FD Calipers dwarf FC rotors

[WE3RX7]

I was playing around with some parts I had today while working on my FC project. I wanted to firm up the belief that the FD calipers bolt to the FC hubs just fine and should allow you to run a larger front rotor. My initial guess would be yes - you can. Although, I dont plan to run this setup so I'm sure I wont be able to finalize any spacing/modification issues, but it all seems possible.

Just thought I'd share..


For reference, the FD rotors are 11.6 to a stock FC of 10.8. Seems like a cheap big brake kit to me.

[djmtsu]

Ahem.....FC and FD calipers are the SAME and interchangeable.

Cough....

[Phoenix7]

:dunno: I'll contemplate the rotor swap when I start outperforming the stock TII brakes.

Keep us posted.

[SpooledupRacing]

fc and fd calipers are different.. not sure why but looking in my book they are different part number..

[WE3RX7]

FC and FD calipers are not the same at all.

FD calipers have a different pad design/pin design and FC rotors are much smaller than FD, thus the FD caliper is space higher.

I have both FD calipers and FC calipers and rotors sitting in my garage if you'd like a comparison....

The FC rotor is about 10.8" and the FD is about 11.6" and they are different thickness.

I cant speak the exact swap though as I'm not planning on using the FD front calipers, they are for sale though :)

[85rx-7gsl-se]

Are your comparing 4-lug FC to FD? Or 5-lug FC to FD?

[WE3RX7]

In that pic its 4 lug... but even the 5 lugs are still 10.8" rotors. I'm simply stating that it seems like 5 lug FC guys could swap out to the FD caliper and rotor fairly easily (some modification of the brake line would be needed) and that would let them run an 11.6" rotor easily w/out needing to buy a big expensive BBK....

No? - maybe that extra space for the rotor comes from the hub, but I dont have an extra FD hub to compare to.

[SpooledupRacing]

S5 gxl turbo FC and FD calipers and brake rotors are different

they use the same brake pads though

[WE3RX7]

Same pads huh? didnt know that one...

But thanks for confirming the rotors/calipers are different on FC and FD, I just couldnt see how they'd be the same.

[josh18_2k]

that does make it much easier to find pads (like on ebay..)

i have "FD" Hawk HP+ all around.

[RETed]

The "big" FC brake calipers and FD brakes calipers are functionally the same.
The FD brake calipers are "squeeze cast" (or something like that) where they are slightly lighter.
Look up any aftermarket brake pad for the FD, and it will be the same exact part number for the FC "big" brake caliper.


-Ted

[djmtsu]

They are still interchangeable.

Although Mazda lists different part numbers, most of the aftermarket lists the FC and FD calipers as the same.

[SpooledupRacing]

Thats what I am saying here in my aftermarket world (at my shop) we list them as different calipers..

the bore, bleeder and line size of course is the same but they look a touch different.

[SpooledupRacing]

The "big" FC brake calipers and FD brakes calipers are functionally the same.
The FD brake calipers are "squeeze cast" (or something like that) where they are slightly lighter.
Look up any aftermarket brake pad for the FD, and it will be the same exact part number for the FC "big" brake caliper.


-Ted



Yes I am sure the calipers are interchangable (like mazdaspeed protege and v6 626 calipers are interchangable)

and yes the pads are the same (did I not say that already LOL)

rotors are different..

and if u are looking for pads and rotors hell I have them on my shelf!

SCREW EBAY!

[djmtsu]

Here at my aftermarket world, we sell them as the same part number (86-95).

Good news is they are all the 93-95 design, so they are slightly lighter.

[BigTeddy]

FD and FC calipers are the same...

[Rotary#10]

odd question. any weight savings on the fd rotors, calipers compared to the fc rotors, calipers? maybe a pound or less hehe.

[SpooledupRacing]

OK then let me ask this question... WILL an FD caliper/pad/rotor combo fit on the front of an FC with no modification.

my guess is no and the ears on the sprindle sit out further on an FD to acomodate the larger rotor.

[RETed]

No, the FD rotor will not fit without modification.
The brake caliper and brake pad will all swap no problem with any 4-piston front FC brakes.


-Ted

[SpooledupRacing]

right well the pads are the SAME part number.. the calipers I see physically they are the same

is it the hub that is different on the FD or is it the spindle spacing for mounting the caliper that would stop the bigger rotor from working?

[RETed]

Yes, hub is different.
Remember, FC is MacPherson front while the FD is double wishbone.


-Ted

[SpooledupRacing]

I have yet to be under an FD.. thx for the info Ted.. I never knew that!