Comprehensive list of OEM b5 a4 brake upgrades

[GrapeBandit]

There has been a few threads lately in regardes to brake upgrades, so I figure I will try to compile a list of both front and rear upgrades so we have everything in one place for ease of future reference.

This list is incomplete as of now, I DO NOT know what is required to run ALL of these setups on both pre-facelift and facelift cars. With the help of the rest of you guys, I hope to complete this list. If anyone has anything to add(part #'s, tips/tricks, other notable setups, etc.), post it and I will edit it into the 1st and 2nd posts.

FRONT-

D2 A8 BBK:
B5 A4 Calipers
D2 A8 312mm x 25mm rotors 8E0 615 301 R
TT Carriers 1J0 615 125 A
Requires new brake lines?N

Boxster 986 BBK:
Boxster 986 Caliper Rt 986 351 422 03
Boxster 986 Caliper Lt 986 351 421 03
D2 A8 312mm x 25mm rotors 8E0 615 301 R
TT Carriers 1J0 615 125 A or Apikol/PureMS brackets
Requires new brake lines?Y

Boxster S BBK:
Boxster S Caliper Rt 996 351 426 11
Boxster S Caliper Lt 996 351 425 11
D2 A8 312mm x 25mm rotors 8E0 615 301 R
or
B5 S4 321mm x 30mm rotors 8E0 615 301 AD
Apikol/PureMS brackets
Requires new brake lines?Y

Porsche 993TT BBK:
993TT Caliper Rt 993 351 426 10
993TT Caliper Lt 993 351 425 10
B5 S4 321mm x 30mm rotors 8E0 615 301 AD
or
Apikol 323mm x 32mm 2-piece floating rotors
or
Mercedes Benz C230 330mm x 28mm rotors 203 421 13 12 *(machine center hub a few mm, and drill lug bolt holes to 14mm) (with corresponding brackets)
or
Volvo V70R/S60R 306 452 22 330mm x 32mm *(open lug holes with a 3/4" bit, and minimal grinding to uprights) (with corresponding brackets)
Apikol/2Bennett brackets
Requires new brake lines?Y
•Notes• A.K.A. Porsche Brembo Big Red/Black found on both 993s and 928GTSs

All 17z/18z calipers will bolt directly to the S4 uprights. No brackets required. You will need associated hardware for them to bolt on which is about $40 from audibbkparts.
All 17z/18z calipers use the same SS brake lines as far as I know. They are a banjo fitting on the caliper.

If you choose to swap to B5 S4 uprights instead of running the brackets. . .

This is specifically for the conversion to S4 uprights:
Aluminum S4 uprights: Requires a new straight lower control arm. This control arm uses a longer, thinner balljoint
Steel S4 uprights: Regular control arms can be used. The A4/late S4 straight control arm has shorter, fatter balljoints

Axles:
All V6 axles will work for this application. Be cognizant of Auto/manual.
The only 1.8T axles that work for the S4 upright conversion are the 01, as Audi switched to 82mm wheel bearings at that time.

Unless you are 5-speed FWD (and installing S4 uprights). Then S4 axles actually do work.

17z 330mm BBK:
17z Caliper Rt Porsche 955 351 422 33/Touareg 7L6 615 124 H/Audi Q7 7L6 615 149
17z Caliper Lt Porsche 955 351 421 32/Touareg 7L6 615 123 T/Audi Q7 7L6 615 150
Mercedes Benz C230 330mm x 28mm rotors 203 421 13 12 *(machine center hub a few mm, drill lug bolt holes to 14mm, and need 2mm Apikol shim or steel washers)
or
Volvo V70R/S60R 306 452 22 330mm x 32mm *(open lug holes with a 3/4" bit, and minimal grinding to uprights)
Apikol 2-piece 330x32mm rotors
Apikol brackets
Requires new brake lines?Y
Confirmed fitment-Centric (Stoptech branded) 950.33005 brake lines

17z 345mm BBK:
17z Caliper Rt???
17z Caliper Lt???
rotors???
Apikol brackets
Requires new brake lines?Y
Confirmed fitment-Centric (Stoptech branded) 950.33005 brake lines

18z BBK:
18z Caliper Rt 7L6 615 150
18z Caliper Lt 7L6 615 149
17z brake pads
Mercedes Benz C32 AMG 345mm x 30mm rotors 203 421 09 12
Apikol brackets
Requires new brake lines?Y
Confirmed fitment-Centric (Stoptech branded) 950.33005 brake lines

B6/B7/B8 345mm BBK:
*Requires B5 S4 upright conversion*
B8 S4 Caliper Rt 8K0 615 124 G
B8 S4 Caliper Lt 8K0 615 123 G
B6/B7 S4 345mm x 30mm rotors 8E0 615 301 T
B8 S4 Carrier Rt 8T0 615 126
B8 S4 Carrier Lt 8T0 615 125
Requires new brake lines?Y/N?

[GrapeBandit]

REAR-

C5 A6 255mm:
B5 A4 calipers
C5 A6 255mm x 10mm rotors 4B0 615 601 B
B6 A4 3.0L carriers 8E0 615 425 G
Requires new brake lines?N

B5 S4 256mm:
B5 S4 Caliper Rt 8D0 615 424 C
B5 S4 Caliper Lt 8D0 615 423 C
B5 S4 256mm rotors 8D0 615 601 D
B5 S4 Carriers 8D0 615 425
Requires new brake lines?N

D2 A8 269mm:
B5 S4 Caliper Rt 8D0 615 424 C
B5 S4 Caliper Lt 8D0 615 423 C
D2 A8 rotors 4D0 615 601B
D2 A8 Carriers 4D0 615 425 B
D2 A8 rotors 269mm *(2mm washer in between the bracket and the upright)
Requires new brake lines?N
•Notes• "Should be stated that C5 A6 calipers work, too (so you can get calipers and carriers from the same car, which helps a lot), the only downside being that it requires a different brake line due to the C5 using a banjo bolt at the caliper."-walky_talky20

B7 S4 300mm:
B5 S4 Caliper Rt 8D0 615 424 C
B5 S4 Caliper Lt 8D0 615 423 C
or
B6/B7 S4 Caliper Rt 8E0 615 424 C
B6/B7 S4 Caliper Lt 8E0 615 423 C -->grifrowl's B6/B7 S4 caliper D.I.Y<--
B7 S4 300mm x 22mm rotors 8E0 615 601R
Apikol/034 brackets
Requires new brake lines?Y
Confirmed fitment-Centric (Stoptech branded) 950.33005 brake lines

[rodgertherabit]

Dont forget the b5/c5 V8/W8 Vented rear upgrade. its about a 12.5in vented rotor set up.

I run it.

[GrapeBandit]

Dont forget the b5/c5 V8/W8 Vented rear upgrade. its about a 12.5in vented rotor set up.

I run it.

PM me the info or post it here. either way, I will edit my post once I have the info

[RS4Avant2be]

Rear - inexpensive option

A6 upgrade (255 mm x 10 mm)

A6 2002 3.0L & 2.7TL Q (C5) rotors 4B0 615 601 B
A4 B6 (2002) 3.0L Carriers 8E0 615 425 G

Stock A4 B5 Calipers & Pads & brake lines

Works well with A8 front upgrade

[coolgraymemo]

Porsche 993TT BBK:
993TT Caliper Rt 993 351 426 10
993TT Caliper Lt 993 351 425 10
B5 S4 321mm x 30mm rotors 8E0 615 301 AD
or
Apikol 323mm x 32mm 2-piece floating rotors
Apikol brackets
Requires new brake lines?Y/N???

2Bennett also offers a 993tt kit over 330mm rotors.

Brake lines are needed.

[a4kamila6]

Dont the ATE G60's with 320mm x 25mm discs plus A6 carriers also work for front?

[GrapeBandit]

Rear - inexpensive option

A6 upgrade (255 mm x 10 mm)

A6 2002 3.0L & 2.7TL Q (C5) rotors 4B0 615 601 B
A4 B6 (2002) 3.0L Carriers 8E0 615 425 G

Stock A4 B5 Calipers & Pads & brake lines

Works well with A8 front upgrade

tnxadded

2Bennett also offers a 993tt kit over 330mm rotors.

Brake lines are needed.

are brake lines are needed for all 993TT kits?

[walky_talky20]

Dont forget the b5/c5 V8/W8 Vented rear upgrade. its about a 12.5in vented rotor set up.

I run it.

This is the "D2 A8 269mm" option.

Should be stated that C5 A6 calipers work, too (so you can get calipers and carriers from the same car, which helps a lot), the only downside being that it requires a different brake line due to the C5 using a banjo bolt at the caliper. A8 or W8 calipers won't work because the e-brake hookup is a bit different.

[Bordom]

are brake lines are needed for all 993TT kits?

Yes because banjo fitting on the calipers.

Everything graciously mispelled by Android

[tymatk]

Rear - inexpensive option

A6 upgrade (255 mm x 10 mm)

A6 2002 3.0L & 2.7TL Q (C5) rotors 4B0 615 601 B
A4 B6 (2002) 3.0L Carriers 8E0 615 425 G

Stock A4 B5 Calipers & Pads & brake lines

Works well with A8 front upgrade

In need for rear brake, already got A8 front, this helps alot, thanks. Would these do ....

Audi / A4 / 2001 / Sedan / Red / Automatic WAUZZZ8E12A10XXXX ALT059265
Audi / A4 / 2003 / Sedan / Black / Automatic WAUZZZ8E53A38XXXX BFB033291
Audi / A6 / 1995 / Wagon / Black / Automatic WAUZZZ4AZSN09XXXX ABC132614

Just a list from my local wrecker.

[GrapeBandit]

In need for rear brake, already got A8 front, this helps alot, thanks. Would these do ....

Audi / A4 / 2001 / Sedan / Red / Automatic WAUZZZ8E12A10XXXX ALT059265
Audi / A4 / 2003 / Sedan / Black / Automatic WAUZZZ8E53A38XXXX BFB033291
Audi / A6 / 1995 / Wagon / Black / Automatic WAUZZZ4AZSN09XXXX ABC132614

Just a list from my local wrecker.

the 2001 is good for the rear calipers.
the 2003 should have the carriers if its a 3.0.
the 1995 a6 has nothing for this brake upgrade.

[Cactus Avant]

Thanks for organizing this thread

[coolgraymemo]

FRONT-
Boxster 986 BBK:
Boxster 986 Caliper Rt 986 351 422 03
Boxster 986 Caliper Lt 986 351 421 03
D2 A8 312mm x 25mm rotors 8E0 615 301 R
Apikol brackets
Requires new brake lines? Y

Boxster S BBK:
Boxster S Caliper Rt 996 351 426 11
Boxster S Caliper Lt 996 351 425 11
D2 A8 312mm x 25mm rotors 8E0 615 301 R
or
B5 S4 321mm x 30mm rotors 8E0 615 301 AD
Apikol/PureMS brackets
Requires new brake lines? Y

Porsche 993TT BBK:
993TT Caliper Rt 993 351 426 10
993TT Caliper Lt 993 351 425 10
B5 S4 321mm x 30mm rotors 8E0 615 301 AD
or
Apikol 323mm x 32mm 2-piece floating rotors
or
Mercedes Benz C230 330mm x 28mm rotors 203 421 13 12 *(machine center hub a few mm, and drill lug bolt holes to 14mm) (with corresponding brackets)
or
Volvo V70R/S60R 306 452 22 330mm x 32mm *(open lug holes with a 3/4" bit, and minimal grinding to uprights) (with corresponding brackets)
Apikol/2Bennett brackets
Requires new brake lines?Y

17z 330mm BBK:
17z caliper Rt Porsche 955 351 422 33/Touareg 7L6 615 124 H/Audi Q7 7L6 615 149
17z caliper Lt Porsche 955 351 421 32/Touareg 7L6 615 123 T/Audi Q7 7L6 615 150
Mercedes Benz C230 330mm x 28mm rotors 203 421 13 12 *(machine center hub a few mm, and drill lug bolt holes to 14mm)
or
Volvo S60R 306 452 22 330mm x 32mm *(open lug holes with a 3/4" bit, and minimal grinding to uprights)
Apikol 2-piece 330x32mm rotors
Apikol brackets
Requires new brake lines? Y

18z BBK:
18z Caliper Rt 7L6 615 150
18z Caliper Lt 7L6 615 149
Rotors???
Apikol 17Z adapters are supposed to also work for 18Z calipers.
Brackets???
Requires new brake lines? Y

My edits are bold.


BIRA also offered a few options.


The 993tt section should note that they are also known as Porsche Brembo Big Red/Black and are found on both 993s and 928GTSs.

[10kredline]

Don't forget, instead of the bracket/ tt brackets setup, there's also the S4 uprights along with s4 axles in order to use the s4 calipers and certain Porsche/Brembo if I'm not mistaken.

[Bordom]

Don't forget, instead of the bracket/ tt brackets setup, there's also the S4 uprights along with s4 axles in order to use the s4 calipers and certain Porsche/Brembo if I'm not mistaken.

You can't use S4 axles if 5spd. V6 axles and 01 1.8T axles are what you want

Everything graciously mispelled by Android

[GrapeBandit]

My edits are bold.


BIRA also offered a few options.


The 993tt section should note that they are also known as Porsche Brembo Big Red/Black and are found on both 993s and 928GTSs.

will add
also, the bira.org site is down for a while. so im not sure if they are still making kits or not. any more info on BIRA?

Don't forget, instead of the bracket/ tt brackets setup, there's also the S4 uprights along with s4 axles in order to use the s4 calipers and certain Porsche/Brembo if I'm not mistaken.

You can't use S4 axles if 5spd. V6 axles and 01 1.8T axles are what you want

Everything graciously mispelled by Android

you guys want to get me a complete list and ill add to the OP.

B5 S4 uprights, V6 or 1.8t axles. what else, I know theres more

[redline380]

I think you would be best off editing the OP to clearly identify which upgrades can be done without swapping uprights/getting brackets.

Then add ones which brackets are available for.

Then add ones which bolt up to S4 uprights.

Links to relevant threads for the upgrades would be useful as well.

[Bordom]

This is specifically for the conversion to S4 uprights:

Aluminum S4 uprights: Required a new straight lower control arm. This control arm uses a longer, thinner balljoint
Steel S4 uprights: Control regular control arms can be used. The A4/late S4 straight control arm have shorter, fatter balljoints

Axles:
All V6 axles will work for this application. Be cognicent of Auto/manual
The only 1.8T axles that work for the S4 upright conversion are the 01, as Audi switched to 82mm wheel bearings at that time.

All 17z/18z calipers will bolt directly to the S4 uprights. No brackets required. You will need associated hardware for them to bolt on which is about $40 from audibbkparts.
All 17z/18z calipers use the same SS brake lines as far as I know. They are a banjo fitting on the caliper.

[redline380]

All 17z/18z calipers use the same SS brake lines as far as I know. They are a banjo fitting on the caliper.

Confirmed fitment of Centric (Stoptech branded) 950.33005 brake lines for 17z/18z calipers, AND 300mm rear upgrade.

[Bordom]

Confirmed fitment of Centric (Stoptech branded) 950.33005 brake lines for 17z/18z calipers, AND 300mm rear upgrade.

You use the same lines for the 17z/18z front as for thw rear 300mm? This is news to me

[redline380]

You use the same lines for the 17z/18z front as for thw rear 300mm? This is news to me

You can use whatever you like, but I had trouble confirming fitment before I ordered. Those are admittedly a bit long for the rear, but they work.

Maybe OP should also note that you have to brake the plastic holder for the parking brake cable when doing the 300mm upgrade.

[Bordom]

You can use whatever you like, but I had trouble confirming fitment before I ordered. Those are admittedly a bit long for the rear, but they work.

Maybe OP should also note that you have to brake the plastic holder for the parking brake cable when doing the 300mm upgrade.

Interesting. Thanks!

You have to break it when replacing the parking brake regardless. It really does nothing

Everything graciously mispelled by Android

[GrapeBandit]

I think you would be best off editing the OP to clearly identify which upgrades can be done without swapping uprights/getting brackets.

Then add ones which brackets are available for.

Then add ones which bolt up to S4 uprights.

Links to relevant threads for the upgrades would be useful as well.

Im not aware of any conversion that doesnt need swapped uprights or different carriers/brackets to work.

[walky_talky20]

Im not aware of any conversion that doesnt need swapped uprights or different carriers/brackets to work.

I think he means adapter brackets. So you can do 17z by using A4 uprights and adapters, or you can swap in S4/C5/B6 uprights and bolt them on without adapters. Further, once you swap the uprights, more options open up (options for which A4 adapters do not exist).

[walky_talky20]

You can't use S4 axles if 5spd.

Unless you are 5-speed FWD (and installing S4 uprights). Then S4 axles actually do work.

[demonmk2]

on the 986 bbk (312x25) you can use the usrt mk1 TT brackets/adapters too. I bring it up because they're about 100 bucks cheaper.


also, you can swap b8 s4 brakes/brackets with ( 345mm b7/b6rotor) on a b5 S4

[Bordom]

REAR-
B5 S4 256mm:
B5 S4 Caliper Rt 8D0 615 424 C
B5 S4 Caliper Lt 8D0 615 423 C
B5 S4 256mm rotors 8D0 615 601 D
B5 S4 Carriers 8D0 615 425
Requires new brake lines?Y/N??? <-- Does not require new brake lines. A4/S4 lines are interchangeable

Answer in bold red.

Also, can you fix my horrid grammar in the first post? I didn't realize it was that mucked. Lol

[10kredline]

You can't use S4 axles if 5spd. V6 axles and 01 1.8T axles are what you want

Everything graciously mispelled by Android

Correct, Im using steel s4 uprights with v6 axles. But what I wasnt sure of is if the aftermarket brakes will bolt right up to the uprights or not.

[xdewaynex]

Thats a nice list of upgrades. Ive already done the S4 rear swap and can confirm the A4 lines do work. Im planning on doing 17z upgrade in the front with the Apikol adapter brackets because I dont want to deal with swapping axles, uprights and control arms.

[Blur2u]

I have the 17z setup with the apikol adapters, you have to grind a little bit to make it fit. Also if you're planning on running the Merc rotors you need to get a shim, i can't remember what size though, probably 2mm. Apikol sells the shim also.

I'm planning on doing the S4 300mm rears soon also.

Thats a nice list of upgrades. Ive already done the S4 rear swap and can confirm the A4 lines do work. Im planning on doing 17z upgrade in the front with the Apikol adapter brackets because I dont want to deal with swapping axles, uprights and control arms.

- - - Updated - - -

Thanks for organizing this OP!

[GrapeBandit]

on the 986 bbk (312x25) you can use the usrt mk1 TT brackets/adapters too. I bring it up because they're about 100 bucks cheaper.

i forgot that you can use TT brackets on the boxster calipers. is this true for the boxster "s" calipers too? OP updated

Also, can you fix my horrid grammar in the first post? I didn't realize it was that mucked. Lol

geez, now you want me to fix the past for you?


Big thanks all who are contributing to the information in this thread.

[xdewaynex]

i forgot that you can use TT brackets on the boxster calipers. is this true for the boxster "s" calipers too? OP updated

These brackets here? http://www.usrallyteam.com/index.php...oducts_id=1893

If the Boxster S calipers are compatible, I may just go that route. A few pairs are on ebay at this moment.

[GrapeBandit]

These brackets here? http://www.usrallyteam.com/index.php...oducts_id=1893

If the Boxster S calipers are compatible, I may just go that route. A few pairs are on ebay at this moment.

no, those are adapter brackets to fit Brembo 4-piston calipers to Mk4 Volkswagen/ Mk1 Audi TT spindles.

you need the stock MKI tt carriers that ppl use for the A8 312mm upgrade.
TT carriers 1J0 615 125 A

[coolgraymemo]

no, those are adapter brackets to fit Brembo 4-piston calipers to Mk4 Volkswagen/ Mk1 Audi TT spindles.

you need the stock MKI tt carriers that ppl use for the A8 312mm upgrade.
TT carriers 1J0 615 125 A

PureMS indicates that those cars use the same adapters as B5 A4s (link).

[xdewaynex]

no, those are adapter brackets to fit Brembo 4-piston calipers to Mk4 Volkswagen/ Mk1 Audi TT spindles.

you need the stock MKI tt carriers that ppl use for the A8 312mm upgrade.
TT carriers 1J0 615 125 A

I think I might have confused you, because Im talking about using the 986 calipers with A8 rotors, not my A4 calipers.

[GrapeBandit]

PureMS indicates that those cars use the same adapters as B5 A4s (link).

didnt see that. thanks for pointing it out

I think I might have confused you, because Im talking about using the 986 calipers with A8 rotors, not my A4 calipers.

yea, my fault.

you can use MKI TT carriers which can be sourced cheaper than CNC brackets

[tymatk]

the 2001 is good for the rear calipers.

You meant Rotors?

[OverSpun]

Good thread!

Possibly eventually sticky this in the Tech FAQ forum.

[melomandn]

Great thread, wish this was put together 5 years ago.

Out of curiosity, why don't people run B6/B7 S4 front brakes on B5 S4 spindles? Demonmk2 touched on it, although mentioned B8 calipers. Any reason the B6/B7 calipers wont work? Seems like a cheap alternative to get a big (345mm) setup up front.