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Thread: putting a spacer in a caliper to allow a thicker disc. wise?

  1. #1
    Junior Member Domestic Engineer
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    Default putting a spacer in a caliper to allow a thicker disc. wise?

    I think i asked this before on old forums but i don't think i ever got a response.
    I know you can put a spacer in a caliper to accomodate for a thicker caliper but does this lend to compromising the integrity of the caliper?

    The caliper in question is the RX7 s4/5 caliper.

    I was thinking that if you were to use the caliper in track day instances then the heat may cause the spacer to warp and not seal.
    Am i just being paranoid?
    Can it be done safely and reliably in all instances?
    Is there a limit to the size spacer you can put in it (ie a 30mm rotor as opposed to the original 22mm thus requiring a 8mm spacer)?
    Does it cause the caliper to loose its structural rigidity having 2 possible moving surfaces other than 1 between each caliper half?

    I know cool1 has an rx7 caliper with a spacer in it but i just want to know if it can hold up under all circumstances?

    cheers
    Damien

  2. #2
    Gobble, Gobble! Automotive Encyclopaedia mrshin's Avatar
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    Default Re: putting a spacer in a caliper to allow a thicker disc. wise?

    If you're in doubt, why not use Nissan calipers instead of the Mazda ones?

  3. #3
    Junior Member Domestic Engineer
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    Default Re: putting a spacer in a caliper to allow a thicker disc. wise?

    i can't find nissan calipers at a price i am willing to pay. rx7 calipers sell for between 200 and 250 (yes i am aware there is a cost to put a spacer in).

  4. #4
    Junior Member Too Much Toyota oldcorollas's Avatar
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    Default Re: putting a spacer in a caliper to allow a thicker disc. wise?

    thats what nissan calipers cost
    "I'm a Teaspoon, not a mechanic"
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  5. #5
    Deal with the Frog Backyard Mechanic Cool1's Avatar
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    Default Re: putting a spacer in a caliper to allow a thicker disc. wise?

    The spacer works perfectly fine!


  6. #6
    Yep they look great Carport Converter gianttomato's Avatar
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    Default Re: putting a spacer in a caliper to allow a thicker disc. wise?

    Quote Originally Posted by barned01
    i can't find nissan calipers at a price i am willing to pay. rx7 calipers sell for between 200 and 250 (yes i am aware there is a cost to put a spacer in).
    Priced that out vis a vis just buying the correct caliper? You'll need to buy the material (similar thermal expansion coefficient as the caliper would be ideal), have it machined to suit, buy longer high tensile bolts to hold the caliper together, get longer pad locator pins made up and buy 4 new square sectioned O rings to adequately seal the communicating channel. I guarantee you'll come in cheaper buying Nissan calipers that suit!

    I have done it for some Sumitomo 2 spots and it came out to a little over $100. They worked fine and there was no leakage but if there is a caliper that already suits and you don't already have free RX7calipers then I'd suggest you scrap the idea, save your pennies and buy the right calipers.

  7. #7
    Junior Member Grease Monkey
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    Default Re: putting a spacer in a caliper to allow a thicker disc. wise?

    Nice work Shane, but I'd have to agree with GT on this issue Barnde01.....
    You'll have no probs selling the RX7 items to put toward something more suitable.

  8. #8
    Deal with the Frog Backyard Mechanic Cool1's Avatar
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    Default Re: putting a spacer in a caliper to allow a thicker disc. wise?

    You dont need all them new bits if your only spacing them a tad like I did.
    The standards bolts are fine as in standard form you have spare thread, the locating pin issue can be solved by countersinking the caliper and the seals are only 20 something cents.
    Also the nissan calipers may not work anyway as they are more bulky!

  9. #9
    Current UZA80 owner Chief Engine Builder JustCallMeOrlando's Avatar
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    Default Re: putting a spacer in a caliper to allow a thicker disc. wise?

    Doesn't that bulkiness also come with larger piston area? I understand the reasoning behind the RX7 calipers, but isn't their piston area below that even of an AE86?

    I guess what i'm trying to say is, I'm with GT, I paid $220 delivered for a pair of R32 4-spots. If you can fit them, i'd use them.
    Teh UZA80 - Project Century - Remotely p00'd by association

  10. #10
    Deal with the Frog Backyard Mechanic Cool1's Avatar
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    Default Re: putting a spacer in a caliper to allow a thicker disc. wise?

    Now you've done it! All the drifto sprinter drivers are gonna think they have big brakes!

  11. #11
    Deal with the Frog Backyard Mechanic Cool1's Avatar
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    Default Re: putting a spacer in a caliper to allow a thicker disc. wise?

    Quote Originally Posted by JustCallMeFrank
    Doesn't that bulkiness also come with larger piston area?
    Oh and thats a no! Spend a while with a dremel and dump the unneeded alloy and its not so bulky anymore.

  12. #12
    Yep they look great Carport Converter gianttomato's Avatar
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    Default Re: putting a spacer in a caliper to allow a thicker disc. wise?

    Quote Originally Posted by barned01
    Is there a limit to the size spacer you can put in it (ie a 30mm rotor as opposed to the original 22mm thus requiring an 8mm spacer)?
    Damien needs to space it out by 8mm. He'll need everything I stated. Everywhere I have gone, square sectioned O rings are around $3 each. You could probably get away with plain old O rings but I'd hate to find out that I should have used the others when the brake pedal finds the floor at 160 kph.

  13. #13
    Sucks to be a Domestic Engineer YelloRolla's Avatar
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    Default Re: putting a spacer in a caliper to allow a thicker disc. wise?

    Porsche did quite a few upgrades to their calipers by spacing them to suit thicker discs.
    YelloRolla's KE20 1/4mi = 11.32 @ 119mph @ 22psi on slicks
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  14. #14
    Deal with the Frog Backyard Mechanic Cool1's Avatar
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    Default Re: putting a spacer in a caliper to allow a thicker disc. wise?

    8mm?? Fuck!! That wasn't there before! He must of edited it!!

  15. #15
    Deal with the Frog Backyard Mechanic Cool1's Avatar
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    Default Re: putting a spacer in a caliper to allow a thicker disc. wise?

    Quote Originally Posted by gianttomato
    Damien needs to space it out by 8mm. He'll need everything I stated. Everywhere I have gone, square sectioned O rings are around $3 each. You could probably get away with plain old O rings but I'd hate to find out that I should have used the others when the brake pedal finds the floor at 160 kph.
    Well if you need anymore of them o-rings i'll sell them to you for $1.50 each

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