Re: Disc Brake kits

[FstQuattro <FstQuattro@aol.com>]

In a message dated 5/21/98 11:25:51 AM, johkar@teleport.com writes:

>The Big Red calipers can't be compared to the Wilwoods.  One is a cheap
>caliper (Wilwood) the other is VERY expensive and a Porsche only part.
> The
>REBUILD kits alone for the Big Reds are well over $100 EACH side.  In fact,
>the rebuild kits are almost the same cost a Wilwood caliper.  So if you
>were thinking about going the used parts route (like I am doing), there
>are high costs associated with this too.

Well then your looking at the WRONG Wildwoods..... The Superlite III's that
are on my cars run around $375 each..... 

>So the real question is: Why is the Wilwood kit so "expensive" at $1650
>when the calipers are so cheap?  Could it be that the hats, rotors, and
>mounting brackets are expensive?  Oh, and don't forget the hardware with
>bolts and nuts that are about $3-$5 EACH.

Hardware is running around $35 (16 hat nut/bolt washer's alone......)

Let's look at the price breakdown:
2 calipers 			$750
2 Rotors			$225
Set of Pads		$100
Set of SS Lines	$50
Hardware			$35
Hats				$180
Caliper mounts	$125
Anodizing			$50
Profit for getting all this stuff ordered,built,boxed and shipped........ $135
and he's gotta pay his liability insurance out of this too.....

Looks like a Helluva bargin to me.......

>I've been researching this for a couple of YEARS now.  I originally wanted
>to offer V8 kits to the list.  However, in my mind, at $2500 there's not
>much profit in the kit.  At least not near enough to compensate for the
>low volume of sales (low demand) or the HUGE liability!

Looking to get rich eh?

Your looking at the wrong parts........

>If you can't make the kit yourself, and still want better brakes, pay the
>money.  I can't justify spending $2500+ so I'm doing it myself.  However,
>since I also have a real job, I've had most of the parts I need sitting
>in a box in my office for a long time.  I may finish it this summer... 
>maybe.
>
>Your comments about crack pipes, Vaseline, and suckers is definitely out
>of
>line.  As I mentioned, there are great reasons ALL the people selling
>street proven (the Wilwood is not)

Better tell all the street rodders and Mustang/Camaro/Eclipse/Talon etc street
racers that their brakes are not street proven.......

> brake kits are in the $2000 to $2500
>price range.  If you can build a kit comparable to the Big Red kits for
>less, test it, and warrantee it, please, please offer it to the list. 

It IS being done... But it seems that many on this list wear blinders when it
comesto performance.

>Oh,
>and by the way, please remember to include a copy of your insurance policy.
> Don't have one?  Wow, you rebel!  Most of the guys offering these kits
>commercially have policies in excess of $1 million dollars.  I wonder how
>much that costs?

And we should ask Frank and Scott about their insurance policys.........  Bet
they don't have one.

>Respectfully Submitted,
>
>John Karasaki

ANYONE who wants to spend more than your cars worth (That's most of the Type
44 cars and All of the 4K's) go right ahead but Don't be blinded by the "Big
Red Mist" there are other ways to spend your hard earned dough.......  But if
you really want to spend TWICE what you have to....  I'll take it and give you
a nice set of brakes worth $1650.


FstQuattro