Flagg

I have a friend who was not able to start or drive his 1993 911 RSA for years. This was not expected and he did not prepare the car for storage.

He is now getting it back on the road for the 2005 Parade. He has taken to a shop that he really trust, that has a great rep, and works amost exclusively on Porsches. He is lucky that the engine seems to be ok.

He just told me that it was discovered that the calipers are shot - aparently the brake fluid crystallized within the calipers? He is looking at all new calipers, or he could spend a bit more money, for the C2 Brembo Big Red kit. He is being quoted around $3800 for the entire Brembo kit. The mechanic told him brakes are rated in horsepower and they are about twice as effective as stock. 1,800 HP vs 1000?

He is trying to decide on if he should go for it. Who on this page has the Big Reds, and is he being quoted a good price, and are they totally awesome or what?

Thanks, Flagg

LA964RS

I put big reds on my 964 and it was a big improvement. I'm used to it now, but remember when first installed it was so much better than stock. You may want to check for used as there are some sources that are pretty good instead of dropping the $3.8k. I spent $1.5k on mine w/rotors.

garrett376

You can get the same sized caliper (the BIG 993TT size), mind you they are black, for $270 per caliper. Yes, and that is brand new, from the dealer.

Bill Gregory

If your friend is just using the RSA for street usage, there's no reason to upgrade the brakes, unless he likes the red color. Of course Big Blacks, as mentioned, are an option, you just have to swap the inlets and crossover pipes on the calipers.

Flagg

I have thought about these Big Reds for myself next time I need to replace rotors, because so many people talk about them. I have been to the track several times before, and may make it again, but that is not a big part of my life right now.

However I have been trying to get back into autocrossing. Would the Big Reds help with Autocrossing???

Just curious? Thanks!

Flagg

Monique

I have Big Reds as standard fit on my car.

FWIW, unless you do very serious track or racing, these are overkill. ( I can keep up to 993TT at the track... coz I can brake later )

Still, no necessity in my view. Wheel size might be an issue also. This could cost your bud lots more than he expects.

Smokin

The PO installed big reds on my car. As Bill Cosby says... It'll "stop on a dime and give you nine cents change." It's always nice to be able to stop more quickly.

jimq

Be nice if the monster SUV's always sitting on your tail could stop just as fast

Flagg

YES, I look in the mirror whenever I have to break fast on the road - because I know that I can outbreak almost anything out there........

So very serious track or racing?

So I would not see much of a difference autocrossing? It sounds like people are saying that I do not need this modification unless I start getting back to the track..............

Anyone know about these braking HP figures, and how they are calculated??

Flagg

Monique

If you spot a difference in autoX, let me know. They are great brakes but far in excess of the need... IMHO again. Put your moolah in another mod like coil overs or close ratio gearbox.

Manny Alban

I've had big reds for about three years and my car is almost exclusively used for track and club race events. Interestingly, I found that big reds didn't help me go any deeper into a turn, tire compound and track conditions played a bigger part in that, however, I go could deep as I could with the stock brakes and NEVER overheat. I had the cooling ducts and SRF fluid with the stock calipers and overheating and brake management was always an issue during a race. Now I bleed the brakes every few events, not because it needs it, but because I feel guilty for not doing it

I know the prices have gone up recently, partially because of the dollar vs. euro exchange. When I bought mine, the red calipers were $299 and the rotors were $129.

I think in autocrossing, they will actually hurt you. More unsprung weight and depending the pads, it'll take longer to heat up, BUT, since I only autocross for fun, I can live with the disadvantages.

Flagg

Thanks, as always, for everyone's comments and advice!

Flagg

ventoGT

Talk to Steve Weiner at Rennsport as well--I know at least for the 993 there is a TT front/RS rear brake combo that is nowhere near $3800 [that sounds like stealership prices]...he is a sponsor on the site and a great resource for knowledge and parts

alkudsi

Guys,

I am contemplatring BIG Reds but only for the front wheels? Does it make sense? Will it upset the braking balance?

garrett376

If you're just driving on the street, you probably won't notice any difference other than pedal feel as the bigger brakes bite harder. The balance will be affected, but on the street it won't make much difference that would cause trouble.