ordered through repco or similar?

Also another question - fitting a bucket seat. Am I best just molesting one of those crappy universal rails? or are there some magical rails which will match up my golf to the bride replica i just picked up?

Sorry about all of the questions - you seem to be the man around these parts that knows all there is to know about these cars!

**Peter Jones** · 05-02-2013, 07:38 AM

Repco can get the engine mounts but it's a hassle.

Try a VW specialist in your area, it'll be simpler.

Otherwise there's a heap of online sellers that'll deliver the parts.

My favourite is www.germanautoparts.com They're in the US so look for parts under the Golf's American name "Rabbit"
MK3 calipers will work but they're not a bolt on exercise. You either need adaptors or the correct carriers. The correct carriers are the MK3 GTI ones which, as you point out, are getting pretty scarce.

The MK3 booster should improve pedal feel. A lot of the MK1 boosters leak vacuum due to aging now, so it's not uncommon for the motor to run better too.

For seat mounts, the universal ones won't work, the Golf has a 3 point mounting system and the floor isn't flat.

Recaro used to make a seat mounting frame for the Golf but I haven't see one in a while.

I usually make them by modifying the stock MK1 seat frame. There's a couple of examples in my wreck to race thread.

**willwho** · 05-02-2013, 10:54 AM

When isn't repco a hassle haha. I know a few parts interpreters that have been in the game since such a job existed so ill see if I can track some down. Otherwise I'll order from OS.

I'll shoot Camden a message about the boosters and seat frames as unfortunately in Brisbane there's only micks motors that I know of and they specialise in beetles - I haven't seen many mk1s go through there.

What about cooling? Is there any off the shelf alloy rad options off the shelf? Or something close which I can make fit? The end result I want with this car is a reliable weekender which I may enter into a few hill climb events/track fun days.

**Stiggy_21** · 05-02-2013, 12:26 PM

I just got my mk3 MC and booster from Camden GTI, ask Matt, they should have more in stock.

I got my engine mounts from mk1autohaus too

**Peter Jones** · 05-02-2013, 12:33 PM

There are lots of off the shelf radiators, a mk2 radiator is a common upgrade.

In the US the Scirocco sized radiators are commonly used for pro stock drag racing and there's heaps of ally ones available.

JEGS Performance Products 51960 JEGS Racing Radiators

There's often cheap alloy radiators on ebay too.