3kgt vr4 brake upgrade

Are there any visual references to determine if the calipers are from early or late model 3kgt vr4's. Casting marks? Measurement(s) between the mounting bolts?

Thanks
Jay

 

[curtis]

I've got a set of the early model out in the shop if you need measurements but you can search the how to section on these under Garfield Wrights name or just PM Garfield for the info. The brackets he as cut are for the later model ones with the larger disks.

 

[381gvr4]

IIRC the calipers are the same but the 94-99 discs are larger. The contact surface from caliper is the same thou. GW brackets on smaller discs will leave pads off on outer edge of brake disc. -Russ

 

[RedTwo]

The part number for the front hubs doesn't change over the years but the calipers do (90, 92 and 96 for JDM). The later model brake calipers must have longer mounting arms on them.

 

Here's some info that will help to identify the calipers. The brackets were designed to use the 1g 3kgt vr4 calipers (1990-1993.5) combined with the 2g 3kgt vr4 rotors (1993.5-1999).

1) Identifying the right caliper:

The distance from the closest bolt to the center of the closest mounting hole is 2.5" (see pic below).



If you measure this & it's longer than 2.5", then you have the later 2g 3kgt vr4 calipers. They will bolt up to the brackets but you'll come up ~1/2" short on the rotor. This is because the mounting ears are longer. You can get a larger rotor to solve the problem but I don't know if this will impact wheel clearance any further.

2)How to identify the correct rotor:

The correct rotor has holes between the hat & the surface area of the rotor & measures 12.36". If your rotor doesn't meet these requirements then you have the wrong rotor. Please refer to the 1st picture in this link .
Don't be fooled by the 4 lug hub. These rotors are 5 lug & I redrilled them for 4 lug.