VintageRacer

This is a driver and street-only car, and I am not concerned about being period correct.

I've found a 911T that needs a four wheel brake rebuild.
1) Should I try to rebuild the calipers or buy new?
2) Is it OK to turn the rotors if they stay within spec or just buy new?
3) I assume new brake lines should be purchased? (they look original)
4) I assume the master cylinder should be rebuilt?
5) Other suggestions (including an upgrade to a newer complete brake system)?

The shocks seem OEM.
1) I need new ones. Any suggestions for replacements?

I plan to carefully check the entire suspension.
1) Is there anything (beside the usual items) that need to be double checked?

Yea, I tried a search but mostly found info on the newer cars. I did a search on a few other early 911 sites (I found the links here) but couldn't find one with a good tech section(s).

Thanks....

Roadslayer

Dear VintageRacer; It's depends on how much money you want to spend and your skill level. If you're poor like me and mechanically 'gifted', you can rebuild them yourself. That is, if they can be rebuilt and are not 'stuck'.
Yes,you can turn the rotors if they're within spec.
And buy new brake lines.
Sorry. Can't help you on shocks as I'm 'shock challenged' and am still trying to figure out what a shock is. "Cheers" Roadslayer

VintageRacer

Thanks Roadslayer,
I should have explained more thoroughly.

In vintage racing we rarely rebuild. We buy new stuff (example: a rebuilt caliper just will not perform as well as a new one). I wanted to check and see if others that street their car prefer rebuilt or new. We never turn (machine) a rotor as you will lose metal, and it will certainly crack at a bad time.

I plan to get the parts from advertisers of this site. I just need guidance as to the new caliper vs. rebuild kit (I am a good weekend [slow] mechanic). I was also curious as to an update on the complete brake system (why save money when you can have better performance )?

Stevie 77 930

All of the ATE calipers are very rebuildable (unless the pistons are rusted) as well as the master cylinder. Save the money there, but spend the money on all new rotors, pads (of course) and factory brake lines. You will have a braking system thats is as good as you need and factory new. Go with Bilstein HD all the way around and you won't go wrong. If you want to save a few bucks then use Boge. Again, factory new just as the care was built.

Roadslayer

Thanks for clarifying that. Now I understand. I dabble in that crowd myself. Someday I may update to 'S' brakes on my '69T. That's after I mount a 917 flat 12 in mine. "Cheers" Roadslayer

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Hi:

1) Rebuild your calipers as long as the bores & pistons are not corroded. If thats the case, buy rebuilt ones and return yours as cores.

2) We do not turn rotors; if they are worn close to the limits, they get replaced since they are cheap and turned rotors warp faster.

3) Replace all 4 rubber lines, for sure.

4) Never rebuild an MC,...replace it. The sphincter-tightening feeling when a "rebuilt" one fails can put you on a first-name basis with a body shop and at worst, the ER. Its not worth it.

5) For a daily driver, T brakes are OK. If you want better brakes, install SC front calipers (if you have S struts).

6) Replace shocks with Bilstein HD's, F & R. Nothing is better and they have an excellent warranty.

7) Carefully examine the suspension bushings. They do not last forever. Replace original tie-rods with Turbo ones.


Hope this helps,

VintageRacer

Thanks for all the great tech.

I know where I'll be buying the parts I need.

I wonder if this would fit ?

Roadslayer

"Good one,VintageRacer. Never thought of that." Now lets' see. I could flip the tranny around,swap the gears and buy a J.C. Whitney adapto kit to bolt a Ferrari engine to a 901 gearbox for just $19.95. The Ferrari motor is probably cheaper then a 917,anyway. "Hey,thanks." Think of the money I'll save. I'll get right on it. Now lets see. Where'd I put that Saws All? "Cheers" Roadslayer

LongARM

Is that Ferrari engine laying on the side of the road...???
just fell out...????

LongARM

How can i tell whether i have A,S or M calipers. 1977 911S , calipers say ATE on them..??? and look like an alloy.

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Place a magnet on 'em,........if they stick, you have "A" or "M" calipers since "S" ones are aluminum.

LongARM

thanks for the help..