Wilwood Front Brake Kit, 66 and Later Ball Joint, Drop Red

OVERVIEW

When it comes to stopping power and aggressive styling for your late-model ball joint front end, the EMPI Wilwood Front Brake Kit represents the absolute pinnacle of air-cooled Volkswagen engineering. This kit isn''t just a basic disc brake conversion; it is a complete performance overhaul that marries Wilwood''s legendary 4-piston clamping force with EMPI''s precision-forged 2-1/2 inch drop spindles. By utilizing a zero-offset design, this kit solves the age-old problem of increased track width often found in inferior disc conversions. You can finally achieve that tucked, low-profile stance without worrying about your tires rubbing the fender lips, all while gaining the confidence that only a world-class braking system can provide. Whether you are building a high-horsepower street machine or a weekend autocross contender, this kit ensures your Beetle or Ghia stops as fast as it goes.

The attention to detail in this kit is second to none, featuring premium components that seasoned VW builders demand. The heart of the system is the pair of Wilwood high-performance 4-piston calipers, finished in a striking red powder coat that pops behind any set of custom wheels. These are paired with zinc-plated, cross-drilled, and slotted rotors designed to dissipate heat rapidly and maintain a clean pad surface for consistent bite in all driving conditions. To ensure maximum reliability and a firm pedal feel, the kit includes DOT-approved stainless steel braided brake lines, SKF bearings, and Elring seals. This is a comprehensive solution that eliminates the guesswork of piece-meal brake upgrades, providing a bolt-on transformation that elevates your VW''s safety and performance to modern standards.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (Standard): 1966 through 1977 (Ball Joint Front Ends)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1966 through 1974
• Note: Fits Ball Joint front ends only. Will not fit King Pin models or Super Beetles.

SPECS

• Caliper Brand: Wilwood High-Performance 4-Piston
• Caliper Finish: High-Temp Red Powder Coat
• Spindle Type: Forged 2-1/2 Inch Drop Spindles
• Track Offset: Zero Offset (Maintains Factory Track Width)
• Rotor Style: Zinc Plated, Cross-Drilled, and Slotted
• Brake Lines: DOT Approved Stainless Steel Braided Lines
• Bearings: Premium SKF Tapered Roller Bearings
• Seals: High-Quality Elring Grease Seals
• Hardware: High-Tensile Caliper Mounting Bolts and Dust Caps Included
• Pads: Wilwood High-Friction Performance Compound

PRO TIPS

1. Upgrade Your Master Cylinder for Maximum Performance

When transitioning from a stock drum brake setup or even a standard single-piston disc setup to these massive Wilwood 4-piston calipers, you are significantly increasing the volume of fluid required to move the pistons. To get the most out of this kit and ensure a firm, responsive pedal, we highly recommend upgrading to a larger bore master cylinder, such as a 20.6mm or 22mm unit. A stock 17mm or 19mm master cylinder may feel "mushy" because it has to travel further to displace enough fluid for eight total pistons. Matching the master cylinder to your new calipers ensures that the braking force is immediate and easy to modulate, giving you that modern sports car feel in your vintage VW.

2. Verify Wheel Clearance Before Installation

While the zero-offset spindles are designed to keep your wheels tucked inside the fenders, the Wilwood 4-piston calipers have a larger profile than stock Ghia-style calipers. Most 15-inch wheels will clear the calipers, but certain vintage-style wheels or 14-inch options may have clearance issues with the inner barrel or the backside of the spokes. We always recommend a "dry fit" of the rotor and caliper on the spindle before packing the bearings with grease. This allows you to slide your wheel over the assembly to check for any interference. If you find a slight rub, a thin wheel spacer may be necessary, or you may need to reconsider your wheel choice to accommodate the high-performance hardware.

3. Follow the Proper Pad Bedding Procedure

To ensure the longevity of your new zinc-plated rotors and to achieve maximum stopping power, you must properly "bed" the Wilwood brake pads. This process involves a series of controlled stops that gradually bring the brakes up to operating temperature, allowing a thin layer of pad material to transfer onto the rotor surface. Start by performing 8 to 10 moderate stops from 30 MPH down to 5 MPH, followed by 2 or 3 heavy stops from 50 MPH down to 10 MPH. Never come to a complete stop with your foot held firmly on the pedal during this process, as it can cause uneven material transfer or "warping" sensations. Once the rotors have a uniform dull grey appearance, allow them to cool completely before normal driving. This step is crucial for noise reduction and optimal friction performance.