I have a 1985 MR2 that I want to upgrade the brakes to 1987 version. I thought I had what I needed but they don't seem to fit properly(can't bolt on the Calibers, seems Rotor is too large or caliber bracket is incorrect), so something is amiss. Anyway, in working with the salesguy at my local Advance Auto, we seem to be getting conflicting results as to the diameter and thickness of the upgraded '87 rotor, one is 9.4, another 9.65 and still another 10.1 inches. Were there multiple sizes of rotors used for 1987, dependent on the MR2 model, say one for a NA MR2 and one for a Supercharged MR2? If so, which one should or can I use? Please be specific with part numbers if possible. Same goes with the Calibers, I think I have the correct ones with the correct brackets as ordered, but I would like to be sure, part numbers would help.
you need the brake caliper hangers as well as the rotors to make the swap work.
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1/2 a tank of V-Power gas+ 1/2 tankful of fuel with Techroline= V-Tec gas??? Speed and grip walk a very thin line of balance. If a car feels like it's on rails, then you're probably not going fast enough.
I have a 1985 MR2 that I want to upgrade the brakes to 1987 version. I thought I had what I needed but they don't seem to fit properly(can't bolt on the Calibers, seems Rotor is too large or caliber bracket is incorrect), so something is amiss. Anyway, in working with the salesguy at my local Advance Auto, we seem to be getting conflicting results as to the diameter and thickness of the upgraded '87 rotor, one is 9.4, another 9.65 and still another 10.1 inches. Were there multiple sizes of rotors used for 1987, dependent on the MR2 model, say one for a NA MR2 and one for a Supercharged MR2? If so, which one should or can I use? Please be specific with part numbers if possible. Same goes with the Calibers, I think I have the correct ones with the correct brackets as ordered, but I would like to be sure, part numbers would help.
Thanks.
Rick
The S/C was only made in 88 & 89, all 87's were N/A models.
__________________ 89 Supercharged White MR2 5-speed / 09 Corolla S CSM 5-speed
07 Matrix XR Gray Pearl 5-speed (sold 11/23/11)/ 94 Corolla DX Red 5-speed / 95 Previa S/C White Auto/
07 Corolla CE CSM 5-speed/ 10 Prius III Blizzard Pearl
you need the brake caliper hangers as well as the rotors to make the swap work.
I bought the remanufactured calipers WITH the mount brackets for the '87 MR2 and the upgraded rotors(~10.1 inch diameter) but they don't seem to fit, the rotor seems too large. The calipers AND the brackets are different than the '85, correct? Do I need to take the '87 calipers and put them on the '85 mounting brackets? Or take the '85 calipers and put them on the '87 brackets? I would prefer using the NEW remanufactured '87 calipers and '87 mounting brackets, if that is possible. The upgraded rotor is also larger than the '85, but is ~10.1 inch too large? Seems there are other SMALLER(9.65") diameter rotors available, at least thru the Advance Auto computer system, is that what I need or is that the same as a '85. Thanks for you input.
man, something is wrong there! the 87+ and SC rotors are the same. the new caliper/hangers should be fine. the 85 hangers won't clear the rotor. i haven't measured my rotors lately, so i couldn't tell you what the diameter is. maybe next time i am down at my shop and if you still don't have an answer, i will be able to post the measurement.
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1/2 a tank of V-Power gas+ 1/2 tankful of fuel with Techroline= V-Tec gas??? Speed and grip walk a very thin line of balance. If a car feels like it's on rails, then you're probably not going fast enough.
I still haven't resolved the problem. Not that I have been in any hurry seeing that it's like 20 degrees F outside. The rotors that I purchased are ~10.1 inches in diameter and I have checked them against what Advance Auto says should work for a '87 MR2 and they physically are the same. Looking at the newly purchased 87' Calipers with brackets against my old '85 Calipers and brackets, the '87s are definitely different, slightly larger opening for the thicker '87 rotors and seemingly more room for the larger diameter '87 rotors as well but they don't seem to fit. I'm at wits end, don't want to revert back to the '85s but might not have a choice other than to rebuild the '85 Calipers and get new '85 rotors and put it back together. Any guidance would be appreciated.
well, it may behoove you to try another store. it's possible they have mis-labeled parts in the box(es)
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1/2 a tank of V-Power gas+ 1/2 tankful of fuel with Techroline= V-Tec gas??? Speed and grip walk a very thin line of balance. If a car feels like it's on rails, then you're probably not going fast enough.
well, it may behoove you to try another store. it's possible they have mis-labeled parts in the box(es)
My '85 MR2 is still down. Was nice this weekend and today, so am going to take another look at the brakes tonight. Was wondering if I misunderstood this whole '85 brake upgrade process. Got '87 rotors, '87 calipers and '87 mounting brackets. They should fit, right? Or do I need to use the old '85 calipers mounted onto the '87 mounting brackets? Does the caliper manufacturer matter? I would think not, but anyone out there who has done this upgrade, please advise as to which caliper manufacturer you used. It's frustrating to say the least. I don't want to waste my time ordering another set of '87 calipers from A1Cardone if they probably won't work. Did Toyota use different hubs for late '84 or early '85 MR2s versus later '85 MR2s and that's the problem? Any advice would be helpful.
you are correct with the purchase of the 87+ brake setup. the items needed to complete this are:
87+ rotor
87+ caliper
87+ caliper bracket
hammer
you MUST smash the dust shield AWAY from the rotor (towards the center of the vehicle) in order for the rotor to properly fit onto the hub. this smashing must be done on FRONT and REAR.
just fyi - 85 & 86 have the EXACT same brakes. 87-89 ALL have the exact same brakes, regardless of NA or SC. 85-89 NA ALL have the exact same hub. 88 & 89 SC have the exact same hub - they have a larger inner diameter to fit a larger axle that was designed to cope with the extra torque produced by the SC setup.
and btw, i've done this exact brake upgrade myself, so i do know that it works.
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btw - i want to address something that i did not originally. if, after you smash back the dust shield, you put the rotor on, then slip the caliper bracket on (no need for the caliper just yet) and it touches the rotor, then yes, you have the incorrect caliper bracket. the bracket should be CLOSE, but not touch it. at that point, return the stuff and exchange it for 89 Mr2 brake stuff.
Last edited by not12listen; 03-09-2010 at 11:30 PM.
Finally figured it out a couple of month ago, sorry for the delay in responding. One caliper was correct, the other wrong, so it wouldn't fit. DUH. Got the correct one, installed both, installed new rotors, pads and SS brake lines, bled the brakes, up and running. It's now a fun car to commute a 120 miles a day in, now over 202,000 miles. Noticing other issues, will definitely need help from you guys on the forum!! Quick question, seems I have a leaky Brake Master Cylinder. Seems to be leaking at the connection with the brake booster. Doesn't seem to be affecting braking but I've found a small amount of brake fluid in the front trunk. Is there a gasket or seal that might need replacing? Part number? Or should I just get a remanufactured brake master cylinder or better yet a new aluminum brake master cylibder? Any recommendations.
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