SA Big Brakes

From VanagonWiki

Shortly after I bought my Syncro Westy,

I boiled my brake fluid on a mountain descent. The boiling fluid caused me to lose all brake pedal and scared the hell out of me.  So I had a set of these "Big Brakes" installed into my '90 Syncro Westy shortly after completing my engine conversion to a Subaru 2.2L, six years ago.  These SA brakes include a larger, vented rotor and a larger, single-piston caliper.  The upgrade requires 15" wheels, or larger, to clear the caliper. 

My Syncro Westy is very heavy, usually weighing over 5000 lbs.   I was somewhat disappointed to not be able to feel any major difference in stopping power or distance, but I took much comfort in knowing that the vented rotors would cool much better and I was not likely to ever lose my braking again due to boiled fluid.  A couple of years later, I actually noticed more improvement in "pedal feel" when I installed steel braided brake lines than I noticed with the big brake upgrade. 

I think these brakes are a worthwhile upgrade for a 2wd van or Westy and "a must" for one with an engine conversion, but if doing a brake upgrade again on my Syncro Westy I want more clamping force and stopping power...perhaps from the twin piston Audi G60 type caliper, or possibly something even more powerful. 

I am not a convert or fan of rear disk brakes,...at least not yet.... since I go offroad in my van a lot and I highly value an emergency brake that will hold my van on a steep grade.  I keep my rear drum brakes carefully adjusted to fully engage in couple of clicks of the lever.   I've heard some people with rear discs have confidence in their emergency brake....but, so far, I haven't driven a van comparable to mine with them installed....so , until I do, I remain skeptical. (Warren Chapman)

[Edit: as of late 2007 the SA big brake kit is NLA. Better replacements are offered through several vendors, utilizing Audi A6 288mm rotors and calipers]