Basic Q: I don't think I can afford a whole BBK, calipers included.

Budget is about 1000.00 . . . So what parts count most to feel
noticeable and immediate improvement in braking performance:

1 - brake line
2 - rotor
3 - caliper
4 - brake pads

Thanks.

 

I don't know man... most of the tC BBKs aren't a whole lot more than the $1k in your budget. I just googled and found the Wilwood kit for around $1100. And that's not even trying.

PM Geoff from Nurspec (username: Nurspec) and see what he can do for you. Their website doesn't have any BBKs listed, but says they offer them. See what he has.

 

I purchased Axxis Ultimate brake pads and noticed a big difference with the stock caliper and rotors. A lot more bite. The only downsize is there is a lot of brake dust, but I wash my car weekly so it doesn't both me.

 

OP, you can get everything on your list and probably have money left over

 

if your not picky alot of people are selling their bbk and from what ive seen alot are around 1k or less. just look arund. gl!

 

Pick some Axxis Ultimates or Hawk brake pads, Stainless steel braided brake lines (technafit.com), DOT 4 brake fluid, and some Slotted rotors and you will be good to go err... stop.

 

If you don't want to go the BBK route (little overkill for dd IMO) then just get a stoptech stage 2 brake kit..trdsparks.com and dezod.com sell them..i'm sure others do but those are the ones that immediately come to mind.

 

u can go stoptech stage 2, or im selling my Rotora BBK for $900 bucks man

 

I would definitely reccomend going the StopTech route. I just have their D/S rotors front and rear and I noticed a difference. Im also just using the stock ceramic pads. I havent used any other high performance pads but I would say go ahead and get either the slotted or drilled stoptech stage 2 kit. Put the rest of the money left over away for something else down the road, like possibly new tires...

 

i have looked and looked at the StopTech. It just lacks the calipers.

I've eyed the Willwood for a while now. It would be more of an an aesthetic
buy rather than a performance upgrade because I can piece together a similar
set-up (sans calipers) and save some money.

I took her for another spin just now and I eliminated whatever doubts existed.
I definitely need to improve stopping power.

Q: Does the Tc already have steel brake lines ?

Thanks for the help.

 

The only way you are going to get calipers is if you go with a BBK..even if you piece it together (buy everything seperately for whatever reason..) then you will still be spending probably about the same as just buying a BBK (such as Rotora or Wilwood) since with a BBK you will also need bigger rotors and bigger pads and will definitely want steel braided lines.

And no the tC does NOT come with steel braided lines from the factory.

 

The most important, and noticeable upgrade for your brakes is getting real pads. If you want something with real braking power, you are going to have to deal with some low-speed braking noise, increased dust, etc. I personally have Hawk HPS pads up front, ATE Super Blue fluid, and blank disks and have seen a world of difference on the street, and on the track.

Pads: Like I said before, I am running the HPS up front. At first startup they squeak during low-speed braking, but after a getting a little bit of heat into the pads (couple stop lights) my pads don't squeak any more. Some good streetable pads i have used heard/of are:

Hawk HPS, or HP+
Axxis Ultimates

Fluid: The fluid is key to reducing brake fade if you are going to be driving hard for an extended period of time. So if you are doing any sort of spirited driving, upgraded fluid is to something with a higher boiling point is not even a question.

Motul RBF 600
ATE Super Blue


http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/acces...tail.jsp?ID=21

Rotors: No one has convinced me yet that slotted rotors really help performance in any way, so I have been sticking to simple blank disks from NAPA and haven't seen any trouble.

SS-Lines: I have not upgraded mine yet, so I can't really weigh in, but I have heard they improve brake feel. Our cars are not old enough yet to necessarly need new lines, but I am sure it would be a nice upgrade.

Well, that's my opinion on the matter. Take it or leave it, and I hope you're happy with whatever you end up getting.

 

the options are two fold really,for the money you can upgrade the fronts with BBK......they work great and look even better,or give the stoptechs stage 2 a try,a lot of guys who autocross up here use them and with good pads and stainless lines and fluid say they work great,BBK is over kill for DD,but if you show the car then it is well worth it for points at shows.......

 

It all depends on your application. Are you running boosted? Are you going for show?

Probably the best way to upgrade your braking performance is to upgrade your tires :D

Second thing would be to upgrade your pads. If you're running light boost or less, the stock calipers, lines, and discs should be fine.

Of course if you're looking for an excuse to take your braking system apart, the stoptech stage 1 and 2 kits are a great value.

 

I totally agree with Hat Trick on the benefits of slotted rotors and on BBK's as well.

Your #1 braking limit is you tires. You wont get past that point. So, you can get the biggest, baddest set of rotors and calipers you can fit on the car and it will still stop in about the same distance since even the stock setup will get into abs right away, even at decent speeds where rotational mass is harder to deal with.

Where you see improvement on BBK's and slotted rotors is in a track environment (not autox, road course). On a track, brake temps are a big concern. A BBK has more surface area all around and slotted rotors are better as well at keeping temps down. This in turn prevents brake fade. High temp brake fluid is a big must on a track as well since you can boil your brake fluid if you are running OEM spec. This means zero brakes.

Rick was still running NAPA blanks on his completely modified tC and he ran it on the track.. and those that kept up with his build knew he was pretty serious about it.

Even with pads, most of what you get is initial bite, which effects the way braking begins.

I run Axxiss Deluxe Plus pads right now, may go with ultimates next time around. Running stock rotors. The absolute last thing I have to worry about on the autox course is brakes. I am running at the top of 2nd gear through a lot of the courses, so I throttle lift way more than I brake (on a longer, faster course). For braking, quick, hard stomps at the brakes is typically all I need. The brakes handle very well and many others have commented on them when riding along with me for a run.

Some want the BBK for looks and such, but if you are just looking for braking performance for the street or a little autoxing, then focus on good pads and maybe SS lines if you want a bit more brake feel (wont help braking performance really).