If do again, how? VERSION_2

If do again, how?

7 March 04

(Update 2014 June - I would not do some of the things written in 2004, original writing is kept in comparison to new, consider it part of lesson learnt)

Braking System

First find a replacement front suspension. The complete front struts will be required, including the knuckles, brake rotors and calipers.

Heard that struts from old Celica and Supra of the 70s and 80s, even Corona of the 80s fits the KE70 tower top, as well as lower arm. They are sought after mainly due to their large brake rotors and ventilated type.

The standard KE70 brake rotors are 9 inches and solid, not ventilated. It is found that after changing the engine to 20v AFM and 195/50R15, the braking system is unable to stop the car effectively.

Currently already using brakes from AE86 which are still 9 inches but ventilated. It is extremely THIN down below it's allowable thinness level which is 17 mm due to too long a age of use from wear and tear. New is suppose to be 18 mm. The brake pads are also not high-grade type hence the overall combination is not good. This brake combination was suppose for 185 only, not 195.

Club 4AG tech section says that the stock AE86's brakes are more than enough, provided new rotors are used, as well as proper good brake pads. Club 4AG also state that often it is the driver not pedaling hard enough, which I believe because I'm pretty sure I don't depress as hard as I should. Worried that the tail will swing out. 

The Celica and Supra rotors are heard to be 10 inches and ventilated. Therefore it is up to the owner whether it is to be upgraded or not. Thickness unknown, however minimum thickness is molded on the rotors. MUST check it before purchase, unless new rotors are to be used. In this case, only the knuckles and calipers are of immediate use.

Oh yeah in the mean time look for the top mount Camber Adjuster, as well as lower arm ball joint's Roll Center Adjuster. You'll be needing them.

Else you may see what nonsense I have done and have changed and is planning to do to make it better :) 

Below is my personal proof that the stock AE86 brakes on old and worn rotors with normal pads are not good enough for loading from 195/50R15 tyres.

Once, the rear was changed to 175/70R13 while keeping the front 195/50R15. To my surprise, the rear LOCKS up and skids. This means that it is not the brakes which is ineffective, but instead it is the 195/50R15 putting too much load on the current brakes.

New rotors from Germany cross drilled and slotted for front pair cost Ringgit Malaysia (RM) 550+, while really good pads cost Ringgit Malaysia (RM) 200+. Call Mr. Tee +60(3)78741959 for purchase.

With an investment of 750+ not including labor and not including rears, I think I'd go with my nonsense upgrade approach :) just for the fun of it. I like challenging mods :)

Getting the original fitting rotors and good pads is the correct way to go, please don't follow my nonsense upgrade approach unless you're very sure what you're doing or going to do.

Also, do not forget to look for new replacement rotors for those old Celica and Supra, just in case. As well as good pads. What is good? dunno, haven't tried enough to make any conclusion.

If do again, how? VERSION_2

1. If do again, how? (Update 2014 - I'd probably won't do this)
2. Braking System (Update 2014 - I'd probably won't do this)
3. Tires & Rims (Update 2014 - I'd probably won't do this)
4. TITAN's Suspension
5. Engine by Power Zone
6. Engine to 20v MAP (Update 2014 - I'd probably won't do this)
7. What other items needed? (Update 2014 - I'd probably won't do this)
8. How to put 20v into KE70? (Update 2014 - I'd probably won't do this)
9. Tips (Update 2014 - I'd probably won't do this)
10. Re-route Water Direction for 4A-GE 20v Engine from FF Chassis to FR Chassis KE70 or AE86 (Update 2014 - I'd probably won't do this)

If do again, how? VERSION_2