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

[delusionz]

I'll be watching this thread closely too, I also can obtain ST205 brakes between $500 and $1000 NZD and was interested in applying them to our SS-III with superstrut for the missus so hopefully she keeps the front bumper in-tact

One thing I'm wondering is if I would be able to skimp out on the gt4's rear 2 pots and just move the ss-iii's front 2pots to the rear?

I'll also keep you guys posted about whether the GT4 brakes are a no modification upgrade to the SS-III being they both have identical factory 6-spoke wheels (16x7.5) and the same superstrut suspension (I'm not sure if they are identical since the gt4's suspension feels like it has stiffer oem springs).

Oh yeah, I recommend 17" wheels for this, the clearance (front & back) between the calipers and the inside of the factory wheels on the gt4 is about 6mm