Brake upgrade recommendations

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jcavalca@gmail.com - 07 Feb 2006 16:45 GMT

My front rotors have been turned for the last time and I'm thinking of
upgrading to larger rotors so I am wondering if anyone has any
recommendations.
Some background info to keep in mind: '95 3.8L convertible, auto
transmission, 118K miles, 17" American Eagle wheels. Except for the
wheels, the car is bone stock and basically just a commuter. With as
much driving as I do now that I'm 70 miles away from work, I don't have
time or money to put into having the sports car I'd like to have but I
wouldn't mind better braking for when I have to bust a move on busy So.
Cal. highways.
Another thing to keep in mind is budget: I've started looking and see
things like Brembo kits for $1300 and up, e.g. Ouch! Can't I do this
for less than $500 or am I just out of touch with reality?
I appreciate your ideas.

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.boB - 08 Feb 2006 01:14 GMT

> My front rotors have been turned for the last time and I'm thinking of
> upgrading to larger rotors so I am wondering if anyone has any
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> for less than $500 or am I just out of touch with reality?
> I appreciate your ideas.

This is easy. Go down to the local Autozone (or whatever) and get a set of
stock replacement rotors, bearings, and pads. Probably total right around $100.
Easy to install. This will work very well for a V6 commuter.
If you want to spend money on upgrades, you certainly can. I would start
simply by moving up to Performance Friction carbon-metallic pads.
DO NOT waste money on slotted or (shudder) drilled rotors.

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.boB
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Backyard Mechanic - 08 Feb 2006 15:10 GMT

> My front rotors have been turned for the last time and I'm thinking of
> upgrading to larger rotors so I am wondering if anyone has any
> recommendations.
> Some background info to keep in mind: '95 3.8L convertible, auto
> transmission, 118K miles,

I quit wasting money on turning rotors YEARS ago!

If the rotors are bad enough to require turning, they are bad enough to buy
new!
- Now I do a lot of freeway driving and my USUAL FIRST pad replacement is
at about 90,000.

The key is to replace pads long before the rotors get scarred. I USED to
use a Right-angle sanding disk to swirl the finish but tried just 'breaking
in pads' once and saw no difference..

My brakes ALWAYS work GREAT, btw, and I exercise them frequently with a
hard stop, just for drill ...usually at the stop sign at end of an exit.

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Yeh, I'm a Krusty old Geezer, putting up with my 'smartass' is the price
you pay..DEAL with it!

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Backyard Mechanic - 08 Feb 2006 15:15 GMT

>> My front rotors have been turned for the last time and I'm thinking
>> of upgrading to larger rotors so I am wondering if anyone has any
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> If the rotors are bad enough to require turning, they are bad enough
> to buy new!

And DO NOT buy the cheapest of ANYTHING when it comes to brakes! I usually
deal with NAPA on such...and decide based on warranty-length.

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Yeh, I'm a Krusty old Geezer, putting up with my 'smartass' is the price
you pay..DEAL with it!

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Ironrod - 09 Feb 2006 05:09 GMT

The other guys already posted the proper fix actions, if you are on a budget
just replace the worn parts, if you want to upgrade for performance reasons
go to the SSBC website. I installed their rear disk upgrade along with
larger front calipers from a Lincoln LSC and it was like driving a whole new
car. We're talking BMW touring coupe like stopping power on a budget.

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bml - 13 Feb 2006 06:02 GMT

<jcavalca@gmail.com> wrote in message

> news:1139330720.503692.267190@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com...
> My front rotors have been turned for the last time and I'm thinking of
> upgrading to larger rotors so I am wondering if anyone has any
> recommendations

....

> I appreciate your ideas.

I have BAER 13"x1.10 front brake kit w/ M/C & flex hoses
in my modified '94 5.0 (used for commuting).

A commuter car needs good brakes.
The BAER brakes seem to stop the car smoother, faster
and the pedal feels more definite under my foot.

A few weeks after installing the brake upgrade, I had
to do an emergency stop while driving to work.
(slow moving car changed lanes without looking
to avoid hitting an even slower moving car)
I don't know for sure, but I feel the upgraded brakes
saved me from a collision.

B

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