Fitting police spec 320mm disks to a T5

My front disks need replacing on my Y2000 C70 T5 and I thought I might as well upgrade the brakes to go with my nice shiney new Leda suspension :)

From previous threads I understand I can keep my existing calipers and get Volvo manufactured backets to allow me to use the bigger 320mm disks - the problem is my local dealer has no idea what I'm going on about!! So the questions are:

#1 Does this caliper bracket really exist, or are they an urban myth ;)

#2 Does anyone have a Volvo part number for them?

#3 Has anyone *ever* actually sucessfully purchased a set from a Volvo dealer?

Thanks

Andy

I think there is a lot of confusion over bigger brakes for the T5. As far as I understand it, the 850 came with 280mm brakes or an optional (police spec) 302mm front disk which used a different caliper bracket to move the caliper further out. I think most of the 70 series got these bigger brakes as standard but I may be corrected on this. I own the 850 and would like the bigger brakes if I could get the bracket!!

Dave

I think we need an FAQ section on this site just for brakes, the number of changes volvo has made is incredible!!

850s usually had 280mm as you said aside from SOME of the R models.

70 series with 16" wheels i.e. T5 versions or R versions were fitted with 302mm discs. For instance my T5 has 302mm discs.

However in a couple of models years the C70 was only fitted with 280mm discs..?!?!

The new styles use 320 or something but thats a different story.

The upgrade 'kit' most people think of is the 302mm kit which has been done I'm 90% sure by some members on here - it is not too expensive.

However there is a 320mm rare kit available - but the way it works out now its gonna cost you more than a set of AP Racing brakes (see www.kalmar-union.com) as far as I know - 320mm will only fit 17" or above wheels as I only have 5mm or so clearance with my 302mm brakes.

Personally I wouldn't really bother with the huge extra cost for the 320mm brakes over the 302mm as I have been racing with them and don't really have any trouble - I think if you are into very hard driving where you are experiencing fade problems your money would be better spent on grooved discs and better pads than just the larger discs. But thats just my opinion.

There were quite a few threads on www.t5uk.com about this quite recently I think - incl. part no.s as I believe our no.s were lost in the deletion of the archives - although I might be wrong.

I think an FAQ about brakes would be an excellent idea! There really does seem to be lots of confusion about the subject. I've read a couple of times (in this forum) 320mm *can* be fitted with an additional bracket.

I've got 17" wheels, so clearance isn't the issue - but according to the thread on www.t5uk.com the cost of upgrading to 320mm brakes with volvo parts is £1800!! Nuts!

It's a bit disappointing, I was looking forward to some new bits!

Many thanks for the info guys,

Andy

[don kalmar union]

I can supply you with 302mm drilled and grooved discs plus a set of EBC redstuff pads from stock. I have many customers with this combination.

Alternately, I do have the AP big brake kit in stock at £1420 plus VAT which radically transforms the car. Buitifully made and worth every penny!.

Have a look on my website www.kalmar-union.com or phone me 020 8908 6030 or mobile 07973 428954.

[noiseboy]

Watch out guys!

Technical Driver next issue will feature a definative article on brakes penned by yours truly.... (who has his laptop back!)

I will include a copy of the article on the t5r site when I've moved house and have some time.

All the best!

Phil :-)

[ALANT5RBEAL]

HI ANDY
I do not think the police fitted 320mm disc,s I have a 1995 T5R this was fitted with 280mm disc,s I upgraded my brakes to "police spec" by getting the calipher brackets (volvo call them braces) from a ex-police S70 The brackets are the only part reqd (apart from new disc,s) any problems or just a chat call 07802 190677.
Alan
PS I understand volvo do a brake upgrade kit but what it includes I do not know

[Simon Linton]

Don,

While I love your brakes and other bits, the insurers don't. The advantage of the "police" upgrade is that it's insurance-neutral because it's a Volvo fitment and thus "standard".

It's stupid I know, but my insurers were much happier with my - Volvo branded - strut brace than they were the the ITG panel filter, which as far as I can see has minimal performance advantages.

Personally, I would have thought that better brakes should make a car CHEAPER to insure rather than the reverse, but I seem to be in a minority of one.

[Simon J]

I've just fitted the grooved and drilled 302mm discs plus red stuff pads and quite honestly I can detect no improvement over the standard 302mm and Volvo pads. And they have always been hopeless!!!! I guess we are just stuck with lousy brakes!

I had this problem with my first car, I wanted to fit a servo to a 1978 fiesta, and my insurance company refused to continue the insurance if I did. Stupid as you say, you try to make your car safer and what happens.........