Mazda 323 brake swap possible?

[fastivaca]

I have some bad news on this guys. I measured up the 323 spindle and they are quite a bit different from the Festiva in a couple of spots.

The distnace from the ball joint pinch bolt to the lower strut bolt is 6" on the Festiva vs.
just over 7" on the 323. The distance from the tie rod hole to the centerline of the axle is 1" greater on the 323 than on the Festiva.

The spindles will physically fit but the car would ride higher and the steering geometry would be off.

Oh well.... maybe I'll have to do the Aspire swap after all.

[hot4dl8ly]

I know I am coming up with this pretty late, but here goes. These measurements- from axle centerline to tie rod hole and ball joint pinch bolt to lower strut mount hole- are the same on the Capri hubs as stated for the 323 above. I think that the 323 and Capri- non turbo and Tracer- non wagon are probably the same hub/knuckle assembly. They take the same rotors and calipers.

[chrisofna]

Well all that would mean is it'd be the same situation with the Capri Knuckles, you'd have to use the Aspire arms.

[hot4dl8ly]

Well- the 86-89 323 may take the 9.375" rotor, but all the Capri knuckles I have seen so far have the 10.2" rotors- making them not compatible with 13" wheels, 14" minimum.

[bandunga]

Also someone posted this link to CP on here I think... I had it in my bookmarks.

http://www.clubprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35746

Its about putting galant rotors on a modded 323 knuckle. The rotors are thicker and bigger in diameter. Although no pics to show how big an increase in diameter. Also someone posts a pic of a 4 pot RX-7 caliper mounted up which would be crazy.

Also with a quick search found this same upgrade done to XR2 hubs and knuckles... looks pretty sweet!

http://www.clubprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40913&highlight=galant+rotor

like 5 or 6 posts down

[DriverOne]

I see lots of front disc, but I REALLY would like to have a rear disc setup... Does the XR2 have rear discs, and do you think it'd be possible to put the rear axle under the Festiva or is it Independent Suspension?

Did a search. Found the answer. Don't kill me.

[muscle_Car1]

Yeah it has rear disc, no it IRS just like the escorts/323