[Shotgun Chuck]

The master procrastinator has returned, trying to do car stuff in the spring for once instead of when summer is already half over.

For brake pads, I've decided to go with EBC Redstuff as I'd rather not mess around with G-Loc right now.

For rotors, I've found many different OEM replacement cheapos and need a brand recommendation. Usual worries about getting a trash tier part that will fail at a dangerous time apply. Tire Rack has Centric (with the front fitment out of stock), everything else is either rear-only or a fancy slotted thing, though for what it's worth their prices for Stoptech slotted rotors are almost kind of reasonable compared to Carquest/Advance. CQ/Advance also has Carquest Platinum Painted, Carquest Wearever (seems to be a flat $5 cheaper than Platinum Painted), and WBR Coated. O'Reilly shows Import Direct and BrakeBest Select rotors; Brakebest seems to have two different kinds of rotors with literally identical prices, specs, and dimensions but different UPCs and product lines (BR2 vs. BBR) so not sure what's going on there. AutoZone has PowerStop Performance rotors, also available in "geomet coated" form for extra money. NAPA has their own Adaptive One Coated rotors.

Is there a best choice as far as performance + durability? Just get whatever is cheapest? Cheapest coated?

As far as brake fluid, the highest dry boiling point I can find is Stoptech STR-660 at 622F, though even with my paranoia, I'm wondering if a few extra degrees are worth paying $37 for a 500ml bottle. The second highest is Hawk HP660 at 608F, but it costs significantly less. Third is Stoptech STR-600 at 594F. These are the highest-boiling DOT4 fluids I can find, and beat every DOT5 or DOT5.1 I've found as well. Does anyone know of anything even better?

Of course, in Alaska, I can't buy any of these ultra-high-performance brake fluids locally; I can special-order the Hawk fluids through O'Reilly but they charge more than Tire Rack, at least in theory (not sure about shipping for each).

 

[Skrtt Cobain]

If you roll for fancy pants brakes, I'd go with slotted rotors rather than drilled. Slotted tends to be on par with heat dissipation compared to drilled (both cool off better than smooth rotors) and they typically have better durability than drilled. That's about all I know about brakes though. Wish I could help more.

Have you happened to find any brake kits that reduce the size of the front brake rotors/calipers? I know its uncommon, but I am actually trying to reduce the size of my brakes in the front so I can move to a 16" wheel. (the reduction in stopping power will not affect me given the type of activities I use my car for)

 

[Skrtt Cobain]

If you roll for fancy pants brakes, I'd go with slotted rotors rather than drilled. Slotted tends to be on par with heat dissipation compared to drilled (both cool off better than smooth rotors) and they typically have better durability than drilled. That's about all I know about brakes though. Wish I could help more.

Have you happened to find any brake kits that reduce the size of the front brake rotors/calipers? I know its uncommon, but I am actually trying to reduce the size of my brakes in the front so I can move to a 16" wheel. (the reduction in stopping power will not affect me given the type of activities I use my car for)

15" wheel **

 

[RPW00Mirage]

neither slots or drilled is useful lol

for competition use i use oreilly brake best. i think the part number difference may be coated or not coated. i can get you the actual part numbers later today if you like? i am currently using redstuff up front and whatever mid grade pad oreillys has on the back. i am using ATE typ200 fluid.


skrrt - it may be worthwhile checking into a 2015+ NAV knuckle/brake setup the rotors and calipers are a little smaller. i am unsure if the NAV front caliper will fit the turbo knuckle but you could always go buy one, bolt on and return it if it does not 2015+ is recommended because i think the 2012/2013 have the caliper on the opposing side where the tierod is.

 

[Shotgun Chuck]

neither slots or drilled is useful lol

for competition use i use oreilly brake best. i think the part number difference may be coated or not coated. i can get you the actual part numbers later today if you like? i am currently using redstuff up front and whatever mid grade pad oreillys has on the back. i am using ATE typ200 fluid.


skrrt - it may be worthwhile checking into a 2015+ NAV knuckle/brake setup the rotors and calipers are a little smaller. i am unsure if the NAV front caliper will fit the turbo knuckle but you could always go buy one, bolt on and return it if it does not 2015+ is recommended because i think the 2012/2013 have the caliper on the opposing side where the tierod is.

Sorry for the late reply, but yes, those part numbers would be useful. Are you running coated or non-coated?

I looked up that ATE fluid and its boiling point seems quite a bit lower; is there another advantage to using it that I'm not aware of?

 

[RPW00Mirage]

I have always run that fluid, it used to come in a blue color too... back in the day i would alternate the can colors so i knew when the old fluid was out of the system. it is possible there are better fluids than what i use but typ 200 has always been good to me in competition.

at oreillys up front and back i am using

BrakeBest Select Brake Rotor - 980460RGS
BrakeBest Select Drum/Rotor/Hub Brake Rotor - 980957RGS

 

[Shotgun Chuck]

I have always run that fluid, it used to come in a blue color too... back in the day i would alternate the can colors so i knew when the old fluid was out of the system. it is possible there are better fluids than what i use but typ 200 has always been good to me in competition.

at oreillys up front and back i am using

BrakeBest Select Brake Rotor - 980460RGS
BrakeBest Select Drum/Rotor/Hub Brake Rotor - 980957RGS

Late reply again, been busy/tired/lazy this week.

The two different kids of Brakebest rotors have literally identical part numbers too.

When ordering brake pads from Autozone, I assume they come in pairs?

 

[RPW00Mirage]

i always get the one that is in stock lol

all pads come in pairs, 2 for each side left and right. but front and rear are sold separate.

 

[Shotgun Chuck]

One more question before I order, because I'm very slow at things:

I've seen Sunsong brake hose recommended, but I looked them up and they appear to be OE soft type. Tire Rack has stainless-braided brake hoses from Goodridge, but they are out of stock/special order and Goodridge does not sell them directly. Does anyone know of good-quality stainless-braided hoses that are currently in stock somewhere?

 

[RPW00Mirage]

i have the sunsong lines on my car they look identical to oem. you can try pierce too for SS lines.