How much of an improvement would you realistically get
01-10-2003, 07:58 AM
#1
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How much of an improvement would you realistically get
in braking power if you upgraded the rotors and brake pads only without upgrading the rest (calipers, etc.)? Is it worth it or is it just a waste of money? Has anyone done this?
01-10-2003, 08:02 AM
#2
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I'm thinking about doing it...
I have the same reservations...but I figure new cross drilled rotors and pads (cryoed of course) and brake lines can't *hurt* braking performance...or can it? I'll let you know if I end up doing it...
01-10-2003, 08:06 AM
#3
"improvement" being what? The rotors are the weak part when tracking the car. Some people here have
upgraded rotors/pads/lines and I hear it works great plus it's 1/2 the cost of a big brake kit. Again (stfa for verification), big brake kits are not going to stop the car in half the distance. They are meant for repeated stops and resist fade, not to stop that much shorter.
01-10-2003, 08:19 AM
#5
I have. I am ex-Stoptech and ex-Porsche Brembo. The brake torque potential of the HP-2s on the
stock rotor diameter far exceeds any of the aftermarket kits. The problem with the HP-2 slider design is that it is a poor heat sink and susceptible to fade. The rotors also have a tendancy to go out of spec because of the brake torque potential. I went to SS lines, Mintex pads, Motul 600, and cryogenically treated crossdrilled rotors and dumped the dust shields to fight against fade properties while keeping the clamping force. My car is designed solely for a roadcar and will not see a track day. There are much better cars for the track, IMHO. The performance of my enhanced 'stock' brakes has made me happier than either aftermarket kit. Hard to argue with Math. I can give you piston sizes and equations if you want to find out for yourself. $.02.
01-10-2003, 08:21 AM
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What I mean by improvement is does it reduce the
stopping distance by 5-10 feet? I know that the car won't stop in half the distance but if it reduces the braking distance at all, to me it's worth it. Sometimes even 2 feet can mean the difference between safety and collision. Also, does it improve the brake FEEL at all (i.e. is braking more linear). I know the S4 brakes are a bit on the touchy side and not linear at all. I would guess that rotors/pads built to reduce fade also last longer since they can handle heat better. Is this true?
