need some cheap brake advice

[b2089]

I don't want to spend a fortune on the car, and I'm not building it for performance. I do want better braking though since I think we all agree the brakes on the GA's are undersized. Will carbon fiber pads give better performance? I'm considering getting new rotors all around also, what should I look for in that arena? I don't want to convert anything to Corvette brakes or mess with cross drilled or fancy smancy stuff. Just bolt on improvements.

[roksoc]

Cross drilled and/or slotted rotors are bolt on and offer a great improvement. I have R1 concepts in the front with ceramic pads and my GA stops great.

[b2089]

I was always told that slotted rotors ate up the pads to quickly. That the wear wasn't worth the gain. Have you noticed this?

[Silver 4 door]

slotted or drilled rotors will not eat the pads up anyfaster. They just simply let the gasses from the friction escape from between the pad and rotor. with slots or drill rotors the calliper wont clamp anymore to the rotor then a OEM rotor.

[RazorDX]

I think you might have heard that 'high performance' pads eat up rotors; I've not personally heard the opposite.

[Silver 4 door]

if you have high performance pads rotors and callipers then you will notice everything will wear faster. High perfpormance is made for well high performance, not longevity(spelling?)

[tenspeed]

Get some decent solid rotors (more surface area) and good quality semi-metallic pads.

Solid rotors have more surface area. No need for holes and slots for street driving.

Semi-metalic pads have a good bite.

[99GrandAMSE]

... Solid rotors have more surface area. No need for holes and slots for street driving ...

Although I know what you mean Jim, I don't 100% agree with that as there are time, even on the street, that better braking is preferred ... on topic, I would recommend a set of slotted rotors and some ceramic pads ... that is what I have on the front and the back and haven't regretted it ... big difference!! :)

[GregFarz78]

Brembo blanks and Hawk HPS pads

Replaced all four of mine for about $300, don't see any need for slotted/drilled rotors for a stock car either

[99GrandAMSE]

... well, you're wrong too ;) :lol:

[jonnythan]

PFC Z-rated or Raybestos PG Plus Ceramic pads are fairly inexpensive and very good.

[jonnythan]

Although I know what you mean Jim, I don't 100% agree with that as there are time, even on the street, that better braking is preferred ... on topic, I would recommend a set of slotted rotors and some ceramic pads ... that is what I have on the front and the back and haven't regretted it ... big difference!! :)

Slotted/drilled rotors do absolutely zilch if you're not racing and abusing the brakes.

[SE2000]

aerated rotors will help any vehicle doing several heavy brake applications in a short period. Or another way, the venting helps when you're slamming the brakes alot in a short amount of time. This could be performance driving or living in a steeply hilled area.
I like the ceramic pads for the GA, less dust issues on those wheels and quiet. They last a long time
Changing pads is a quick and easy job, so I don't get the short life issue. Be sure to service the calipers for maximum stopping power and pad life, I am amazed about how many forget to do this.

[99GrandAMSE]

Slotted/drilled rotors do absolutely zilch if you're not racing and abusing the brakes.

In a word, BULLSHIT!!! ... your turn :lol:

[Silver 4 door]

In a word, BULLSHIT!!! ... your turn :lol:


Agreed.

[blackandblue]

Changing pads is a quick and easy job, so I don't get the short life issue. Be sure to service the calipers for maximum stopping power and pad life, I am amazed about how many forget to do this.
Service calipers?

[Grand_Am_Man]

Any good parts house will have a selection of brake pads ranging from organic/asbestos pads up to a severe duty/fleet type pad. The type of rotor does make a difference in breaking during hard or frequent use, and an aerated rotor does show mild improvement in braking ability. The brakes I use on mine are the Wagner Edge (Thermoquiets if not available), which are laser honed to meet every makes specific braking needs.