nsf0607

I listened to a rep from Bilstein last night of a local talk radio show and he mentioned that many people are increasing their wheel size without doing anything to their stock brake setup. He stated that when you increase your wheel size you should also take into consideration increase your car’s braking capabilities. I was wondering those of us who want to go from a stock 16 or 17 wheel to a 18, do we need to get a better braking setup? What about 19, 20 etc. Can anyone comment on this or should I move this the the brake forum?
Thanks in advance.

Chenzo26

Since you are USUALLY increasing the total weight of the car when you increase wheel size, aftermarket calipers and other brake parts should be considered. Going from 16/17 to 18 is not too big of a deal, but when you increase the size of the wheel by more than that without upgrading your braking system, you increase your stopping time and stopping distance - neither of which is desireable.

nsf0607

Thanks Chenzo26. I was under that impression also; up to 18 should be ok. I just wanted to hear it from someone else.
Again thanks.

kit cat

iTrader: (6)

unsprung weight = even more weight.
try changing brake pads and see where you go from there.

nsf0607

Coco-bun thanks for the info. So just an upgrade in brake pads only for up to 18s and maybe better brake setup for above 18s?

Thanks

Thanks Mods for the help with the move.

LexFather

Well another big thing people forget is tires. Great tires can help your stopping distances. After great tires, then start upgrading the brakes.

nsf0607

Thanks for all the feedback. The info is greatly apprecaited.

Chenzo26

No Problem, you might also want to beef up your suspension as well. I am pretty sure you will be putting more stress on such components as the ball joints and tie rods as well. You don't want those failing on you. Just a thought.

nsf0607

Agreed, good point.

Lexbox

What are some "good" tires. Also with 20's, would you consider slotted Rotora's and Rotora SS lines as an upgrade? Or is the only real brake upgraded beefy calipers?

Lexamatic

Just got back from the Tire shop discussing this very topic. The guy was very high on Michellin PS2s. I pressed him on Toyo Proxies, which he also spoke well of. He made a good point that its not just an issue of grip, but also ride quality and noise as the tires wear. He was ribbing me about my Goodyear Eagle F1-GSD3s. I do so love the grip of the F1s, but man so noisy when they're worn out. Only tire I think is worse for noise were my Bridgestone S03 Pole Positions.

PRSUIT460

iTrader: (3)

The factory GS brakes are very very good as long as your pads are not worn. No need upgrade them just because of a wheel size increase unless you want to for looks. If you take your car on a road racing track then you might want to look at a Big Brake Kit.

I was never a fan of Goodyear tires. I always laugh when my dad said "Goodyear can't make a round tire"

nsf0607

Thanks for the headsup about stock brakes. I will do some more research before any brake mods. Will update with findings.

LexFather

THe Tire Rack's site has the best info on tire reviews. I think th eGOodyear F1s are the best thing out now and most expensive tires are good.

Cheaper tires simply do not provide the same grip in corners, thus if you brake very hard, they won't grip the road as well to stop the car.

Slotted Rotora's and SS lines are a brake upgrade but did you change the pads?
You start with Pads, they are the first and usually can help with most braking situations.

BBKs do not shorten stop distances. What they do is eliminate fade, so your 100th stop is as good as the 1st one. With stock brakes, they simply cannot dissipate the heat in time.

LexFather

This is true, stock the GS have some of the shortest stopping distances around, 112-118ft. That is very very good and was SUPERB back in 1998.