Matco (Rosenhan) Vs Cleveland

As some of you on the KR net know I was on a quest to gain more braking power for my Turbo VW KR-2. On E-Bay, I got the bid for a used set of Cleveland 500x 5 wheels and brakes. The set even included the axles. Off to the airport I went today to see just what I had purchased. I have previously stated that I have Rosenhan Wheels, which were bought out by Matco, who still sells the same 500x5 wheels and brakes. So, off came the Matco and side by side I was able to look at the two systems to see what differences and similarities there were.

(Click on any image for larger version)

	On the left is one part from each system, with the pads stacked on top of each other. They are exactly the same. The size of the pads and the rivet holes are the same, 066-106. On the right are both axles. The Cleveland is on the top. It is slightly longer and the mount pad is thicker. They are the same diameter.
	My stated goal for the swap was to gain more stopping power. I measured the size of the puck on both systems and found that the diameter of each was the same, apx 1.45 inches. Given that the I were to use the same master cylinder, the pressure exerted on the pads would be the same
	On the left the two brake disks. Matco on top, Cleveland bottom. The Cleveland bolts to the wheel along with the wheel halves using the same holes. The Matco uses the outer ring to bolt to edge of the wheel. The area used by the pads is the same. On the right with them stacked you can see the Matco disk has a larger diameter.
	In the left photo is the plate of each system on which the caliper puck pushes. From the marks left by the pucks you can see that the pressure is places on both of them in about the same location.	I have omitted pictures of the wheel, because both of them can carry the same tire which for my KR is an 11x4.00x5. The Cleveland wheel is slightly thicker as demonstrated by the axle length. I have used the Matco wheel for a lot of years and feel that is a good choose for the KR. I am not sure if the same wheel is being sold my Matco today. AS&S has the Matco(Rosenhan) in the 2002-2003 catalog for $415.00 for the wheel and brake assy. For my money either will work just fine. The Cleveland will cause me some minor modifications to install. As some would say, “your results may vary”.