Brake pads & rotors - what do you suggest?
 

Hey folks.
I am in the midst of making a decision on what I want to do with the brakes. I don't have a grand or more to blow on a big brake kit, SS lines, etc. But, when it comes time for a new set of pads, I want whatever I do to be an improvement. I was considering the following:

1) Cross drilled and slotted rotors (perhaps Brembo), F+R
2) New pads all the way around

Ok, so here is where I am at. I have read a lot on the rotors, and have found that in many cases the performance benefits cannot be realized outside of the track. Stock rotors apparently cool sufficiently, due to their mass. The benefits of holes and slots in expunging hot surface gases and removing dust film is hard to tell on the street from what I understand. But, slotted and drilled rotors are said to often accelerate brake pad wear. Is it worth the extra cost? I think not. I did a little research, and very few performance cars come with them. Not even costly tuner rides. You would think that a Dinan-prepped BMW M5 would have them, if it was that great of a benefit. But, if I am mistaken on this, please tell me. Otherwise, there is no purpose for me sharing my thoughts on the matter in this thread. I can only speculate, based on what I have learned thus far.

The other thing I have a question on is pads. I want something that offers slightly better than OEM performance, but doesn't cover my wheels in black dust or cause a great deal of wear to the rotors. I've heard good things about Hawk pads, but I've heard they create a lot of dust.

I do not expect Ferrari levels of braking from changing just these simple components. Honestly, if I was serious about maximum braking performance, there would be a lot more work and cost ahead of me. But what I am looking for is perhaps a modest improvement, with little sacrifice in durability, noise, dirt, and cost. Suggestions are much appreciated!

would you pay $350 for a big brake kit, i have a set on ebay for $280 right now

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...sPageName=WDVW

ebay

yesh Chris' kit at $350 is awesome! If you just want stock size rotors though I can set you up. Either way you go you're not losing out. For daily driving advantages Chris' kit may be better.

does this mean that the mazda speed calipers DO fit the protege5??

are you gonna e racing it????? if not then stock ones are just fine.

Holy sh*t! That's awesome! Any chance these brakes fit with excess clearance in the stock sixteen inch rims, no prob? I may just have to make a purchase if they do....For everything else there is Mastercard.

Okay, a couple questions on this big brake kit:
1) Is this a product usually in inventory? In otherwords, if it "goes" on E-Bay, can I order one at any time?
2) The calipers are from a MSP. But, who makes the rotors?
3) What brand of pads are included?
4) Is there any need to purchase additional hardware, or is everything needed included in the kit?
5) What performance benefits do you claim or have experienced? I know it is going to be better than stock, I just want to know how dramatic the difference is going to be.

1.yea i have 3 sets after those are gone it will only take a few days to get them back in stock.

2.the rotors are made for us by centric we have them slotted and drilled by powerslot

3.the pads are axxis and are $38

4.everything is in the kit

5.it out brakes my rx7 with 4 piston claipers and hawk pads, my 80-0 stops scare the shit out of most people

i run 17" MSP wheels but you cna see there is pleanty of room still

When I'm on the track (high speed touring) in the P5 I run Hawk pads with my PowerSlot rotors (fronts only) and I have no issues with braking or fading. However, the Hawks squall like crazy and create that lovely dust so we remove them and put the OEM pads back on for everyday driving.

Squeels like a stuck pig, would you say?

Something along those lines...yes :bigthumb: I have Cobalt Friction pads on the Miata and they are squeally too, aka "high performance", but damn...they are the shizzle for mad stopping powa yO! :smoke:

Mad powa, yo? How did we go from my barn yard analogy to the 'hood?

Seriously, though. How has wear been with these pads? And noise? And rotor wear? Those were some of my main concerns going into this brake thread.

Noise from the Hawks is bad IMO. I would not recommend them for daily driving. We had trouble getting the Hawk pads to 'seat' on the rotors and it shows. Perhaps you'll have better luck with them (?) If I was going to run my car next year I would definitely get some SS brake lines, and maybe some BIG brakes if I had extra $$ in my pocket. :) Good luck with your quest!