ST205 Brakes on a ST, how ? who ? how much ? Options

[Culpable04]

A few months back I started the research, measuring, freezing fingering task to fit ST205 brakes on a USDM Celica.

the first step was to pair a ST205 caliper on USDM system to see what were the differences, well, the bolt holes are EXACTLY at the same distance, but unlike our stock calipers, the ST205 calipers have no thread on them, reason being that these ( st205 ) calipers are mount on the back of the knuckle, not on front like the stock ones, so this presents the first thing we need to work on, the other issue was rotors, no need to remind you how small the USDM rotors are, so they are useless here, we had a set of ST205 rotors, but there are 3 main problems with them, first, in order to fit them on our suspension, the caliper has to be modified, this modification involves grinding a few mm ( ~ 10 ) out of the bracket so the rotor falls dead center with the caliper, the second issue is that with the location of our holes on the knuckle the caliper can not accept anything bigger than 300 mm, and the 3rd problem is that ST205 rotors are not available in the states, the cost for them overseas + shipping charges = way out of my and most people price range ( ~ US$600.00 )


so ok, the first thing I did was ordered a set of IS300 as there was a rumor that they'd fit, hmmmm no, they don't, but at least with them I took some measurements that helped me get on the right path, I got on the phone with a partner in business, and using the measurements and the specs of USDM and ST205 celica, we came up with a rotor that seem to fit " in theory " lol.

I got such rotors a week later, and we tried them on, the fitment was PERFECT, for the caliper we, took the knuckle off and thread tap them, so no we have how to bolt the calipers, and have rotors that fit, went to tried them on the car, and guess what ? everything works perfectly, just one last thing, the wheels didn't fit, so right now we're waiting for my spacers to get here, so fit them on.

to resume..
here are the step to fit ST205 brakes on a USDM celica

1. take the knuckle off the car and thread tap them thread taps are available anywhere, buy matching bolts for the thread you are tapping ( grade 8 bolts please ) use a 1/2 x 20 tap or finer thread. ( the one used on the pictures is 9/16 x 20 but no need to go that big as that will require to drill the hole to make it a little bigger.

2. order these Custom rotors from me ( before you ask, if for some reason I can't supply them to you anymore, all the specs are sources will be posted, I'm not gonna screw anyone )

3. install, you'll most likely need new brake lines as the stock ones are not long enough, so take the opportunity and buy some Stainless Steel lines.

for brake pads, go to your local dealer, ST205 brake pads are exactly the same as Supra Twin turbo brakes,

4. if you need spacers for your wheels, I can supply those as well, I'm working numbers to offer a discounted price if you order rotors and spacers at the same time.


now enjoy the pictures, and let me know if there is any question.

























*the pictures show the rotor a little rusty, because they've been outside for a while, also things are just mocked on, not tighten as the calipers are still being painted. what you're looking at is a work in progress.

These are the spacers I'll be offering to everyone, hubcentric, made out of forged Aluminum, CNC machined, with longer studs. they'll be offer on thickness of 10 mm, 15mm, and 20 mm.


This post has been edited by Culpable04: Jun 8, 2009 - 9:44 PM

[Fastbird]

I wasn't asking for absolute specs. All I wanted to know was What car the rotor came off of, and further down the line What company the rotor was made by and who or what kind of shop was doing the drilling. Is that too much to ask??? When someone is just pulling pieces off the shelf until the find the right one, then end person here still gets left without knowing how to go about finding a new piece. They've got no background on the product or company, ect.

Did I ever ask for full specs like offset, thickness, center bore size, rotor hat size, ect??? I don't think so. All I asked was for some simple generic information. I like a lot of other enthusiasts have my own preferential parts to use also, hence my finding something better comment. NOWHERE did I say that your rotors were generic, cheap, or unreliable.

As for your "you'll find out the cost involved" comment, it's not rocket science. With a mic, some simple measurements, and some patient searching figuring out what will and won't work isn't that involved. Sure it may take a couple of trial and error rotors, but you seem to either have taken a shotgun approach to finding the right parts or you seem to be inflating what your actual research investment was.

Let me ask you this: The rotors that you're selling.......is there a warranty? Who warranties the rotor? Does it have to go back to you if there's a problem? Or is the customer going to get stiffed if something happens at the end of a warranty period and there's a justified claim?

Death, I called Culp out because of his attitude. I was looking at options and I got the "no that is too small to work" comment about one and he directly contradicted himself. His attitude is what got me doing this. I'm ont the only one who see's it. I think Culp needs to remember that no one pays for advertising or sponsoring on this forum and for him to take this blantant stance in order to make money is pretty shady. I never said he needs to give out all the specs.....actually here's what I sent him in regards to specs:

You may be curious why I am doing all of this researching? It's because I refuse to put parts on my car that I don't know what they're for or where I can immediately get a replacement. I simply won't take an unknown part, especially something as important as a braking component, and just slap it on. I need to know what it was originally intended for, what model it was produced for, ect. I'm also doing this because I'm looking at doing a couple of different configurations ont he caliper mounting (both front and back of knuckle, as well as bracket relocated.

Culp fails to mention that I've already talked about using a custom made caliper bracket to be able to use a larger rotor, but that's besides the point. The biggest thing in that quote is that I made it plain and clear that I'm asking these "specs" (what car, ect) because I WAS intending to purchase the rotors off of him. I'm a technical guy, so slapping on a part isn't enough for me. But being discreet to the point of shady when it comes to stuff like this isn't how to get it done either.