i've been reading up on the volvo brake upgrade, but the write-up i'm reading looks like it was done to a 323i. do i need to get new rotors if i have a 320 or can i use the oem rotors? what rotors do you guys recommend if i do need to replace them? i'm looking to keep costs down for now, which is why i chose the volvo upgrade in the first place

You will have to use the E21 323i vented rotors (also same as 320i rotors from a 77), no exceptions.

i've been reading up on the volvo brake upgrade, but the write-up i'm reading looks like it was done to a 323i. do i need to get new rotors if i have a 320 or can i use the oem rotors? what rotors do you guys recommend if i do need to replace them? i'm looking to keep costs down for now, which is why i chose the volvo upgrade in the first place

I you're reading my writeup, it was a 320i. The whole point is to be able to swap to the vented 323i rotors without spending $500 on the vented e21 323i calipers. The added bonus is a cheaper 4 piston caliper with larger pad surface area so a lot of 323i guys do it too.

what model of volvo calipers does it reqire? are they a stright swop with standard non vent setup.

Read the link to the DIY in the FAQ thread.

it doesnt say what model volvo they are off

jag, it gives you a part number that you can cross reference, or you can just check the part number itself which should be stamped on the caliper

jrcook, any suggestions on where to get the 323 rotors at a decent price? i don't really care if they're vented, i'm more interested in the bigger brake pads/dual piston calipers

part numbers arnt alot of use in scrap yards. does anyone know what models of volvo they were fitted to?

i've read that they're from early 80's 240 turbos and 440 turbos, but the part numbers will be stamped on each caliper

jag, it gives you a part number that you can cross reference, or you can just check the part number itself which should be stamped on the caliper

jrcook, any suggestions on where to get the 323 rotors at a decent price? i don't really care if they're vented, i'm more interested in the bigger brake pads/dual piston calipers

They are off a 240, do a search its been posted more time than I can count.



Get them from Bavauto, this also has been posted numerous times.
Part # : 34 11 1 119 112 $44.95/ea

You will also need a metric T-fitting if you don't run the 5 series master cylinder.

http://www.chircoestore.com/catalog/images/803611755.jpg

http://www.chircoestore.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=4194&osCsid=qlnhgkrfeabmt7klbaevvnb8t1

They are from a 240, but they must be Girling, and they must fit vented rotors. There are several calipers on 240's, and none of the others fit.
Bflan, if you don't go to vented rotors you are missing the point of the upgrade. Go to your car and slam the brake. Do the tires lock up? Yes they do. That means the brakes are already as good as they can ever be. A ferrari brake will not lock up you tires any better than you already can. So what's the point? Vented rotors are thicker and heavier which means they can absorb more heat. And of course they are vented which means they can dissipate more heat. This means you can use the brakes a multitude of times inside of a short time and still maintain the same performance that your stock brakes already had on a single stop. Vented brakes (or any upgraded brakes) will not stop your car better or faster, only more times more consistantly. Changing to better or wider tires WILL stop your car better and faster. Tires are key point to braking.

I was once told ATL would also work?

when you have slotted the holes in the caliper to relocate the pads onto the disc what stops them moving out to there original position. just torqued up tight? also do the calipers still clear 13" wheels?

Yes, just the torque, which seems to work. Personally I would stuff a dowel pin or something in there to take up most of the space. I don't think they can be used with 13" wheels right, JR?

Yes, just the torque, which seems to work. Personally I would stuff a dowel pin or something in there to take up most of the space. I don't think they can be used with 13" wheels right, JR?

They can not be used with the stock 13" wheels.