So I lowered my new to me dieselgate NAR TDI last week and figured I’d do the brake upgrade at the same time. I ordered all the parts/replacement stretch bolts in advance. Per the VW parts website I’m supposed to have calipers ending in 123/124 which this retrofit in not designed for. Turns out I already had 57mm on my calipers. So to any other NAR TDI owners out there you might want to check yours first and save the $199 on carries/calipers. You can see in one of the pics the caliper I took off with the 57 right next to the new one and both the calipers and carriers appear to be identical. I had completely finished the job before I even thought to look. I thought for sure from everything I read I would’ve had a 55 on my original calipers.
I used factory akebono pads, none of that fancy stuff, but I did do the the crossdrilled slotted rotors for esthetics due to my wheel choice. I forgot to weigh the before/after calipers but the wheel/tire savings was give or take 10lbs. 18” Durban’s weighted in at 21.7kg/47.8lbs and Neuspeed rse05 17x8 with 235/45 weighed in at 16.8kg/37.0lbs per my convert app.
B8s with HR springs feel great. I had some slight rear rubbing with all 4 Durban’s, old parts, spare tire, and tools in the back. After unloading and driving with passengers I haven’t rubbed since.
The difference in the braking is astronomical and that initial sticky grab every time I touch the brake pedal is long gone. I have not done any hard braking yet. Akebono recommends 400 miles of moderate braking first.
Thank you GolfDave for posting this and for Responding to my questions. Here’s a few pics.