Just installed my trd brake kit (thats 4 oe sized rotors plus f & r brake pads) and ss brake lines. Feels like I can stop on a dime. For those of you contemplating this upgrade, it is worth it.

Did you get TRD brake lines?

Are the rotor/pads the Steve Ganz $399 special?

Thanks.

Yes, I did get the brake special from Steve but the brake lines were extra and were not TRD. Now there is more feeling when I brake and not so mooshy.

Thanks for the Info......I thinking of getting that setup.

What do the SS brake lines do?

The SS line will get rid of that Lexus mushing feeling on the brake when you step on them.. Before my SS upgrade.. I feel like I need to press the padel to the floor to feel them working and stopping the car.. (compare to my BMW 330i)..

Now after the SS upgrade, I don't have to press hard and already feel the brake working...

I think the reason for SS line is: (correct me if I'm wrong..my fellow CL member).

The stock brake line is made from Rubbert hose material.. which expand under pressure.. When you step on the brake, the brake fluid pump into the caliper.. to build up pressure.. Now if you have stock brake hose, it will expand upto a point before the pressure is build up.

Now the SS line have Stainless Steel wrap arround the hose. Which will prevent the expansion of the hose.. therefore the pressure is build up quicker and no loss of pressure due to expansion of the hose. Translate to faster/firm brake feeling..

>Did you get TRD brake lines?
>
>Are the rotor/pads the Steve Ganz $399 special?
>
>Thanks.

Is that $399 per wheel? How does that compare with stock rotors and with Power Slot rotors?

Thanks in advance.

Shinchan: There was an interesting article by Car and Driver in their August 1999 issue. They basically covered the issue of where brake feel comes from. They broke it down into four categories.

1) Fundamental influence on brake feel under all conditions
2) Noticeable influence on brake feel under most conditions
3) No effect on brake feel except under high-g braking
4) No effect on brake feel except under race conditions

Only one item fell into #1 (Booster valving, control strategy).
For #2 we had (Pad friction material, caliper design/rigidity, rear disc/drum brakes)
For #3 (Booster type, pedal ratio, pedal flex, pad area, system design master cylinder ABS hardware etc.., firewall flex and rotor runout/rigidity)
For #4 (Brake fluid, Cooling airflow, brake-hose expansion)

They asked a number of folks for their opinion like Hal Baer and the GM brake systems engineering group manager.

In a sidebar they found that an upgrade of the brake pads improved initial bite and reduced by nearly 1/2" the pedal travel required to achieve a given deceleration rate. Stopping distances improved by 10% and the pads were more resistant to fade.

BTW: The article is available on-line but you don't get the cool charts or image I'm quoting from.

vlad,

the trd ones are $400+tax/shipping per whole set...the rotors are slotted....excellent quality...not sure if steve had anymore left as they were ON SALE...his price is just..unbelieveably GREAT...check with him...

I have a question regarding the brake pad upgrades, are they made for the 93 LS400 ? if so which ones are recommended and where Can I purchase them ?
I'm trying to get more bite out of the brakes and also trying to lessen the pedal travel.
thanks.