Brake upgrade options with stock wheels
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Brake upgrade options with stock wheels
What are my options for a brake upgrade with stock 16" wheels (Platinum Edition)? I need to use the stock wheels during the winter months. For those who swap to stock wheels during the winter months, do you revert to stock brakes?
I've got almost 45,000 miles on my GS and I'm hearing a tiny squeal when braking. I've never changed the brake pads or rotors, so I figure it's probably time do to that. I’d rather do the brake upgrade now if I need new brakes rather then spending on brakes twice.
I've got almost 45,000 miles on my GS and I'm hearing a tiny squeal when braking. I've never changed the brake pads or rotors, so I figure it's probably time do to that. I’d rather do the brake upgrade now if I need new brakes rather then spending on brakes twice.
#2
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You obviously know you cannot do BBKs.
So pads and SS lines are the upgrades. You can check with the tech to see how your rotors are doing. You can either turn them to save $ or buy new ones. You can stay with stock or go with aftermarket stock sizes, or aftermarket stock size slotted/drilled/slotted and drilled rotors depending on the look you want.
So pads and SS lines are the upgrades. You can check with the tech to see how your rotors are doing. You can either turn them to save $ or buy new ones. You can stay with stock or go with aftermarket stock sizes, or aftermarket stock size slotted/drilled/slotted and drilled rotors depending on the look you want.
#3
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As Neo says, upgraded pads and stainless steel lines are the biggest improvement.
Another advantage to the aftermarket rotors (the drilling/slotting is more for looks than performance IMO) is that you can get them plated with cadmium or other materials (many come that way) so that it inhibits the nasty rust on the rotor hat.
If you're going to to some track or more spirited driving, get some upgraded fluid like ATE Super Blue or Motul. Either one has a higher boiling point than OEM.
While the wheels are off, paint your calipers too (cosmetic upgrade)
Another advantage to the aftermarket rotors (the drilling/slotting is more for looks than performance IMO) is that you can get them plated with cadmium or other materials (many come that way) so that it inhibits the nasty rust on the rotor hat.
If you're going to to some track or more spirited driving, get some upgraded fluid like ATE Super Blue or Motul. Either one has a higher boiling point than OEM.
While the wheels are off, paint your calipers too (cosmetic upgrade)
Last edited by DaveGS4; 08-09-04 at 11:09 AM.
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X-drilled rotors?
I am interested in just this sort of upgrade as well. Better pads, SS lines, and paint for the calipers as mentioned. I wonder why noone suggests powder-coating for the calipers. Could it be the cost ($90/caliper) and the time in the shop (up to 3 weeks). But the look and the job quality should be excellent. Now, about those rotors, any suggestions for OEM direct replacement with X-drilled rotors? Brembo, or the ones used by Stop Tech (another Italian maker , name escapes me) . These seem to be in the $100/rotor range. Anyone have any feedback on the stuff carried on ebay? Better prices but hey, these are BRAKES we're talking about. Wouldn't want to take any chances on safety just to save a few bucks.
I should mention I am currently riding on 16" stock rims and don't plan on going any bigger than 17" in the future.
I should mention I am currently riding on 16" stock rims and don't plan on going any bigger than 17" in the future.
Last edited by DetMich1; 08-10-04 at 03:51 AM.
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Re: X-drilled rotors?
Originally posted by DetMich1
I am interested in just this sort of upgrade as well. Better pads, SS lines, and paint for the calipers as mentioned. I wonder why noone suggests powder-coating for the calipers. Could it be the cost ($90/caliper) and the time in the shop (up to 3 weeks). But the look and the job quality should be excellent. Now, about those rotors, any suggestions for OEM direct replacement with X-drilled rotors? Brembo, or the ones used by Stop Tech (another Italian maker , name escapes me) . These seem to be in the $100/rotor range. Anyone have any feedback on the stuff carried on ebay? Better prices but hey, these are BRAKES we're talking about. Wouldn't want to take any chances on safety just to save a few bucks.
I should mention I am currently riding on 16" stock rims and don't plan on going any bigger than 17" in the future.
I am interested in just this sort of upgrade as well. Better pads, SS lines, and paint for the calipers as mentioned. I wonder why noone suggests powder-coating for the calipers. Could it be the cost ($90/caliper) and the time in the shop (up to 3 weeks). But the look and the job quality should be excellent. Now, about those rotors, any suggestions for OEM direct replacement with X-drilled rotors? Brembo, or the ones used by Stop Tech (another Italian maker , name escapes me) . These seem to be in the $100/rotor range. Anyone have any feedback on the stuff carried on ebay? Better prices but hey, these are BRAKES we're talking about. Wouldn't want to take any chances on safety just to save a few bucks.
I should mention I am currently riding on 16" stock rims and don't plan on going any bigger than 17" in the future.
Other good rotor makers are Bradi and I-rotors off the top of my head. Don't go cheap, this is your stopping.
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I thought this was the case but wanted to be sure . Tirerack has a few Brembo and EBC rotors that will fit the stock setup. Will these rotors perform better than the stock GS rotors? I doubt they will shorten stopping distance but what about brake feel and fade?
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#8
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Originally posted by altaf
I thought this was the case but wanted to be sure . Tirerack has a few Brembo and EBC rotors that will fit the stock setup. Will these rotors perform better than the stock GS rotors? I doubt they will shorten stopping distance but what about brake feel and fade?
I thought this was the case but wanted to be sure . Tirerack has a few Brembo and EBC rotors that will fit the stock setup. Will these rotors perform better than the stock GS rotors? I doubt they will shorten stopping distance but what about brake feel and fade?
Brake feel will be helped somewhat by the stainless steel lines. Brake fade will be helped somewhat by the upgraded brake fluid.
Last edited by DaveGS4; 08-10-04 at 06:22 AM.
#9
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Originally posted by altaf
I thought this was the case but wanted to be sure . Tirerack has a few Brembo and EBC rotors that will fit the stock setup. Will these rotors perform better than the stock GS rotors? I doubt they will shorten stopping distance but what about brake feel and fade?
I thought this was the case but wanted to be sure . Tirerack has a few Brembo and EBC rotors that will fit the stock setup. Will these rotors perform better than the stock GS rotors? I doubt they will shorten stopping distance but what about brake feel and fade?
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Originally posted by joshoowa
hmmm... where can i go about getting ss lines?
EDIT: is the install fairly easy? i know draining the brake fluid will be needed.
hmmm... where can i go about getting ss lines?
EDIT: is the install fairly easy? i know draining the brake fluid will be needed.
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Thanks for the replies guys. I'll find out from the dealer how the brakes are doing. If I need some new rotors, I'll get the Brembo slotted with Hawk brake pads and SS brake lines. I couldn't find anything for the rear brakes on tirerack except for Brembo drilled (not slotted) which cost more than the fronts . Also didn't find rear brake pads that were not rated higher than OEM on tirerack.
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Yah...im thinkin of doing this as my next mod.....drilled/slotted rotors, axxis m/m pads, and ss brake lines. Anyone know where to get a great deal on these? Or a seller willing to give a price break for multple set purchases?
Pete
Pete
#14
Pete,
Try www.irotor.com. I have ordered from them 3 times, the price is good and the service is even better.
Try www.irotor.com. I have ordered from them 3 times, the price is good and the service is even better.
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Originally posted by PHML
Yah...im thinkin of doing this as my next mod.....drilled/slotted rotors, axxis m/m pads, and ss brake lines. Anyone know where to get a great deal on these? Or a seller willing to give a price break for multple set purchases?
Pete
Yah...im thinkin of doing this as my next mod.....drilled/slotted rotors, axxis m/m pads, and ss brake lines. Anyone know where to get a great deal on these? Or a seller willing to give a price break for multple set purchases?
Pete
This is where I will be getting my rotors from.
I spoke with customer service at Stop Tech who sells another italian brand of rotor for their OEM direct replacement and then drills the holes in their shop. He conceded there was no apprecialble difference between Stop Techs and Brembo's at least in the OEM version. ST's go for about $220/pair in front and $192 in the rear. And since they are in CA they will have to charge those of us in the Golden State sales tax as well. Gotta keep Ahrnohld in shape with positive cash flow you know.
Last edited by DetMich1; 08-12-04 at 08:41 PM.