[s-cars] BIRA vs Big Red (ECS2, etc)

[James Bowes]

The 996 is a more modern design.. it has a monoblock design, which Porsche 
switched over to in order to allow for less caliper "twist" under high load 
(2-piece can technically twist under heavy braking). When comparing the 
calipers, 'size' is a relative term. I don't know the specifics, but I'd 
advise looking into the sizes of the pistons within the calipers. It's also 
important to look at the size of the rotor that each system uses, as this 
will have a direct effect on braking power. It'll also add more rotating 
mass, as a side note (not a good thing). Overall caliper size, while 
indicitive of greater braking power, isn't necessarily a good comparison, 
but all things being equal a smaller caliper will fit under a greater 
selection of wheels. I have the 996 calipers and have been VERY happy with 
them, and they fit nicely under my 17" OZ wheels.

One specific that may or may not be important is that the 996 calipers come 
in black, silver, and red. They are also priced in that order. The red ones 
came on the Boxster 'S' and are VERY expensive. Silver ones came on a 996 
Carrera special edition, and cost around 50 bucks more per caliper than the 
black ones (if you can find them - not all dealers can get them). So, long 
story short, if you demand a red caliper, go with the 993 Big Reds, 
otherwise you've got some research to do!

IMHO, if you already have the System 3 brackets, go that route. Braking 
power is tremendous.

James Bowes


>From: Robert Deis <rdeis at io.com>
>To: s-car-list at audifans.com
>Subject: [s-cars] BIRA vs Big Red (ECS2, etc)
>Date: Sun, 1 Aug 2004 20:03:58 -0600
>
>
>On Sunday, August 1, 2004, at 09:32 AM, s-car-list-request at audifans.com 
>wrote:
>>
>>Take a peek at http://www.urs4.com/technical/brakes/UrS4_brakes.html, then
>>decide for yourself.
>
>So, by looking at those pictures, the "Big Red" is 993TT, and is a larger 
>unit than the 996. 996 is monoblock and 993TT is bolt-together.  Both fit 
>under stock wheels.
>
>Ok, what are the descriminators (sp)?
>
>
>
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