Brakes

[MacDrevi0us]

Ok so my rotors were turned about a year ago and were at their exact limit. I'm now planning on upgrading to something new. My original plan was to get some slotted rotors up front with some new pads and blanks in the back with some new pads as well. I've been doing a lot of research/reading and discovered that slotted rotors really aren't necessary and actually cant take as much heat as blanks. My new plan would be to get some stainless steel lines for the front and back, DOT 4 SuperBlue Fluid, New blanks all around (maybe slightly larger diameter than stock), and some new pads. I just need something for street use and daily drivability but also something better than stock for those days of "sprited" driving . Does this sound like something that would make a significant difference? Any other ideas to improve brake feel/performance without any crazy upgrades? Thanks

[Phlip]

- Fresh fluid, change it all out, same process as bleeding, start at the caliper furthest from the MC and keep bleeding until you see blue fluid. Repeat process for each one, moving progressively closer to the MC.
- Stainless/braided lines, or at least getting rid of your old ones, even stock replacements have to be better than 16 year old ones.
- GOOD pads, don't go for the 15-20 or even 30 dollar shit at Auto Zone, spring for some Hawks or EBC pads and work from there.
- If you MUST get larger rotors, be prepared for replacement of the calipers as well. For that, I cannot hold your hand, there are far too many options and easy parts interchange for you to lose on this deal, you're just gonna have to search to find it.

[MacDrevi0us]

Ok thanks that helped. I basically just want better brakes than i have now which would be prolly 15-16 year old lines like you said, fluid which i have no idea when it was changed, and some rotors which are at their end. Do you think stainless/braided are even necessary or should i just get stock replacements? Fluid/rotors (not sure which yet)/and pads (prolly some hawks) are for sure getting done im just not sure what else i should do...

Thanks in advance im sure you guys will have some good feedback/somethign smart to say

[Jung918]

Don't waste your money on oem replacements. Get the stainless lines. Check out splparts.com
You also have the option of going q45 or z32 for pretty cheap.
The q45 is good because it will fit almost all wheels and uses the stock lines. However the pad selection is limited.
The Z32 route will give you a much larger pad selection but you need to worry about it fitting behind your wheel.
I think the q45 would be your best bet.

[FaLKoN240]

They sell pads for Q45 on SPLparts.com as well.

Seriously, you're doing what I'm gonna be doing in about a month.

SS lines

New fluids

Hawk HPS DONE.

[Phlip]

For what it is worth, next time I change my pads (probably July-ish), I'll be changing my lines.
I changed my fluid in 2005, when shitty rear bleeder screws caused my whole system to lock up (don't ask, it happened, I swear), the fact that my rotors, also replaced at the time, glowed orange caused me to not stop and think before changing all my fluid.

[bamaboy]

good rotors and pads will give you what you are looking for before a slightly larger rotor will. When your brakes start to fade it's because you have overheated them. A larger rotor simply gives you more area to absorb heat before they start to fade. The down side to bigger brakes is that once they are over heated they take longer to cool down. Buy some good quality OE replacements and get some pads that are recommended for autocross. Make sure you read the breakin process before you start using these types of pads for the daily grind or you will hate yourself everytime you stop.

[MacDrevi0us]

Aite thanks for the feedback. I think ill just go with some brembo blanks all around with some hawk pads SS lines and new fluid. Should be good enough.

[FaLKoN240]

See if you can get some Q45 brake calipers, its well worth it.

[cdlong]

doing a brake upgrade right requires so much more than just calipers. it's significantly more expensive than what he's got planned and not necessary to meet his goals.

on my last car i switched to SS lines, Hawk pads, and new fluid all at once. the improvement in pedal feel was suprising. i would suggest that route to anyone.

[FaLKoN240]

Originally Posted by cdlong

doing a brake upgrade right requires so much more than just calipers. it's significantly more expensive than what he's got planned and not necessary to meet his goals.

on my last car i switched to SS lines, Hawk pads, and new fluid all at once. the improvement in pedal feel was suprising. i would suggest that route to anyone.

Is that directed at me?

[MacDrevi0us]

Well the thing is I'm trying to do as much as I can while not spending very much. So I think upgrading calipers would be just out of my price range. I have limited money and I still need some things like camber plates before I get new tires (which I will need soon) because my tires wear hella much on the inside. And also i read somewhere that if you can lock up your brakes already (I dont have ABS) that upgrading brakes would actually be dangerous and unnecessary and that the money would be better spent on new tires to keep you from breaking traction during hard breaking.

[alexkosheck]

Carbotech brake pads.

Done.
Seriously, they're very good.

[FaLKoN240]

Originally Posted by MacDrevi0us

Well the thing is I'm trying to do as much as I can while not spending very much. So I think upgrading calipers would be just out of my price range. I have limited money and I still need some things like camber plates before I get new tires (which I will need soon) because my tires wear hella much on the inside. And also i read somewhere that if you can lock up your brakes already (I dont have ABS) that upgrading brakes would actually be dangerous and unnecessary and that the money would be better spent on new tires to keep you from breaking traction during hard breaking.

My calipers and rotors cost me $120.

[OptionZero]

if you have an s14 and you never see the track, just pick up the rotors/lines/fluids/pads and get some better tires and you'll be fine

the reason people upgade calipers/rotors isn't to get MORE stopping power so much as it is to handle repeated, hard stops on the track, where heat builds up rapidly lap by lap

on the street, you shouldn't be pushing your car beyond the point where stock brakes can sufficiently stop you anyways, unless you are being absolutely retarded

from what i hear s13 brakes are kinda sad though