Big Brake Kits for Early VW Vanagon Under $2000

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Got it! I’ll find big brake kits for your early-spindle VW Vanagon under $2,000. I’ll prioritize options that are bolt-on or require minimal modifications while ensuring they offer strong braking performance. I’ll let you know once I have the best recommendations for you.

Big Brake Kits for Early VW Vanagon (1980–85) Under $2,000

Upgrading the front brakes on an early VW Vanagon (1980–1985, with "early" spindles) can dramatically improve stopping power. Several bolt-on big brake kits are available well under a $2,000 budget. These kits typically include larger vented rotors (around 11" / 280–288 mm) and modern multi-piston or large single-piston calipers, and most are designed to bolt up with minimal modifications. Below we outline the prominent options – focusing on kits that do not require swapping to late-model spindles – and compare their rotor size, caliper type, compatibility, ease of install, and value. Each of these kits will require upgrading to larger wheels (15" or 16" rims) due to the increased brake size, but they offer a vast improvement in braking performance (bringing an early Vanagon’s braking from “barely passable to amazing”smallcar.com).

Small Car Performance (SCP) Early Vanagon Big Brake Kit

Small Car Performance offers a front big brake kit engineered specifically for 1980–1985 2WD Vanagons with the early spindles. It is a complete bolt-on package requiring no spindle changes or machining.

  • Rotor & Caliper: 11″ vented front rotors (approximately 279–280 mm) paired with dual-piston brake caliperssmallcar.com. (An optional upgrade to cross-drilled rotors is availablesmallcar.com.) This setup provides a big boost in swept braking area and clamping force over stock solid rotors.
  • Installation: Direct bolt-on to the factory 1980–85 spindles – no modifications neededsmallcar.com. The kit includes custom spacer brackets that integrate with the early spindles, so there is no need to remove or alter the spindles themselvessmallcar.com. Even the wheel bearings remain stock.
  • Included Components: Comes with new 11″ vented rotors, dual-piston calipers, caliper carriers, pads, new front hubs with wheel studs, mounting hardware, stainless dust shields, braided brake hoses/lines, and the spindle adapterssmallcar.comsmallcar.com. (Converting to hubs with studs means you’ll use lug nuts instead of the stock lug bolts going forwardsmallcar.com.) In short, it’s a comprehensive kit with everything needed for installation.
  • Wheel Requirements: 16″ wheels are required to clear the larger caliperssmallcar.com. (The stock 14″ wheels will not fit; plan to run 16s or larger with this kit.)
  • Where to Buy & Cost: Available from Small Car Performance (smallcar.com). The kit sells for **around 799** (as of recent pricing)[smallcar.com](https://smallcar.com/front-big-brake-kit-early-2wd-vanagon-1980-1985/?srsltid=AfmBOopi-CmxY1Cfra89TzDNRrZhHSuPMbhz7emnDf1fmqvDDVYzDP7z#:~:text=Front%20Big%20Brake%20Kit%3A%20Early,%C2%B7%20Kit%20Includes)– well below the n2k budget – making it one of the most affordable big brake upgrades.
  • Performance & Value: This kit is widely used on early Vanagons and yields a night-and-day improvement in braking. Owners report the van feels much safer and more modern to drive, especially during hard stopssmallcar.com. Replacement pads and rotors are also readily available off-the-shelf (Small Car notes that service parts for this kit are “easily sourced and will be readily available well into the future”smallcar.com), which adds to its long-term value. The main caveat is the 16″ wheel requirement – ensure your Vanagon has or can accept 16-inch wheels if choosing this kit.

GoWesty Early Vanagon "Bigger Brakes" Kit

GoWesty’s “Bigger Brake” system has long been popular for late-model Vanagons, and they now offer a version engineered for 1980–85 early spindles as wellwww.thesamba.com. This kit is designed to be a bolt-on upgrade with no spindle swap or custom machining needed, bringing modern VW/Audi braking hardware to the early Vanagon.

  • Rotor & Caliper: 288 mm vented rotors (approx. 11.3″) paired with a large single-piston floating calipergowesty.com. The rotor and caliper are actually OEM Volkswagen parts – GoWesty notes they are the same spec as found on late-’90s VW VR6 models (e.g. ’97 Jetta/Passat VR6)gowesty.com. This means the kit uses a big OEM caliper (over 57 mm piston diameter) and pads designed for a heavier, higher-performance car, which translates to a significant braking improvement on the Vanagon.
  • Installation & Compatibility: Fully bolt-on for 1980–85 Vanagons, with no “spindle swappin’, machining, or fussin’ around” requiredwww.thesamba.com. The kit includes specially designed hubs/adapters so that the larger rotors and calipers mount up to early spindles. (GoWesty allows you to either buy new hub components or machine your original front rotors into hubs – the kit is flexible in this regard.) Overall, it’s a straightforward install for a competent DIYer or mechanic, similar to doing a stock brake service but with the upgraded parts.
  • Included Components: The GoWesty kit provides new vented rotors, calipers, pads, mounting brackets, and hub conversion components as needed. Essentially all major pieces from the spindle outward are replaced. The calipers come loaded with pads, and stainless braided flex lines are typically included as well. All hardware and instructions are part of the package (it’s designed as a DIY-friendly kit).
  • Wheel Requirements: 15″ or larger wheels are required (the 288 mm rotor with its caliper will not fit behind factory 14″ wheels)www.busdepot.com. Most Vanagon 15″ alloy wheels or steel wheels clear this kit, and certainly any 16″+ wheel will have no issues. Check clearance if running an unusual wheel, but generally this kit was designed with common Vanagon aftermarket wheels in mind.
  • Where to Buy & Cost: Available directly from GoWesty (gowesty.com). Pricing is very reasonable – the kit is advertised as “affordable, simple, reliable, and very effective”gowesty.com. In practice, the full kit with all parts is around 900–900–n950. GoWesty also gives the option to purchase the kit minus hubs (for those who will machine their stock hubs), which can bring the cost down to roughly **600** if you go that route[thesamba.com](https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=10071095#:~:text=I%20think%20the%20price%20is,only%20pay%20%24600%20to%20upgrade). Even at full price, it comfortably stays under n2k.
  • Performance & Value: GoWesty’s system is a well-engineered upgrade using OEM-grade components. Braking performance is on par with other top kits – the 288 mm rotors are among the largest used on Vanagon conversions, and the caliper’s large piston provides strong clamping force. This setup has a track record of reliability (these brakes were originally spec’d for vehicles of similar weight) and easy serviceability – pads, rotors, etc., are common VW items available at any parts store. GoWesty touts it as “the best front disc brake system on the market” for Vanagonswww.thesamba.com, and given its combination of bolt-on ease, parts availability, and moderate price, it offers excellent value. It’s a great choice especially if you already run 15″ wheels or plan to, as it maximizes braking using readily available parts.

Burley Motorsports Big Brake Kit (for Late-Style Spindles)

Burley Motorsports produces a high-performance big brake kit that has become popular among Vanagon enthusiasts – it was even rated the #1 kit in a Vanagon Syncro owners’ pollwww.busdepot.com. However, this kit is designed around the later 1986–91 Vanagon front spindles. To use it on an early-spindle van, you must first convert your front uprights to the later style (i.e. swap in ’86–’91 spindles/uprights). If you’re willing to do that, Burley’s kit offers top-tier components and stopping power under $2k.

  • Rotor & Caliper: 282 mm vented rotors (drilled and slotted) with large single-piston caliperswww.busdepot.com. The rotor size is roughly 11.1″ diameter – in the same league as the other kits – and notably larger than stock. The calipers are modern one-pot floating calipers with a big piston and large pad area (Burley notes the pad is a ceramic compound for Syncro or semi-metallic for 2WD)www.busdepot.com. This setup provides excellent heat capacity and braking torque. (Burley advertises their rotor as significantly larger than some competing kits – ~288 mm vs 275 mm – essentially “truly big brakes” for the Vanagonwww.busdepot.com.)
  • Installation & Compatibility: On a Vanagon already equipped with 1986+ spindles, the kit is a bolt-on install – you replace the hubs/rotors, calipers, and related hardware, but no custom fabrication is needed. For early-spindle vans (1980–85), you must swap to late spindles to use this kitwww.busdepot.com. That means sourcing a set of ’86–’91 front spindles (uprights), along with late-style ball joints and related parts, and installing those on your van first. This is a moderate modification and added expense if starting with an early van. (Some vendors sell used late spindles for this purpose, and Burley’s documentation notes the requirement clearlywww.busdepot.com.) Once the correct spindles are in place, the Burley kit components bolt up straightforwardly.
  • Included Components: The Burley kit is comprehensive: 282 mm performance rotors, new calipers, new 2WD front hubs with bearings (for 2WD kits – Syncro kits reuse the stock hub)www.busdepot.com, pads, stainless braided brake lines, and even stainless steel ventilation/dust shieldswww.busdepot.com. All necessary mounting hardware and brackets are included as well. Essentially, it replaces and upgrades the entire front brake assembly.
  • Wheel Requirements: Requires 15″ or larger wheels (it will not fit 14″ wheels at all)www.busdepot.com. Most 15″ aftermarket Vanagon wheels clear the 282 mm rotor/caliper combo, but some tight-fit wheels may need a test-fit. 16″+ wheels easily clear it. (If in doubt, Burley/Bus Depot can confirm specific wheel fitment; they note the kit fits “most popular” 15″ wheelswww.busdepot.com.)
  • Where to Buy & Cost: Available through Burley Motorsports and resellers like Bus Depot. The price is about 1,095∗∗fortheSyncroversionandroughly∗∗1,095** for the Syncro version and roughly **n1,295 for the 2WD version (the 2WD kit costs a bit more because it includes new hubs, bearings, etc.)www.busdepot.comwww.busdepot.com. Even if you factor in the cost of sourcing used late spindles, the total should stay well under $2,000.
  • Performance & Value: The Burley kit is often praised for its robust design and effectiveness. In that Syncro owners’ survey, it ranked highest among commercially available kitswww.busdepot.com. Its advantages include the hefty rotor size and the use of common 2001+ Audi model brake components for calipers/padswww.busdepot.com, meaning maintenance parts are easy to find in the U.S. The braking performance is excellent – you get modern Audi-level stopping power on the Vanagon. The main downside for early vans is the extra step of swapping spindles, which adds complexity and cost (if you aren’t already doing a front-end overhaul). For someone starting from scratch with an early Vanagon, the total effort is higher. However, if you already have late spindles (or don’t mind acquiring them), this kit delivers top-notch performance and quality. It’s a bit higher in price than the SmallCar/GoWesty options, but still under $1.3k for the kit. Considering the engineering and the inclusion of items like new hubs and stainless shields, many find it a worthwhile investment for a Vanagon that sees heavy use. (If keeping an early van completely stock aside from brakes, one of the true bolt-on early-spindle kits might offer better overall value. But if you’re open to the spindle update, the Burley kit is hard to beat in performance.)

“South African” Style Big Brake Kits (Vanagon Audi/Girling Conversions)

Before the above bolt-on kits were available, the common way to upgrade Vanagon brakes (especially early models) was using kits derived from the VW South Africa big brake setup or similar Audi-based components. These kits are still around (sold by specialty vendors like Vanagain.com, and often informally called "South African big brake kits"). They do bolt onto early spindles and offer major braking improvements, though they sometimes require a bit more parts-sourcing and have become less common as one-package solutions. For completeness, here’s an overview of this style of kit:

  • Rotor & Caliper: Typically ~286–288 mm vented rotors (about 11.25″) paired with dual-piston sliding calipers. The original Volkswagen South Africa kit (developed for the SA-market T3 Microbus) used Girling/Girlock two-piston calipers that were sourced from a local Ford application in the 1980s. In practice, some kits in the U.S. ended up using equivalent Audi parts: for example, one popular configuration uses Audi A4 calipers (late ‘90s) with ~288 mm Audi rotorsvancafe.com. In either case, you get a substantial jump in rotor size and either two smaller pistons or one large piston for much greater clamping force.
  • Installation: These kits are designed for early spindles without swapping uprights, but they do require converting the early rotor+hub into a two-piece hub/rotor setup. On 1980–85 2WD Vanagons, the wheel hub was originally integrated with the brake disc, so the upgrade kit provides a new separate hub (with wheel studs) and a rotor that slips over it (similar to the late Vanagon or Syncro design)www.thesamba.com. Kits either include new custom hubs (often called “South African hubs”) or instruct you to machine off the old rotors from your stock hubs (“turning them down”) to create the hub portion – both approaches have been usedwww.thesamba.comwww.thesamba.com. The calipers then bolt to the stock mounting ears on the spindle via a custom caliper carrier bracket. No modifications to control arms or ball joints are needed; it’s essentially a bolt-on conversion once you have the correct hubs in hand.
  • Included Components: A typical SA-style kit from a vendor like Vanagain would include new vented rotors (~286 mm), calipers (two-piston Girling or similar), caliper mounting brackets/adapters, new front wheel hubs with studs (or sometimes an option to omit hubs if you will machine your own), wheel bearings & seals, brake pads, and hoses. It uses stock late-model Vanagon inner/outer wheel bearings in those new hubs, making future bearing service straightforwardvancafe.com. Essentially all the critical hardware for the conversion is provided.
  • Wheel Requirements: Generally 15″ wheels or larger are needed (just like the other big brake kits). The South African calipers are bulky, so 14″ wheels definitely won’t clear. Most 15″ aftermarket wheels will fit, but if using the original VW South Africa kit parts, some 15″ steel wheels might interfere with the caliper – usually not an issue with alloys. It’s safest to assume you need 15″+ wheels for any of these conversions (many who did this upgrade also upgraded to 15″ wheels as part of the project).
  • Where to Buy & Cost: These kits were historically offered by Vanagon specialists. Vanagain (Ken Wilford) has been known to sell a South African-based big brake kit for around 900–900–n1,100. Van-Cafe (now Rocky Mountain Westy) used to carry an Audi-based big brake kit as well. Availability can be spotty today – for example, the company that made the custom caliper brackets for the Audi-caliper version is no longer in businessvancafe.com, so that particular variant isn’t sold new anymore. However, the South African-style kits or components (hubs, caliper brackets, etc.) can still be sourced through Vanagon parts suppliers. If going this route, check with Vanagain or sites like Bus Depot or CIP1 which sometimes carry “big brake conversion” parts. The cost typically lands around the ~$1,000 mark for a complete kit.
  • Performance & Considerations: Upgrading to the SA/Audi-based brakes yields a significant improvement in stopping power and fade resistance. You’re essentially equipping your Vanagon with brakes from a much newer and heavier vehicle. Drivers report far more confidence, especially when driving a fully loaded camper or towing. That said, one potential drawback is replacement parts compatibility. Some of these kits use components that are not common in the U.S. market – for example, the original SA kit’s pad is from an “obscure 1980s German Ford” (the Ford Granada/Scorpio, sold briefly as the Merkur XR4Ti in the US)www.busdepot.com. While pads are available (Vanagain sells replacements, and cross-references to Bosch parts, etc.), you might not find them at every local auto shop. Bus Depot specifically has cautioned that some kits have wear parts which “may be almost completely unavailable in the U.S.” if you don’t go through a specialty vendorwww.busdepot.com. By contrast, kits like GoWesty’s or Burley’s use pads and calipers from more recent U.S.-sold vehicles (VW/Audi), which are easier to get off the shelf. So, in terms of long-term maintenance, the SA-style kits can be a bit less convenient. Nonetheless, they have been in use for decades with great success. If you don’t mind planning ahead for pad/rotor replacements (or buying spares), they offer proven performance. In summary, this option is viable and within budget, but given the newer turnkey kits on the market, many owners now opt for those unless they already have an SA kit installed.

Comparison of Options: Performance and Value

All of the above kits will dramatically outperform the original early Vanagon front brakes. By moving from the stock ~254 mm solid rotors and small calipers to ~280+ mm vented rotors and larger multi-piston or high-output calipers, you gain much more stopping power and heat capacity (fade resistance). In real terms, any of these big brake setups can make a Vanagon stop like a modern vehicle, giving shorter stopping distances and more confidence on mountain descents or emergency stopssmallcar.com. The differences between the kits come down to the details – rotor size varies slightly (roughly 280 mm vs 282 mm vs 288 mm, etc.), caliper designs (dual-piston vs single-piston), wheel size requirements, and parts availability – which affect ease of installation and long-term value more than outright braking performance.

  • Bolt-On Convenience: If you have an early-spindle Vanagon and want the least hassle, Small Car’s kit and GoWesty’s early kit are the front-runners. Both are true bolt-on solutions for 1980–85 vans with no spindle swap, and include all needed parts. The Small Car kit probably wins on absolute ease (no machining; it even includes new hubs and spacers so you literally unbolt the old and bolt on the new). GoWesty’s kit is similarly bolt-on; if you buy their hub components or have your old hubs machined per their instructions, it’s straightforward. Between these two: SmallCar’s is cheaper (800) but **requires 16″ wheels**[smallcar.com](https://smallcar.com/front-big-brake-kit-early-2wd-vanagon-1980-1985/?srsltid=AfmBOopCwrKvn2ZQkA6fAu9PhvC-RrSrZDPYRn2aZmHA_x_C9Hc5_nrV#:~:text=Please%20Note%3A%2016,to%20clear%20the%20upgraded%20calipers); GoWesty’s is a bit more (n900) but works with 15″ wheels. Both use readily available replacement parts (Small Car has ensured easy pad sourcingsmallcar.com, and GoWesty uses common VW rotors/padsgowesty.com).
  • Maximum Performance: All kits here greatly improve braking, but the Burley kit edges out slightly in rotor size and has some thoughtful extras (stainless shields, etc.). Its ~282–288 mm rotors and large pads give it a tiny theoretical advantage in fade resistance. However, the difference in rotor diameter between 280 mm vs 288 mm is small in practice – and tire grip will be a limiting factor regardless. In real-world use, you’d be hard-pressed to feel a major difference in stopping power between Burley’s kit and the others. What might tip the scales is if you’re pushing the van to extremes (heavy camper, big hills) – the Burley/Audi parts might run a bit cooler under repeated hard stops. It’s worth noting Burley’s kit was favored by many Syncro owners in a poll (garnering 50% more votes than the next kit)www.busdepot.com, which speaks to its performance and quality. But remember, to use it on an early van, you have to do the extra work of converting to late spindleswww.busdepot.com. That’s an important part of the “cost” (in time and money) for that option.
  • Parts Availability: One key consideration is future maintenance. Kits that use OEM North American market parts have an edge. For example, the GoWesty and Burley setups use pads and calipers from recent VW/Audi models, so you can buy pads for a 2000s Audi at any auto parts store. Small Car’s kit also emphasizes using easily sourced wear partssmallcar.com(likely from a common vehicle or an established aftermarket supplier – they explicitly assure future availability). In contrast, the older SA-based kits may use more obscure components (e.g. Girling calipers and pads that cross to a limited-production Ford)www.busdepot.com. This doesn’t mean you can’t get them – you can, and specialists stock them – but it’s something to keep in mind. If you prefer being able to grab replacement pads or rotors at NAPA on short notice, the GoWesty/Burley (or SmallCar) kits get the nod. Bus Depot highlighted this advantage of the Burley kit: “major wear components are from 2001 and newer U.S. market Audis,” whereas some other kits rely on parts that “may be almost completely unavailable in the U.S.” if the original vendor stops stocking themwww.busdepot.com.
  • Value for Money: All options fall well under 2,000,leavingroominyourbudgetforotherbrakeupgrades(likereardiscconversionsorabrakeboosterupgradeifdesired).The∗∗SmallCarkit∗∗isthemostbudget−friendlyat 2,000, leaving room in your budget for other brake upgrades (like rear disc conversions or a brake booster upgrade if desired). The **Small Car kit** is the most budget-friendly at ~n800 for a complete kit – an excellent value given it includes everything (even new hubs and lines). The GoWesty kit at around 900isalsoastrongvalue,especiallyconsideringtheengineeringandtheconvenienceofusingstandardVWparts.∗∗Burley’skit∗∗isthepriciest(around900 is also a strong value, especially considering the engineering and the convenience of using standard VW parts. **Burley’s kit** is the priciest (around n1,100–1,300)andhastheaddedcost/effortofspindleswapsforearlyvans,butit’shighqualityandmanyfeelit’s“wortheverypenny.”The∗∗SA/Audikits∗∗historicallywereinthe 1,300) and has the added cost/effort of spindle swaps for early vans, but it’s high quality and many feel it’s “worth every penny.” The **SA/Audi kits** historically were in the ~n1,000 range; they were a good solution in their time, though today one might lean toward the newer kits unless you already have an SA kit or can get a great deal on one. In summary, Small Car and GoWesty offer the best bang-for-buck for an easy early-spindle upgrade, while Burley offers a premium solution if you don’t mind a bit more work. Bottom Line: For an early Vanagon owner who wants a bolt-on big brake upgrade under $2k, the Small Car Performance kit and GoWesty’s early big brake kit are top choices – they both deliver modern braking performance with minimal hassle, each with slight trade-offs (wheel size and cost). The Burley kit is a superb performer as well, but factor in the spindle conversion if you go that route. And if you come across a South African/Audi-based kit (Vanagain, etc.), know that it too will do the job effectively, though with potentially more quirks in installation and parts sourcing. Any of these kits will give your Vanagon the stopping power it should have had from the factory, bringing you peace of mind on the road and excellent value for your investment in safety and performance.smallcar.comwww.busdepot.com

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