Brake Conversion 1st Gen to 2nd Gen Brat

[TXJayhawk]

Will any caliper from the second generation BRAT  will work with any brake rotor from the second generation BRAT?

 

Here is what I have to convert my 81 to 2nd generation front brakes

Used hubs from 85

new rotors from 85 (vented)

Used calipers from 85

Rebuild kits for Second generation

 

NOS remanufactured calipers from 82?

new rotors from 82 (solid)

 

And if none of these work can stick with original parts from first generation BRAT (78-81)

Used calipers (ones on car and set from a 1980-both sets need rebuilt)

Rebuild kits for first generation

One NOS left caliper

3 sets of New Rotors (Centric, Mountain, and Brembo)

 

Once done, I will post any surplus parts for sale

[carfreak85]

Wide calipers with vented rotors, skinny calipers with solid rotors.  That's the major compatibility change to be aware of for EA81s. 

[TXJayhawk]

So the width of the rotor is the  biggest factor? That would explain why the shop couldnt fit the Gen 2 rotors I had on with the Gen 1 calipers last year that prompted this whole search! 

[carfreak85]

I don't know if it's the biggest factor when converting a Gen 1 to use Gen 2 front brakes, I've never done the swap.  But if you're grabbing a hodgepodge of EA81 parts, it's something to keep in mind.

[TXJayhawk]

I have the 81 BRAT so it has the EA81 engine but has the GEN 1 suspension and brakes. However, calipers and rotors are discontinued while can still get rebuilt calipers for GEN 2 and new rotors for GEN 2.