[s-cars] S-CAR-List Digest, Vol 28, Issue 45

[Eric Phillips]

Thanks, Greg - I appreciate the additional info.

[e-mail forwarded to S-listers]

On 2/10/06, Greg Amy <grega at pobox.com> wrote:
> Eric, I'm not subscribed to the S-Car list, so you may
> want to forward this.
>
> When I did the original BIRA designs, the prices on
> Porsche calipers were INCREDIBLY cost-effective. As I
> recall, In '99-'00 the Boxster calipers were about
> $225 each, the Carreras about $275, and the 996tt
> about $325. Since then Porsche has significantly
> increased the prices, presumably to reduce demand to
> keep their supply chain filled (and, no doubt, to make
> some money). After all, their supply chain is there to
> keep the new car buyer supplied, not us track whores!
>
> Obviously, these price increases detrimentally affect
> the value of the designs as a whole. Conversely, they
> affect everyone else as well, too. BIRA's value is
> that we do not have any markup or handling charges for
> reselling those OEM parts; we let you cut your best
> deals and pocket the difference.
>
> In addition to eBay for used stuff (which has these
> popping up on occasion) the best sources for new stuff
> has historically been the Porsche dealerships that
> recognize the value in the aftermarket and actively
> support it. Traditionally, our best deals have been
> found at Carlsen Audi in California, Clair Parts
> Express in Massachusetts, and Crescent City Porsche in
> New Orleans. Do note, as I told you in our prior email
> exchange, that these references are sent to me via
> BIRA members, and I/we rely on that membership input,
> thus this info may be dated. However, once your
> membership is approved and you have access to our
> private mailing list, I encourage you to use it to
> poll the membership for the best current deals. You'll
> also have access to the private web pages which
> details all the OEM part numbers, making your search a
> lot easier.
>
> Good luck, and please do let us know what you find.
>
> Greg Amy
> BIRA.ORG
>
>
> --- Eric Phillips <gcmschemist at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > Message: 8
> > > Date: Thu, 9 Feb 2006 20:49:53 -0800
> > > From: Greg Johnson <gregsj2 at gmail.com>
> > > Subject: [s-cars] Front brake research
> > continues...
> > > To: s-car-list at audifans.com, Greg Amy
> > <grega at pobox.com>
> > >
> > > Greetings!
> > >
> > > As to the differences between split, bolt-through
> > 993 and monobloc, our
> > > stiffness and weight claims are based purely upon
> > what Porsche/Brembo have
> > > stated.  From a practical perspective, when we
> > were creating BIRA brakes,
> > > the monoblocs had just come out and Porsche said
> > they were lighter and
> > > stiffer, so why design for Porsche's old tech when
> > the new tech was
> > > available?
> >
> > Thanks for that info, Greg.  I e-mailed the other
> > Greg to get some
> > info, but this is above and beyond.
> >
> > I was the one who originally kicked this
> > conversation off - mostly
> > because I want *all* the info, so that I can make
> > the best decision.
> > I appreciate all the info everyone has provided, and
> > I will take it
> > *all* into consideration.
> >
> > Greg, one thing you can probably help with is
> > getting good prices on
> > calipers.  So far, this portion of the project has
> > produced the
> > greatest sticker shock.  993tt "Big Reds" go for
> > over $500, and 993
> > (non-turbo) Blacks go for slightly under $400.  I
> > see that 996
> > calipers go for about $400.
> >
> > I'm leaning in the direction of Blacks on RS2
> > brackets over S8
> > 323x30s.  On 16" Avus wheels, that gives 5mm of
> > axial clearance and
> > 1.5mm of radial clearance, which will work as long
> > as I'm not driving
> > a lot of gravel roads.
> >
> > My back-up plan is Sys3, but I understand that this
> > set-up has similar
> > clearances.
> >
> > BTW, I have sent in my BIRA membership papers and
> > dues - I expect that
> > the U.S. mail trip from Pullman to Spokane has got
> > that stuff in your
> > hands by now.
> >
> > I look forward to hearing about where I can possibly
> > get calipers for
> > something a bit less than the ones I've found so
> > far.
> >
> > Again, thank you for taking the time to explain all
> > this stuff.  I
> > very much appreciate the information.
> >
> > Eric
> >
> >
>
>