Brakes? Any other options for high-peformance calipers?

[studio460]

Although I just ordered a set of zinc-washed rotors for all fours from Brake Planet, I just noticed that my Marauder isn't stopping as well as I'd like it to (haven't received them yet). Are the Wilwoods the only game in town for high-performance calipers for our cars? I have non-stock, 19" wheels now, with plenty of clearance for oversized calipers. Anything else fit? Are Baers still an option? What's with KVR? Do they make calipers? Are the KVR steel-braided lines still coming? When? Not really looking to spend thousands of dollars.

[Hotrauder]

I have been through a few of the options and my conclusion is that high performance brakes are expensive..but worth every dime, even if you never use them to peak braking effort. The originals are very marginal, for me the EBC's were junk and according to DR have no vendor support. I found no dealer support either. A lot of guys seem to be happy with the performance with Baer though there have been some problems with drilled rotors cracking. Warping has been an issue not satisfactorily resolved for some members. Seems that quite a few are putting togather their own kit of rotors from ebay or a vendor with pads from their flaps and the stock calipers and SS brake lines. A few of us have been more than pleased with performance of the Wilwood set up and there are few on the planet with more knowledge or support for customers than Todd at TCE. They are expensive but they may just save you and your family. Just a thought. Dennis

[Peace2Peep]

Truer words were never spoken my friend Dennis! I am running the powerslot cryo treated rotors in the rear and will upgrade to the Wilwoods in the front as soon as the front wear out or warp...go figure the rears warping at 28,000 miles!

[Todd TCE]

I don't want to insult your purchase here, but a zinc washed rotor with or without slots, holes, dimples or other treatments is simply NOT going to change your braking performance. Without changing the diameter or the width there's nothing about it function that can be truly altered. It's like handing you a chrome ratchet or a painted one; if they are the same length they do the same job regardless of their appearance.

While not "the only game in town" the TCE/Wilwood kits address both diameter, piston area and pad compound to improve brake function. All these elements should be considered for a change.

[Fourth Horseman]

Just want to put in a good word for the Wilwood kit from Todd @ TCE. I've had mine on for three years now and I absolutely could not be happier. Not only do they haul the car down straight and fast but they look fantastic. I have lots of car guys comment on them when they see my car.

[studio460]

Seems that quite a few are putting together their own kit of rotors from ebay or a vendor with pads from their flaps and the stock calipers and SS brake lines.
Great post! Thanks for the summarized update! Would like to know more details of any other calipers on the market that work with our cars. Thanks again for all the info!


I don't want to insult your purchase here, but a zinc washed rotor with or without slots, holes, dimples or other treatments is simply NOT going to change your braking performance . . . It's like handing you a chrome ratchet or a painted one; if they are the same length they do the same job regardless of their appearance.
No worries, Todd. I am FULLY aware that this is a cosmetic-only "upgrade." Just got some new 19" black rims and new tires all around, and just wanted to show some bling under the spokes.


While not "the only game in town" the TCE/Wilwood kits address both diameter, piston area and pad compound to improve brake function. All these elements should be considered for a change.
Todd, I can certainly appreciate the quality and performance increase from the Wilwood products—they're just simply beyond my budget.

[Canucksmarauder]

Wilwood is on the list for the end of the summer. Todd you will be getting an order from me:D

P

[Todd TCE]

Here's a thought for the budget minded; if you can score some 13-14" one piece rotors off a Mustang, Vette or Charger and make them work we might be able to do a caliper and bracket kit for it. Kicker here is that the total height of the hat/rotor cannot exceed 1.5" thick. I "think" the Mustang Brembos might be near this spec as I make a number of two piece replacements for that. So if you can do a 13 x 1.10 Mustang rotor- redrilled to your pattern and bored to spec you could then add a caliper only kit for much less. Just an idea.

[studio460]

Good to know! Thanks Todd!!!

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Exactly. The drilled, slotted, plated, etc. chinese made crap that cost less than stock, are going to give you the same or worse than stock performance. Surprise! I have the Rotor Pro's $250/4 drilled/slotted/cad rotors and they are horrible. Like most of the rotors on ebay, they start out as a $29 throw-away one time use rotor, and then some shady shop machines them and resells them. You are downgrading from stock w/ junk thin Chinese 3rd party machined rotors.

[Badger]

First set of Baer cross drill and slotted warped. Replaced with slotted (not a fan of cross drilled at all). No problems since. Lots of braking power which has paid fro itself in at least three accident avoidance situ's.