Brake Upgrade Thread

[WE3RX7]

So I've ordered everything for a comprehensive brake upgrade on my RX8. I've registered this year for the NASA-X races so I'm trying to get the car more prepared for an auto-x style of racing.

I'm going to put together a brake upgrade thread here as I don't really need a "build thread" in the other forum since my 8 really isn't a project car - yet.

The job at hand:
- Remove all four calipers
- Repaint w/ G2 Caliper Paint kit (my car came from Mass. so it is corroded more than a 40K should be)
- Replace all bleed valves with Russell Speed Bleeders
- Install Russell SS Brake Lines zinc-coated
- Replace worn rotors with PowerSlot (now owned by Stoptech) slotted rotors, silver coating
- Hawk HPS front and rear pads

My goal with this setup is to only improve on the stock brake system, without disrupting the distribution/balance of the system.

I use AP551 fluid in the car, which is DOT3. I know a lot of guys like to drop the BBK on their car, but its a bit over kill for my needs and IMHO is not a tremendous upgrade for the cost on a weekend warrior car.

I also have a set of ProjectU front pads that I'll try out later in the season and give a comparison to, but my gut tells me the HPS will be a better pad. The ProjectU compound will probably be louder and too harsh for street use.


I'm waiting on the rotors & braided lines to be delivered this week to begin the build up on Friday, but the rest of the parts are good to go.


I'll try to be as descript as I can to help out anybody who may be looking to do similar upgrades.

[WE3RX7]

The parts:


Russell Speed Bleeders (639560) | Front - 10mm x 1.0mm | $18/pr | Summitracing.com
Russell Speed Bleeders (639550) | Rear - 8 x 1.0 x 34mm | $16/pr | Summitracing.com
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/russell_bleeders.jpg

Hawk HPS Rear Brake Pads (HB378F.565) | $63/set | NASA Membership
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/hawk_rear.jpg

Hawk HPS Front Brake Pads (HB470F.643) | $72/set | NASA Membership
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/hawk_front.jpg

ProjectU Front Pads | Donated, will use as extra | Cost Unknown
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/projectU_fronts.jpg

G2 Caliper Paint | black gloss | $34/kit | tirerack.com
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/G2caliper_paint.jpg


I'll post pics, prices, etc of the rotors and lines on Friday when they arrive.

[sumdeus]

Cool. I just picked up a new set of Hawk Ceramic pads for my 8, I have had a hankering to get them on, but have not got around to doing it, but I have heard only positive things out of other 8 owners about their HP+ and HPS pads.

[9G Redline]

I did an "upgrade" to my 8s braking system about 50k ago. I got slotted Rotora OEM spec fronts, Rotora OEM rears (non-slotted) and Hawk HPS pads. I have been extremely pleased with my performance. I'm a spirited daily driver and these minor upgrades have been a HUGE help in certain situations. OD on the other forum helped me bleed my lines and replace it with the blue brake fluid.

Good luck Auto-x this year!

[WE3RX7]

Yea - the 8 does see some DD duty, but after we move in April it will be retired to mostly weekend warrior duty so I didn't want to go all nuts on the brakes, lol.

[lilring]

Very nice. Hawk HPS pads are the best. I did mine last summer and they do nice for DD

[WE3RX7]

Lines arrived Tuesday and the rotors should be here today. Cant wait to get this all done.

My GF has come up with a good idea for a little extra "touch" to the brakes which I'll show off when I'm done :)

[sumdeus]

Pink? :D

[WE3RX7]

Lol, nope. Gold.


I started on the brakes last night. My fear was right on the rear drivers' caliper. Last year when I bled the brakes before DGRR I couldnt get the bleeder valve loose but didnt have time to muck with it. Even now, I used vice grips (three kinds), lots of penetrating lube, heat and finally - an air hammer. Its not budging. Go northern cars.

Every bolt on the entire suspension and brakes, etc has got a nice coat of Massachussetts charm on it!! I did get everything off for now though, all the calipers, old rotors. New brake lines are hung just not installed yet.

Luckily I have access to a parts car w/ good calipers, but I have to drive down 1.5 hours to get them. This should be wrapped up Sunday.

I'll post pics after its done on Sunday night....

[WE3RX7]

I had some camera issues getting the photos to my PC, so it looks like it'll be a weak update.

I did however finish after having to replace a rear caliper dealing with the not so fun G2 paint system.


My overall impressions are that its a big improvement over stock. I think the best part is the pedal feel from the SS lines. The rotors are ok, although, they do seem to rust up more than expected for coated rotors.

The G2 caliper paint was ridiculous. I did everything by the book and its not the first time I've done this sort of thing. After curing for two days they were still a little "tacky" to the touch, but they were ok to mount. After being driven, they had hardened more and I could wash them off without any issues.

I've only put about 45 miles on the whole thing since install so I havent had a chance to really test them out, but I will be at DGRR next month so that should be a decent enough test!


Here is a pic of them mounted up and done, but before they were driven on:
http://www.findtuners.com/rx8/done_front.jpg