What Test Data Exists to Compare Brake Kits ???

[Smokie]

I already made my car go faster, my next step is to make it stop faster, less fade, less warpage of rotor, less dust then OEM.

How do I make an informed decision on what gives me the best value for my dollar??? If something is better than OEM I like numerical data of actual testing that compares stopping distance and pedal pressure after repeated stops.

How do I compare the differents rotor/pads combo that are available for our car besides just picking based on price/appearance????

If this is the wrong place to ask this question, let me know and I will remove it. Thanks.

[Todd TCE]

It's not the wrong place to ask, but of course you'll receive a somewhat biased opinion.

I've produced kits for this car now for some time. The parts and pieces put into service here are the same as many of those on other kits TCE offers. Similar kits have been in use for many years on that rival big GM car for over 7 years.

The Marauder presents but one very large problem for the BBK (that's Big Brake Kit) in that the stock wheels offer very little room to fit such product. For that reason we have had to make some concessions to the parts in use and can only offer you the 1.10" wide rotor and narrow six pot caliper for this vehicle due to spoke clearance. Wider rotors (for more heat) and larger caliper can be found on the Impala and would be preferred if there is room in your wheel package.

TCE offers two kits- 13.1 and a larger 14" kit. Only the smaller fits the stock wheel and the larger kit is also the wider 1.25 wide rotor.

TCE does not offer other kits or stock replacement parts- rotor or pads and such. Only full replacement front and rear kits. All with fixed mounted multi piston design calipers. No 'floaters' found on other kits.

Comaring parts is difficult. We can discuss the pros and cons of each if you like. However the first issue usually comes down to cost and fit. Which is the 'best' is hard to say as each of the kits have their own values. But again; if you stick with stock wheels you have the first limiting factor. In this case you can have a larger rotor (14") in one kit with the floater, or a true six pot caliper and it's benefits on a smaller (13.1") rotor....

Comparing stopping is equally difficult. The same vehicle must be used, same tires, same conditions and same pad compounds. TCE works hard to provide a propery biased platform and offers a vast selection of pad compounds to enhance your kits use (street, open track, drags etc) and can also make further changes on a custom needs basis. (for example a caliper change to fit the 1.10 rotor if you have other wheels)

The primary benefits of the BBK come from fade resistance, improved pedal feel and response time. Stopping distances are seldom altered to any great degree as adhesion is limited by tire grip.

I believe TCE is still the only company to offer a true rear BBK that offers you a combo of larger rotors and properly matched four pot calipers as well.

[RR|Suki]

My 14" Baers fit the stock rims... and they stop on a dime. oh and they are purdy too...

http://www.msu.edu/~taylorab/mawheel.jpg

that's behind my 19"

[BruteForce]

My 14" Baers fit the stock rims... and they stop on a dime. oh and they are purdy too...

http://www.msu.edu/~taylorab/mawheel.jpg

that's behind my 19"

Need bigger rotors! They look too small w/19". They fill the space on my stock rims. :D

[Todd TCE]

So go larger.
http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/6636/bbkinstalled0037wo.jpg

[RR|Suki]

Need bigger rotors! They look too small w/19". They fill the space on my stock rims. :D

If I go bigger I have no winter wheels ;) I drive my car all year long, no matter the weather

[BruteForce]

So go larger.
http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/6636/bbkinstalled0037wo.jpg

Are those 19" rims? I have Baer BBK already and they's big'ns too. :D

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/1/7/1/3/DSCN0123_thumb.jpg (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/showimage.php?i=1066&c=3&userid=1713)

[Todd TCE]

Yes. 19s. With 15.3" rotors and a 13"+ tall caliper! lol

[O's Fan Rich]

My 14" Baers fit the stock rims... and they stop on a dime. oh and they are purdy too...

http://www.msu.edu/~taylorab/mawheel.jpg

that's behind my 19"
Those are stock Marauder rims?
If not, I'd like to see a pic with them on, if you have it. I want bigger brakes, too.

[RR|Suki]

Those are stock Marauder rims?
If not, I'd like to see a pic with them on, if you have it. I want bigger brakes, too.

They are 19" Budniks and are actually for sale (little plug there)

www.msu.edu/~taylorab/maside.jpg

[RR|Suki]

Back to the topic on hand according to motor trend my car 60-0 is 129 and stock is 137. ;)