someone please clarify this

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Old Sep 15, 2006 | 06:38 AM
  #1  
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someone please clarify this

Ok, I have heard a lot of arguments about big brake kits and why they are usually installed on a car.

First person: It gives you quicker response in the system(assuming its a full kit with lines and all), and also it shortens your stopping distance. and reduces brake fade by dissipating the heat better.

Second person: It doesn't shorten your distance, it just gives you more consistent braking while on a track where you are braking a lot and your brakes get really hot relieving them of possible brake fade.

So i guess my question is, will it shorten your distance when stopping and reduce brake fade, or will it just reduce brake fade by dissipating the heat more efficiently

and if it doesn't stop you shorter, then what is the point of 6 piston fronts??

thanks!
Old Sep 15, 2006 | 08:28 AM
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Second person is closer to the truth...

Stopping distance on non-overheated brakes is usually more a function of tires than anything else. And stock brakes will stop it to the full capability of even R-compound tires at least a few times before starting to overheat. On the street, you'll likely never overheat the brakes.

On the track is a different story

The point : besides stopping better under "extreme" conditions, the big brakes sure look a helluva lot better
Old Sep 15, 2006 | 08:58 AM
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And they make you buy bigger, more expensive wheels and tires
Old Sep 15, 2006 | 09:19 AM
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i want bigger brakes eventually but right now i will just get higher performance pads (i have 50k miles on my pads and think its getting near time for new ones) might as well upgrade to nicer pads even if they are louder.

hey another brake question, how would dot 4 synthetic brake fluid help anything? thicker maybe?
Old Sep 15, 2006 | 10:26 AM
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Originally Posted by evsoul
i want bigger brakes eventually but right now i will just get higher performance pads (i have 50k miles on my pads and think its getting near time for new ones) might as well upgrade to nicer pads even if they are louder.

hey another brake question, how would dot 4 synthetic brake fluid help anything? thicker maybe?

Read this thread, I answered similar questions awhile back about brakes but I don't really want to type it out again.


https://www.i-club.com/forums/suspension-handling-brakes-195/front-rear-kits-119708/
Old Sep 15, 2006 | 10:31 AM
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thats fine, i will read it thanks!
Old Sep 15, 2006 | 11:19 AM
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With just pads, lines, a good bleed, and some decent tires I can out stop most STI's with my whimpy little stock 2-pots. The STI's brakes will certainly be able to dissipate more heat so would be more appropriate for heavy track use, but if you choose the right pad fading won't be a huge issue unless you really start pushing some serious power as well.

Thanks
Old Sep 15, 2006 | 12:33 PM
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To repeat everyone's suggestions/advise.....

Big brake kits mainly reduce brake fade from hard driving. This is done through larger rotors increasing the heating capacity. Bigger calipers = more area and force but does not necessarilly = shorter stopping distance.

To stop faster, get better tires. Softer and stickier tires will typically result in shorter stopping distances. But they also wear out quicker, so it's a trade off.

To get better brake "feel", upgrade pads and brake lines. This will give you better feedback on what the brakes are doing. Although, when the ABS activates on my '03, the brake pedal just shutters up and down until the car stops

There's a very good artical on common tuner mods in the June 2006 issue of Sport Compact Car magazine. I wasn't able to find the artical on their website, but if you ever get ahold of that issue, it's a good read.
Old Sep 15, 2006 | 12:40 PM
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Originally Posted by evsoul

hey another brake question, how would dot 4 synthetic brake fluid help anything? thicker maybe?
i'm just taking a guess here, but i believe it won't boil or heat up as easily. also, older brake fluid tend to boil at earlier temperatures than fresh fluids.
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