Difference between MTX & ATX Aspire Brakes?

[SimonTuffGuy]

I know that the auto calipers are wider... But does anyone have measurements of which is which? The PO installed the Aspire brakes and I have no idea if they used auto or manual...

I'm going to upgrade to some cross-drilled/slotted rotors and need to know before I order.

[muscle_Car1]

Manual rotor width = 16mm
Auto width = 22mm

Thats what pops in my head for some reason

[htchbck]

I'm pretty sure thats it... 22mm is whats stamped on my aspire rotors I think, and they're from an auto cause I pulled them

[festivaWES]

got my MTX rotors from pepboys new for 14.99 each

[Silv3rBull3t]

Why cross drilled/slotted? Spec Miata race cars do not use them and they see way more use than any of our brakes will ever see. Just for looks? I hope because I am 100% positive that my solid Brembo blanks will outstop any slotted/cross drilled rotors... -Kyle

EDIT: Almost forgot to mention, also have better warp resistance and resistance to cracking like alot of cross drilled rotors have a tendency of doing...

[SimonTuffGuy]

I just thought they looked cool...

[25Horseplay]

^^Me too! I plan on getting them anyway.

[Silv3rBull3t]

Ok I mean they do look B-A... But for me since I replace rotors/pads decently often I can't see justifying it. Post some pix up of them once ya get em on there!! I want to see the Simon styled steroid pumping BP Festy! -Kyle

[CharlieZ]

New member. New Festiva owner. Old man. This may have been asked many times B4 but.... Could someone list what parts are needed to put Aspire front brakes on the Festiva?
Thanks

[Safety Guy]

Here's some discussion:

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11119

Here's my list:

-Aspire calipers (I prefer MTX calipers and rotors since the upgrade is quite enough compared with the heavier ATX rotors).

-Aspire rotors. Use same rotors as calipers (ATX or MTX). The only difference between them are the thicker rotors and caliper mounts to fit. When you pull the "calipers" off an Aspire, you are probably removing both calipers and mounts. They are actually two piece.

-Aspire brake hoses. These are the rubber lines. The ends are different where they enter the caliper banjo bolt and the same where they connect to the hard brake line.

-Aspire knuckles. The rotor slides onto the hub, making this a nice upgrade in itself. You may have to get loose two large screws which you may leave off when you redo it. If your junkyard rotors and knuckles are nice enough, you simply use them as is. I prefer to buy new rotors.

-Aspire tie rod ends. These will cost you $$$ new. However, buying new '91 to '96 Escort tie rod ends will save you a lot of money, depending on the quality ("Valuecraft" vs. the more expensive "Duralast"). Autozone has at least two levels. I used Duralast Escort ends on my second swap.

-Wheels for 4 X 100mm. Tires for the wheels. I used 165/70-13 tires on VW alloys for my first swap and the same size tires with Aspire alloys for Luxstiva. MAKE SURE YOUR LUG BOLTS ARE LONG ENOUGH FOR THE FRONTS! Don't ask me how this happens. Just make sure.

-Check your ball joints when you do this!!!! No need to bust a ball joint later on and ruin your life. Or just your car if you're lucky. If in doubt, install new ball joint/lower control arms. They are one piece per side.

-Alignment. If you swap the rear axle, get a thrust angle to make sure everything is lined up right.

Good luck!

Karl

[CharlieZ]

Thanks Karl. Info much appreciated. Now to look for a donor car.
CharlieZ

[Silv3rBull3t]

The lug studs have to be longer in the front because they actually thread into the hub and then the thickness of the rotor is on top of that so it really needs to be about 1/4 to a 1/2" longer.. -Kyle

[Damkid]

^^ i used the same lugs from the stock brakes to the aspire brakes and they work just the same

[festivaWES]

i got some chrome plated ones from america's tire with lock's when i put on my apache v's and sumitomo's

[Safety Guy]

Re: the longer lug bolts in front, I am using Aspire alloys, which are probably thicker through the bolt in face area than the steel wheels. It really surprised me to see this. It would be the same with an Aspire, though the Aspire bolts are maybe 1/16" longer IIRC. Not enough, IMO.

I used aftermarket lug bolts in front off Muttstiva.

Karl