bozata

My rear pads (stock) are due for replacement and I decided to look around at what else is available. My TT is my commuter so I am looking at a street solution. The stock brakes are OK (nothing spectacular but not huge disappointment either) but they are kind of dusty. At the same time I do not want to spend a fortune on a $15k car.

I live in NorCal so snow is not a big concern, however, rain is.

The forums have some pretty good discussions and based on that I am leaning towards the CarboTech Bobcat 1521. There may be better options but I had the impression that Carbotech has consistent quality - there are mixed opinions on the other brands.

It looks like 1521 have a good initial grip even when cold, less (visible) dust and they are easy on the rotors. Something I could not establish is how they compare to the stock pads in terms of braking performance - grip, fade and durability.

Another question altogether is what to do with the current rotors, which are in a very good shape. Every one says that I have to bed them with the new ceramic (which I think 1521 are) pads by either replacing or resurfacing. Resurfacing may be less expensive but given my experience I am hesitant about the quality of those shops.

If I elect to get new rotors, the question is whether to go with cross-drilled, slotted or solid. Cross-drilled are good for getting the gasses and water out but they have less friction surface (and may be less cooling surface - have you seen F1 cars with cross-drilled rotors?). Also, the holes tend to get rusty which diminishes the benefits.

Then, there is a cost side. In my opinion, it does not make sense to change the relatively good stock rotors for mediocre cross-drilled (I am not one of those guys who would paint the calipers red to increase the performance ) It seems like a good new rotors would set me back with $250x4=$1k and pads would be another $500. So, even if I do it myself it would be around $1.6k as oppose to the stock brake pads less than $100. Hence, I am looking at at least $1.5k investment in a $15k car.

So, here are my questions for the enlightened:

1. Assuming I would replace the rotors - should I go with solid, cross-drilled or slotted? Are there any good brands that will not burn a hole in my wallet?

2. Assuming I would go with the Bobcats - how would they compare to the stock pads in terms of stopping power (cold and warm), initial grip, dust and durability?

3. Do I really need new rotors? If they are not warped, can I remove the particles from the old pads by just cleaning them well?

4. Given that I am looking at 10% investment - will I see enough performance improvement in braking to justify it?


Thanks and sorry for the long post!

TTeleven

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/11/ttr_3.2_brakes.jpg"></center><p>
searching vendors on the web I got the parts for about $650 including shipping(rotors and pads front and rear)

Front rotors and pads are bigger on the 3.2 and more expensive than either the 225 or 180 hp TT.

Performance so far has been excellent, although some owners have experienced issues with EBC rotors. I have not and would recommend the pads alone for the reduced amount of brake dust generated.

TTinCT

RPI Wilwoods...11 lbs per corner savings and you go to a 4 piston solution versus a 1 piston (upgrade)....just my 2 cents

JohnLZ7W

and possibly a smaller rotor than the 3.2 comes with stock

MikekiM@PureMS

1. I'd stick with plain rotors, unless you need the look provided by drilled or slotted rotors.

2. They work very much like stock. If you're just doing the rears, the difference in grip is not going to be noticeable. Dusting is significantly less with Bobcats. They last longer than many OEM rear pads as well.

3. If there's plenty of thickness to the rotors, and minimal grooving, then they can be reused. Again, the rear does so little braking, they'll work just fine.

4. I say spend as little as necessary on the rears. You get much better return with improvements up front.

We have the Carbotech Bobcats all in stock.

PracTTical

Assume that you have north of 50k on the car if you need rear pads. Any rotor used for more than that isn't worth re-using (unless of course you love replacing brake components in your spare time) so you might as well get new ones. Slotted in my experience works better than drilled for daily driving. I was in your shoes when i upgraded my brakes on my last car. Unfortunately there was a toss up between dust and grip (like you have) and i went with low-dust (hated the pads, but the rotors were SWEET and so were the stainless steel brake lines that came in the kit...) I went with the StopTech Stage II brake kit for the car. It goes for around $700 or so iirc. It comes with 4 slotted rotors, pads all around, stainless steel brake lines, and all the fluid you need. Great little upgrade for someone who drives aggressively on the street (or even not aggressively) and doesn't track their car.


IMO if you like turning wrenches and getting dirty it's a great DIY job. It's SUPER easy (just be patient) and it can save you a bunch. Installs normally go 100-300 bucks...<ul><li><a href="http://www.stoptech.com/products/stage1_2_upgrades.shtml">Stop Tech Stage II</a></li></ul>

gomezTT

Just did all 4 corners on mine - pads and rotors, DIY and went for upgrade from stock but not "all out"....this is fine for a commuter car and nowhere near the money you are talking right now.

bozata

Thanks! I will use the opportunity to replace all four, not just the rear.

The stock rotors are in very good shape, thick and almost no grooving, despite the 75k on the car. By "reusing" do you mean just clean and reuse or resurface them?

If I decide to replace the rotors with plain ones, what would you recommend?

bozata

Nice! I have the 225HP but this is very much what I was looking for. You are correct about EBC - lots of good responses - however, there are apparently some defective too. I am just concerned that they are not consistent ...

Where did you get yours from?

bozata

Do you have a link? How much did that set you back with?