Disc Brake Kit, 4 On 130mm, For Super Beetle Wilwood RED

OVERVIEW

Transform your Super Beetle''s stopping performance with the ultimate front-end braking solution. This EMPI Disc Brake Kit featuring Red Wilwood Billet Calipers is engineered to provide modern-day deceleration for your classic air-cooled Volkswagen. While the stock drum brakes were adequate for the driving conditions of the 1970s, today''s high-speed traffic and modern road safety standards demand a more reliable, fade-resistant stopping system. By transitioning to this high-performance setup, you aren''t just getting a cosmetic upgrade; you are investing in a precision-engineered system that utilizes vented rotors and multi-piston Wilwood calipers to dissipate heat effectively during spirited driving or emergency stops. This kit is a direct bolt-on solution designed specifically for the unique McPherson strut front suspension of the Super Beetle, ensuring that you don''t have to compromise on fitment or safety when upgrading your ride.

Beyond the raw mechanical advantages, this kit brings a professional, high-end aesthetic to your VW with its striking red powder-coated Wilwood calipers. These calipers are CNC-machined from high-strength billet aluminum, offering a significant weight reduction compared to traditional cast iron alternatives while providing superior clamping force and a much firmer pedal feel. The inclusion of premium SKF bearings ensures that your rotating assembly is as reliable as the brakes themselves, reducing friction and extending the life of your front spindles. Whether you are building a daily driver, a weekend cruiser, or a show-stopping Type 1, this kit delivers the perfect balance of EMPI''s long-standing VW expertise and Wilwood''s world-renowned racing technology. Every component, from the specialized mounting brackets to the precision-machined rotors, has been curated to provide a seamless installation and a radical improvement in your vehicle''s overall handling and safety characteristics.

FITMENT

This kit is designed specifically for the front end of Volkswagen Super Beetles. Please verify your vehicle''s front suspension type before ordering.

• Volkswagen Super Beetle (Type 1): 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Super Beetle Convertible: 1971 through 1979
• Model Compatibility: Only fits Super Beetle models with McPherson strut front suspension.

SPECS

The following technical specifications ensure you have the right data for your build and wheel fitment requirements:

• Bolt Pattern: 4 On 130mm (Stock VW 4-Lug Pattern).
• Caliper Brand: Wilwood Performance.
• Caliper Material: Billet Aluminum.
• Caliper Finish: Red Powder Coat.
• Rotor Style: Vented for maximum heat dissipation.
• Bearing Type: High-quality SKF brand bearings included.
• Lug Hole Thread: 14mm x 1.5mm.
• Minimum Wheel Size: Must use 15-inch wheels or larger.
• Kit Includes: Mounting brackets, calipers, high-friction pads, vented rotors, SKF bearings, and brake lines.
• Application: Front Beam / McPherson Strut.

PRO TIPS

1. Upgrade Your Master Cylinder for Optimal Pressure

When switching from a front drum brake setup to a high-performance 4-piston Wilwood disc brake kit, your stock master cylinder may not provide the ideal fluid volume and pressure required for the new calipers. For the best pedal feel and shortest stopping distances, we highly recommend upgrading to a 20.6mm "Big Bore" master cylinder. This ensures that the Wilwood pistons receive the necessary hydraulic force to clamp down on the vented rotors effectively. Using an undersized master cylinder can result in a "mushy" or long pedal stroke, which negates many of the performance benefits of this high-end brake kit.

2. Verify Wheel Clearance and Offset

Because this kit utilizes larger 4-piston calipers and vented rotors, it requires a minimum wheel size of 15 inches. However, simply having a 15-inch wheel isn''t always enough; the internal shape of the wheel and the offset (ET) play a huge role in clearance. Before finishing your installation, "dry fit" your wheels over the caliper to ensure there is no contact between the caliper body and the wheel spokes or inner barrel. If you find the clearance is too tight, you may need to utilize a small wheel spacer or choose a wheel with a more modern "disc brake friendly" design. Never grind down the Wilwood calipers to make them fit, as this compromises the structural integrity of the billet aluminum.

3. Follow Proper Brake Pad Bedding Procedures

To get the most life and performance out of your new Wilwood pads and vented rotors, you must perform a proper "bedding-in" procedure. This process involves a series of controlled stops that gradually heat the rotors and transfer a thin layer of friction material from the pads to the rotor surface. Start with several slow stops from 30 MPH, followed by several moderate stops from 50 MPH, allowing the brakes to cool slightly between each cycle without coming to a complete stop. This prevents "glazing" of the pads and ensures a smooth, quiet, and powerful braking experience for the life of the components. Skipping this step can lead to brake squeal and uneven rotor wear.