Christmas mods for you ES300
12-09-05, 01:54 AM
#33
Originally Posted by eman_be_lexin
I just ordered 4 KYB struts, 4 brembo drilled/slotted rotors, both sets of hawk brake pads (front and rear), front strut mounts, blue LED interior bulbs, and engine mounts. Getting everything installed plus alignment and brake bleeding for $630.
Oh, and for brake fluid I HIGHLY recommend the ATE Super Blue stuff, or any other DOT 5.1 (3 and 4 compatible, but the boiling point of a DOT 5 fluid) type fluid if you're getting a full flush of your brake lines. NOT DOT 5 though.
When you go in for the alignment ask for the most negative camber they'll allow in the factory specs if you're a "spirited" driver who does a lot of turning, too. Don't ask for this unless you do a lot of spirited driving or don't mind slightly more worn out tires. Or if you do, rotate your tires more often (like I will be tomorrow... in the snow...).
12-09-05, 06:59 PM
#37
There are a few makers for the Camry platform. Off-topic, Rotora sucks. Horrible company. Bad service, bad customer relationships, bad employee relationships. In my book, they're on the list of stuff to be avoided like the plauge.
Yes, Brembo does make Camry platform big brake kits. Front brakes only. I've always told the Camry crowd, the best bet is going to be to get the "small" 89-92 LS400 brakes, or maybe like a set of 4runner/truck brakes.
Someone needs to hit a junkyard hardcore to see what can swap.
Yes, Brembo does make Camry platform big brake kits. Front brakes only. I've always told the Camry crowd, the best bet is going to be to get the "small" 89-92 LS400 brakes, or maybe like a set of 4runner/truck brakes.
Someone needs to hit a junkyard hardcore to see what can swap.
12-09-05, 07:03 PM
#38
Lexus Test Driver
Originally Posted by GATO
you car does look pretty complete........when are we gonaa get to view a photoshoot of you car? 
However car audio upgrades never end, I'm planning on doing a custom trim panel for my xm receiver
and maybe some things here and there, rest assured, I'm planning on documenting all my custom work.
12-09-05, 07:07 PM
#39
Lexus Test Driver
Originally Posted by GATO
W. David...... it's not what you think.....they are Brembo, but just oem size brembo rotors 
I searched and they don't make a true BBK for our cars...
I did call stoptech or was it wilwood
.....anyway they can special make it but its aloooot of loot.
I wish there was at least a nice 6 piston caliper and some true larger cross drilled rotors available.
here is a link to last years thread..https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=144079
I searched and they don't make a true BBK for our cars...
I did call stoptech or was it wilwood
.....anyway they can special make it but its aloooot of loot.I wish there was at least a nice 6 piston caliper and some true larger cross drilled rotors available.
here is a link to last years thread..https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=144079
However, my Powerstop rotors lasted for about 3 years now.
12-09-05, 09:17 PM
#40
Drilled rotors are stupid. Stay with blanks unless you actually take your car to a real, live, road racing corse (Auto-x doesn't count.) At which case, you can afford 5.1 fluid, track pads (That need to be replaced every month), wheels & tires, & slotted rotors.
I heart Brembo Blanks!
I heart Brembo Blanks!
12-09-05, 10:15 PM
#41
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After looking into it, Rotora does indeed make a BBK that will work on our cars......it's 2K though (front only)!!!
Check out the product PDF here......
That sure look sweet, but at present time, I have much better things to spend 2K on. Only way I would even consider such an investment is if I was absolutely sure the car would be staying around for a few more year, and even then, the cost still doesn't seem like a smart investment.
There is another company, "precision braking company" who also makes a kit. Never heard of them, but their product looks good. They are a major distributor for Wilwood.
Regardless, I think I'll just stick with my painted calipers, and upgrade the rotors/pads and brake lines.
Check out the product PDF here......
That sure look sweet, but at present time, I have much better things to spend 2K on. Only way I would even consider such an investment is if I was absolutely sure the car would be staying around for a few more year, and even then, the cost still doesn't seem like a smart investment.
There is another company, "precision braking company" who also makes a kit. Never heard of them, but their product looks good. They are a major distributor for Wilwood.
Regardless, I think I'll just stick with my painted calipers, and upgrade the rotors/pads and brake lines.
12-10-05, 12:01 AM
#42
Some advice. (Free is always the worst, remember.) Be very careful when picking metal brake lines. They have a tenancy to rust/break/split on daily driven cars over a couple years. I always suggest skipping them because without changing the master cyl & vacuum assist to something else - there will always be lots of exponential in the pedal travel. (They fall in with strut tower braces. Sure they do something constructive, but it's that last 1%, not the first 90!)
The brake system on the ES / Camry has lots of exponential. Instead of it being an On-Off switch like many cars; giving any newbie/moron behind the wheel the ability yto drive smoothly in traffic. This is not to be confused with having poor, soft breaks. if you stand on the pedal QUICKLY. (That doesn't mean HARD) The pedal effort will instantly rise.
The stock brake system can lock the wheels, activating ABS over 60mph if you stand on it quickly enough. The immediate problem is traction, then old/low quality fluid that boils easily+pads+rotors. Brembo Blanks, Hawk HPS pads, dot4 fluid(or 5.1 if you're rich!).
(Dealer/Akebon ProACT pads are good, I've got them on my rear axles, but the Hawks kill'em on the front)
You guys are only going to find front axle sets. Remember the rear brakes are drum-in-disk. (parking brake is a drum setup instead the rotor hat, instead of just pulling the rear caliper onto the rotors like normal)
Eh, that's always my opinion on brakes. *I'm always right too.
* Barring I'm not confused. This offer is not valid in any concious state of reality.
The brake system on the ES / Camry has lots of exponential. Instead of it being an On-Off switch like many cars; giving any newbie/moron behind the wheel the ability yto drive smoothly in traffic. This is not to be confused with having poor, soft breaks. if you stand on the pedal QUICKLY. (That doesn't mean HARD) The pedal effort will instantly rise.
The stock brake system can lock the wheels, activating ABS over 60mph if you stand on it quickly enough. The immediate problem is traction, then old/low quality fluid that boils easily+pads+rotors. Brembo Blanks, Hawk HPS pads, dot4 fluid(or 5.1 if you're rich!).
(Dealer/Akebon ProACT pads are good, I've got them on my rear axles, but the Hawks kill'em on the front)
You guys are only going to find front axle sets. Remember the rear brakes are drum-in-disk. (parking brake is a drum setup instead the rotor hat, instead of just pulling the rear caliper onto the rotors like normal)
Eh, that's always my opinion on brakes. *I'm always right too.
* Barring I'm not confused. This offer is not valid in any concious state of reality.
12-10-05, 01:11 PM
#44
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Don't get me wrong Pheonix, I certainly don't consider a BBK setup on our cars to be worth the investment, as we really don't need them.....
That said, they make any car look nicer, and if the price was right, I'd have to bite I think. I guess its unlikely the price will be right anytime soon, so i will likely end up with new pads/rotors...but it's nice to dream.
That said, they make any car look nicer, and if the price was right, I'd have to bite I think. I guess its unlikely the price will be right anytime soon, so i will likely end up with new pads/rotors...but it's nice to dream.
12-10-05, 01:30 PM
#45
Oh no, I'd love to do some R&D & find some used calipers that'd swap for tens of dollars! I meant the SS brake lines are kinda a waste of money. But 2 each his own. If SS brake lines is what somebody wants, more power to 'em!