380mm A8 Brake Upgrade for A6/A7

**ntsantos** · 08-29-2017 08:19 PM

From a little research, it looks like the A8 380mm front caliper is the same PN# as the A6/7 356mm caliper, the only difference being the caliper bracket. Has anyone tried this?

That would make for a nice cheap oem BBK upgrade.

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**p3u** · 08-29-2017 08:35 PM

Interesting...I knew they shared the same caliper, but didn't realize it was a larger rotor.

**durfA4** · 08-30-2017 03:13 AM

Also SQ5 calipers look the same. I'll start to research the carriers, since it should be a nice bolt on increase.

No real down side, except rotor options are minimal since 380mm are only on A8 and SQ5.

Quick numbers

A8/SQ5 380mmx 36 mm rotors are $615 pair for OEM from ECS no other options
A6/A7 356x 34mm are $450 pair for oem and Zimmerman rotors are $200 pair

Carriers http://www.jimellisaudiparts.com/pro...H0615125A.html
$155ea

So if it bolts on for $900~ you have brakes audi tested for the A8 4.0t which weighs close to same as the A7.

The biggest cost is the rotors of you could find a better deal on them I would definitely think about it.

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**A6sport** · 08-30-2017 05:15 AM

You forgot "Adams" rotors...

**ntsantos** · 08-30-2017 05:17 AM

ECS makes 2 pc lightweight rotors for the RS5, 380x34mm. And Giro disc also makes a LW 2pc at the same size. Both sets for roughly $1k. So I'm thinking if just changing brackets work, a lightweight 380mm brake setup would be $1500ish.

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**durfA4** · 08-30-2017 05:55 AM

Well then that changes the plan. The real concern then is the offset of the RS5 rotors. Now we need a parts guy that can verify the dimensions.

Or if SQ5 guys have found that RS5 rotors work, then a full wave rotor setup not only looks bad ass but shouldn't weigh a ton.

More research, I like to see where this platform is going.

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**ntsantos** · 08-30-2017 11:20 AM

I got the idea from the B8S4 forum. They seem to be able to fit RS5, Q5,A8,A7 brakes all bolt on with no issues. So the reverse logic should work.

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**ntsantos** · 08-30-2017 08:48 PM

It looks like the rears are the same scenario. The 330mm caliper is the same pn# as the A8 356mm, only the carrier is different.

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**durfA4** · 08-31-2017 04:01 AM

You can get A8 380mm calipers and carriers on the eBay pretty cheap. Rear carriers about $120ea.

Finding rotors that are not from Dealer, looks like advanced auto parts has rotors for $70 each but I could not order since they were out of stock.

So if we are talking $less than $500 for 380mm brake rotors and calipers that is the cheapest big upgrade I have ever heard.

I checked Adams rotors and $750 front or $1250 for all 4. Then add all the options. Still about $1500 for a factory big brake upgrade which is balanced (audi designed it not just bolting on Porsche calipers)

And here I thought the 356mm was fine.

I need to get dual pulley setup, add meth, bigger cooler, A8 brakes, euro seats, and obviously a leather covered dash. It's like another allroad, but it doesn't break so I can keep buying mods.

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**Carl Weathers** · 08-31-2017 07:29 AM

Interested to see how this pans out.

**p3u** · 08-31-2017 09:07 AM

Anyone want to go halfsies?

I'm willing to play guinea pig to find out. If it works Id send your money back, if not, we split the cost to find out.

Dead serious, ready to go now.

**durfA4** · 08-31-2017 09:59 AM

I bought the advanced auto rotors today, $66 shipped for the pair, I feel it is too good to be true, so I will see if they arrive or I get an email stating nothing available.
Front Rotors
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...462%7CL3*15696
Rear Rotors $54eahttps://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...462%7CL3*15696

The prices to get the calipers are good right now, we don't want to let the yards know that we can make a cheap BBK, and then they will start jumping the price like 17z 18z calipers.

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T

**p3u** · 08-31-2017 09:45 PM

nsantos and I have got the ball rolling!

We teamed up to try this "experiment", starting with the rear brakes.

As soon as parts arrive I'll attempt to install and report back.

**A6sport** · 08-31-2017 10:21 PM

You're an Audi animal ;-) and one hell of a resource.

Originally Posted by durfA4

I bought the advanced auto rotors today, $66 shipped for the pair, I feel it is too good to be true, so I will see if they arrive or I get an email stating nothing available.
Front Rotors
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...462%7CL3*15696
Rear Rotors $54eahttps://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...462%7CL3*15696

The prices to get the calipers are good right now, we don't want to let the yards know that we can make a cheap BBK, and then they will start jumping the price like 17z 18z calipers.

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T

**durfA4** · 09-01-2017 07:05 AM

I bought a pair of A8 calipers off eBay.

I'll test fit the carriers and
I'll powdercoat the calipers red.

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**p3u** · 09-01-2017 07:31 AM

Awesome work! Can't wait to see how the front and rear pan out!

**ntsantos** · 09-01-2017 07:39 AM

Nice work guys! There are several lightweight 380mm rotor options from ECS, JHM, and Girodisc. They're all for the RS5, but hopefully they work as A8 replacements. I know Racing Brake sells a full set of LW rotors specifically for the A8.

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http://www.racingbrake.com/Audi-A8-S8-FRONT-p/2225.htm

**PKmode** · 09-01-2017 07:45 AM

Good info. Thanks

**ZipMeUpJ** · 09-01-2017 11:00 AM

So what is the purpose of getting the calipers as well if only the carriers differ? Downtime?

Technically you would only need the carriers, pads and rotors. (possibly longer brake lines as well? I'm not at all sure where the hardlines begin but pushing the caliper out farther with the a8 carriers may make the a6 lines too short )

**durfA4** · 09-01-2017 11:14 AM

The calipers are cheaper than the carriers separately, Only main reason.

I have a rear BBK in my garage for my old allroad. b6 rear calipers and A8 disks but no carriers so I never installed it.

I also would take the time to powdercoat and smooth the calipers prior to install. I have everything in my garage. So makes it easy.

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**p3u** · 09-02-2017 01:07 PM

Part one of project mayham has arrived. Pretty good size for a rear rotor.

We'll see what happens when the carriers arrive next week.

**p3u** · 09-02-2017 04:30 PM

Also just scored some A8 front rotors for 63.30...for the pair...shipped!!!

Fingers crossed!

**ntsantos** · 09-02-2017 05:12 PM

Originally Posted by p3u

Also just scored some A8 front rotors for 63.30...for the pair...shipped!!!

Fingers crossed!

Where'd you score those?

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**durfA4** · 09-02-2017 06:04 PM

Advanced Auto from the link I posted were $66 shipped for the pair. They shipped today, and my calipers should arrive this week.

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**p3u** · 09-02-2017 06:18 PM

If you use LAB17ABX you'll get 25% off for $63.30 total.

**ntsantos** · 09-02-2017 07:11 PM

I was just looking at my stock rear brakes earlier and it looks like we'll need the larger dust shield for sure, or bend the stock one back a bit.

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**p3u** · 09-02-2017 07:23 PM

Yup, I plan on removing mine.

**durfA4** · 09-05-2017 01:42 PM

CarQuest/wearever brake rotors arrived, $66 shipped for the pair.

These are huge. 15"X1.5". I know 380 mm is large but these are massive, shipping weight 66lbs. 33lbs ea, A8 calipers are 31lbs for the pair.

The casting looks pretty rough and the machining does not look like it has any rust prevention. I may powdercoat the hats or just paint with caliper paint black or silver. Powdercoat is better but a pain to do for $33 brake rotors.

A8/SQ5 OEM rotors are 2 Piece aluminum hat with steel disk, these are solid steel so that sucks.

The veins in the the rotor are directional, single casting same right and left, again not optimal but still they are huge so they should disperse heat better.

PICs

380mm A8 Rotor compared to 345mm B8 S4 rotor

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**p3u** · 09-05-2017 01:46 PM

Awesome! I get mine tomorrow.

My rear brake carriers are arriving today, if I have time I'll attempt the rear this evening.

Fingers crossed!

**durfA4** · 09-05-2017 02:21 PM

How much were the rear calipers?

I chose to get the carriers and full calipers in the chance that they did not swap out to the A7 calipers.

The rear I have brand new brembo rotors and akebono pads sitting on the shelf. So I have a hard time justifying the upgrade since the SQ5 has our 330mm rear disks and the 380mm front.

I am hoping that the car will remain balanced with braking

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**durfA4** · 09-05-2017 04:29 PM

Also FYI, the caliper part numbers maybe the same, but it appears that the Pads are larger on the A8/SQ5 caliper. the A7/A6 caliper pad part size/number is usually 1546, and the A8/SQ5 is usually 1549. Most brands it is the same. I am going to wait until I get my A8 calipers until I order pads so I can compare.
A8/SQ5

A7/A6

**repnaudi** · 09-05-2017 04:38 PM

This sounds awesome. 👀

**p3u** · 09-05-2017 04:45 PM

Interesting to hear about the pad size difference. Look forward to you finds.

Here are the A8 carriers, hopefully they bolt up.

As far as bias I think it will be fine, esp considering it's 400mm upfront and 356mm on the S6 as well.

One benefit for me is the extra rear stopping power when using ACC.

Fresh paint.

**p3u** · 09-05-2017 09:36 PM

Well I regret to post that the A8 carriers DO NOT work with a 356mm rear rotor. The carriers in fact added no addition clearance for this. It would seem the mounts on the A8 knuckle is where the difference is made up...

**durfA4** · 09-06-2017 03:15 AM

Originally Posted by p3u

Well I regret to post that the A8 carriers DO NOT work with a 356mm rear rotor. The carriers in fact added no addition clearance for this. It would seem the mounts on the A8 knuckle is where the difference is made up...

That sucks, but we are pretty sure that the front is a bolt on.

The brake pad size difference on the front should also improve the stopping power, since that rotor is dramatically larger.

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**jrsAudiA6** · 09-06-2017 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by p3u

Well I regret to post that the A8 carriers DO NOT work with a 356mm rear rotor. The carriers in fact added no addition clearance for this. It would seem the mounts on the A8 knuckle is where the difference is made up...

I can speak from experience that the S6 rear caliper carrier will work for the 356mm rotor. I have it on my 2012 A6.

**p3u** · 09-06-2017 09:07 AM

Originally Posted by jrsAudiA6

I can speak from experience that the S6 rear caliper carrier will work for the 356mm rotor. I have it on my 2012 A6.

Awesome!

To be clear, you only changed the carrier and rotor, same caliper and other related parts?

**durfA4** · 09-10-2017 11:39 AM

Long story, short they work but only fit with the A8/SQ5 caliper. The A7 calipers fit the A8 carrier, but rub the inside of the caliper slightly when bolted together without pads. It is not enough clearance to run just the carrier, and I think it is because of the size of the brake pad.

The A8 calipers and rotors bolt up fine and would work if I felt like bleeding them. But I wanted to clean them up and paint or powdercoat them before I do that. if I do that.

I received calipers and started to disassemble. The carriers are held on with 9mm Allen bolts. I didnt have one and had to buy one Most allen sets don't include this size just so yo know, you can get it at autozone.

After buying a 9mm Allen socket I started to tinker.
Carriers

Rotors side by side

Back to stock

If anyone wants/needs the 380 A8 setup with OEM like new pads, I can powdercoat it and ship the whole thing ready to bolt on, you just need to bleed them, best reasonable offer.

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