Recommended brake kits

[Lowndex]

I have been using TCE 13"kits for the front and rear. The rotors warp far too easily for modest driving. So, I need the Marauder experts to recommend me their top brake kits for front and rear, please. Please specify the kit manufacturer, rotor size, pads used and p/n's and url links would be helpful.

I am willing to spend $5000 for high quality brake kits with parts that will hold up to street use (includes some hard braking). Recall, I am having BRG Racing install a 5.0L Annihilator motor, Vortech supercharger, customized Cobra exhaust manifold and stainless long pipes with high-flow cats. I will need brakes that can handle the added hp (302 - 450+). Specifically, I desire rotors that will not warp so easily (like TCE's do). Something like Brembo GT-R (not made for the Marauder).

Lastly, please spare the driving tips of proper braking. I am seeking brake kit advice only, please.

[RubberCtyRauder]

There are no big brake kits out there for these cars, other than TCE, and the MM.net version made by zack and jerry. baer used to, but no longer in production. So you'll have to design and build your own.

[stevengerard]

Reinhardt may have a NIB of KVRs laying around but KVR doesn't even carry them anymore. Unfortunately these cars are getting older and with low production numbers to begin with few companies will be jumping into the aftermarket parts production process.

[RubberCtyRauder]

I wouldn't do anything that DR had his hands on.

[stevengerard]

I'd go with what Zack has created but out of the box a set of KVRs sitting at DRs maybe his only choice

[Lowndex]

As I have the TCE kits installed front and rear, what about better rotors?

[RubberCtyRauder]

As far as i am aware of there are no 13" or larger rotors that bolt right up. if you want to go back to standard size rotors (not sure if wildwwod stuff works with standard size) there are many from Napa, to Command rotors,t o R1 concepts, power slot, ebc, KVR makes standard rotors too and are $100-200 per rotor, raybestos, pretty much all the names, Motor craft..

[RubberCtyRauder]

You can call jegs and see if this still exists, but i doubt it as most stuff like this gets dropped shipped directly from manufacturer and baer doesn't list it anymore.

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/MkMdlYrSearchCmd?searchType=Mk MdlYrSearch&langId=-1&MODEL=1694103&N=1694103+4294966053&MAKE=1694092&Nty=0&catalogId=10002&Jnar=0&Ne=1%2b2%2b3%2b13%2b1147708%2b 2&itemPerPage=60&mmyAjaxResponse=submitMMYCmd&storeId=10001&YEAR=1690094

[Zack]

You never responded to my PM OP.
Im almost positive a stock Mach 1/Cobra rotor will work. (you will have to open up the hub bore .003)

[justbob]

$5,000?? That's laughable. My $199 R1 concepts rotors are still in use after 50,000 boosted miles and stops on a dime! Sell your kit as you'll never be happy and think more simplistic.


Builder Of Badassery

[lifespeed]

$5,000?? That's laughable. My $199 R1 concepts rotors are still in use after 50,000 boosted miles and stops on a dime! Sell your kit as you'll never be happy and think more simplistic.


Builder Of Badassery

Good brakes with fixed calipers are pretty expensive, although fortunately less than $5K. And there is some question as to whether the compromised-for-wheel-clearance Wilwood kits are good over the long term.

It is good you've found an OEM-style setup that works. The down side is you can swap pads when it is time for a brake job and start getting pad transfer because the pad compound isn't exactly what it needs to be to survive. If a brake setup only works with one pad brand and rotor brand, it is not really a good setup.

IMHO, the original Marauder brakes are just OK, not good.

[lifespeed]

I have been using TCE 13"kits for the front and rear. The rotors warp far too easily for modest driving. So, I need the Marauder experts to recommend me their top brake kits for front and rear, please. Please specify the kit manufacturer, rotor size, pads used and p/n's and url links would be helpful.

I had the same problem as you with my Wilwood 14"/13" kit. For the record it is not warped rotors, but rather transfer of overheated pad material to the rotor. It feels the same at the pedal and steering wheel (high spots on the rotor), but if you are looking for a fix it is important to understand what is going on.

I went through several sets of brake pads and rotors, finally arriving at the conclusion there is just not enough pad area and rotor thickness in the front to absorb the energy from our fast, heavy cars. Todd at TCE agreed to design a kit that uses 14" X 1.25" thick rotors (instead of 14" X 1.10") and the larger Aero6 calipers with 35% more pad area. It arrived a couple weeks ago and is sitting in my garage awaiting installation. I have some other things going on that won't let me install it for about 6 weeks, so I can't report back on the results, unfortunately. However, a thicker rotor and larger pads have got to be a step in the right direction.

You will need more than a 0.090" spacer to clear the caliper, however. This can be accommodated with a thicker spacer, and, if you want to keep the scrub radius the same, widening the OEM wheel 2X the spacer thickness. Or, I have a line on some 20" wheels that look like Marauder wheels from American Racing. You'll have to do something to get the wheels to clear, but to me at least, it will be worth it. I am so sick of brake jobs.

So give Todd a call, he can set you up. Or wait 6 weeks and I'll report back with initial results. But the long term results are what you really want . . .

[lji372]

You never responded to my PM OP.
Im almost positive a stock Mach 1/Cobra rotor will work. (you will have to open up the hub bore .030)

Fixed






$5,000?? That's laughable. My $199 R1 concepts rotors are still in use after 50,000 boosted miles and stops on a dime! Sell your kit as you'll never be happy and think more simplistic.


Builder Of Badassery

^^^^^word:beatnik:

[Zack]

I may have to make a bracket (Jerry) for the cts-v calipers.
You will need 19" wheels though

[Todd TCE]

For the record I'm doing a 15" front kit right now for a customer.

But I'll go on record as saying that the rotor size and pad size alone...won't fix driving habits. Yes it will extend the thermal operating range of the parts. But heat is heat and pad transfer is the same when hot on a 15" rotor as it is on a 13" rotor.

I've experienced this on one of our truck kits as well with a customer. He's replaced is 16 x 1.375 rotors now twice in the past couple of years. Far less than he did the oe parts. Raves about the stopping it has! And in time he's learning that he plots his own destiny on service life too. He pushes them harder now but knows he can still tear them up if he's not thinking about how they are used. (abused?)

[lji372]

For the record I'm doing a 15" front kit right now for a customer.

But I'll go on record as saying that the rotor size and pad size alone...won't fix driving habits. Yes it will extend the thermal operating range of the parts. But heat is heat and pad transfer is the same when hot on a 15" rotor as it is on a 13" rotor.

I've experienced this on one of our truck kits as well with a customer. He's replaced is 16 x 1.375 rotors now twice in the past couple of years. Far less than he did the oe parts. Raves about the stopping it has! And in time he's learning that he plots his own destiny on service life too. He pushes them harder now but knows he can still tear them up if he's not thinking about how they are used. (abused?)

I was in a rush earlier through a subdivision in the 99ram diesel. Gunning and stopping at the next stop sign then thought.....dang it I just had the brakes done again and backed off :beer:

[Lowndex]

You never responded to my PM OP.
Im almost positive a stock Mach 1/Cobra rotor will work. (you will have to open up the hub bore .003)

I know a guy named KC (BRG Racing) who can that easy. Thank you for the tip.

[Lowndex]

I had the same problem as you with my Wilwood 14"/13" kit. For the record it is not warped rotors, but rather transfer of overheated pad material to the rotor. It feels the same at the pedal and steering wheel (high spots on the rotor), but if you are looking for a fix it is important to understand what is going on.

I went through several sets of brake pads and rotors, finally arriving at the conclusion there is just not enough pad area and rotor thickness in the front to absorb the energy from our fast, heavy cars. Todd at TCE agreed to design a kit that uses 14" X 1.25" thick rotors (instead of 14" X 1.10") and the larger Aero6 calipers with 35% more pad area. It arrived a couple weeks ago and is sitting in my garage awaiting installation. I have some other things going on that won't let me install it for about 6 weeks, so I can't report back on the results, unfortunately. However, a thicker rotor and larger pads have got to be a step in the right direction.

You will need more than a 0.090" spacer to clear the caliper, however. This can be accommodated with a thicker spacer, and, if you want to keep the scrub radius the same, widening the OEM wheel 2X the spacer thickness. Or, I have a line on some 20" wheels that look like Marauder wheels from American Racing. You'll have to do something to get the wheels to clear, but to me at least, it will be worth it. I am so sick of brake jobs.

So give Todd a call, he can set you up. Or wait 6 weeks and I'll report back with initial results. But the long term results are what you really want . . .


I will wait until you tell me the new 14" TCE kit works. I have been a customer of TCE for 6 plus years and very unhappy at warped rotors. I buy 2-3 rotors per year! And I drive a motorcycle six months of the year.

I knew the 13" rotors were too small for the Marauder weight.

[Lowndex]

For the record I'm doing a 15" front kit right now for a customer.

But I'll go on record as saying that the rotor size and pad size alone...won't fix driving habits. Yes it will extend the thermal operating range of the parts. But heat is heat and pad transfer is the same when hot on a 15" rotor as it is on a 13" rotor.

I've experienced this on one of our truck kits as well with a customer. He's replaced is 16 x 1.375 rotors now twice in the past couple of years. Far less than he did the oe parts. Raves about the stopping it has! And in time he's learning that he plots his own destiny on service life too. He pushes them harder now but knows he can still tear them up if he's not thinking about how they are used. (abused?)

Todd,

How did I not hear about the above solution from my emails to you explaining my frustration having to replace warped rotors too often? Even so, before I drop $3500+ on new front and rear kits, I need data to make me believe the new 14 or 15" TCE kits will hold up my driving habits.

[MOTOWN]

Ive had oem brakes which are just OK , I've had a Baer 14" front kit with TCE stainless lines which was much better than oem , i have had several Wilwood kits which are far superior to anything i have ever used, I've installed Todds 14" kit on a friends Marauder its perfect!

And currently Todd is building me a custom 15" drilled/slotted setup with Aero 6 red calipers.

Bottom line is you will not build a better big brake system than a TCE/Wilwood kit.

[Bad_S55]

http://www.alternativeauto.com/Marauder_Baer_Brakes_Kit.html

Alternative Auto might be able to scrounge up a Baer set from somewhere. They're 14" rotors.

[RubberCtyRauder]

http://www.alternativeauto.com/Marauder_Baer_Brakes_Kit.html

Alternative Auto might be able to scrounge up a Baer set from somewhere. They're 14" rotors.

Alternative Auto does not sell mail order..they only sell to install it themselves..That is an old web page, Baer does
not make the marauder kit any longer

[Todd TCE]

The 14" FNSL6 kits (enlarged version of the 13.1) has been out for about a year or more. The very early ones were two piece brackets based upon the lug mount BSL6n and a radial conversion bracket offered by Wilwood. That kit evolved when it became clear that the kit would clear the stock wheel. And more so when the new FNSL6 (replacing the BSL line) which is a slightly lower profile negating the need for the thin spacer.

The 'newer' W6A caliper set up was talked about for a long time offering the large body size caliper on a full 1.25" wide rotor. As stated the pads are lager, the rotor larger and wider and the swept area greater. That kit stewed for a few years as nobody wanted to deal with the significant need for larger wheel spacer. In that time span the W6A was replaced by the new Aero6 model. (about every 5yrs or so Wilwood mixes it up some) The 14" Aero6 kit was only recently "commissioned" by a member who said he'd take the plunge both financially and fitment wise. It's mentioned but not detailed on the web page now. With a price point of $2179.

The 15" version of the kit is just a Max version of what the caliper will accept. This is a custom one off deal requiring yet different brackets and shallower hats placing the caliper even closer to the wheel. With custom 20s or larger however it's not expected to be an issue. This kit will not be listed on the web page.

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

The 15" version of the kit is just a Max version of what the caliper will accept. This is a custom one off deal requiring yet different brackets and shallower hats placing the caliper even closer to the wheel. With custom 20s or larger however it's not expected to be an issue. This kit will not be listed on the web page.

What price-point are we talking for the 15" custom front kit?

I haven't looked into the specifics, but I am looking at 2015 Mustangs with the performance package(can't find the one), anyways, they come with 15" rotors/6-piston calipers. Would be nice if it was bolt on with custom brackets/hoses.

[Todd TCE]

The added cost of the 15" kit comes from a revised bracket (limited run) and the added cost of the larger rotors. $120

Bringing the total base price to $2249 plus options and shipping.

[RF Overlord]

I don't track my car, and maybe I'm easier on the brakes in general, but I've had my TCE/Wilwood kit on for 7-8 years...same rotors and same pads.

Admittedly I haven't driven it much in the last few years, but no warping, no pad transfer. They still work like new.

[Lowndex]

Ive had oem brakes which are just OK , I've had a Baer 14" front kit with TCE stainless lines which was much better than oem , i have had several Wilwood kits which are far superior to anything i have ever used, I've installed Todds 14" kit on a friends Marauder its perfect!

And currently Todd is building me a custom 15" drilled/slotted setup with Aero 6 red calipers.

Bottom line is you will not build a better big brake system than a TCE/Wilwood kit.

Regarding the 14" kits, I am starting to feel it.

[Lowndex]

I don't track my car, and maybe I'm easier on the brakes in general, but I've had my TCE/Wilwood kit on for 7-8 years...same rotors and same pads.

Admittedly I haven't driven it much in the last few years, but no warping, no pad transfer. They still work like new.

With TCE 13" kits front and rear, I have gone through rotors (front and rear) too fast. I need a better solution for the weight of the Marauder and my driving habits. I will only be driving my power upgraded Marauder harder. I need a solution that can handle the 200 extra bhp and not burn through rotors so fast.

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

You could always gut the interior and swap out wheels for lighter weight 3 pieces. Cut some weight, improve braking.

[Spectragod]

You could always gut the interior and swap out wheels for lighter weight 3 pieces. Cut some weight, improve braking.

Super light wheels..........

http://www.halltechsystems.com/Carbon-Revolution-CR-9-Carbon-Fiber-Wheels-p/cr-9.htm

[lifespeed]

With TCE 13" kits front and rear, I have gone through rotors (front and rear) too fast. I need a better solution for the weight of the Marauder and my driving habits. I will only be driving my power upgraded Marauder harder. I need a solution that can handle the 200 extra bhp and not burn through rotors so fast.

I never had a 13" kit in the front, but I did not find the 14" X 1.10" with FNSL6R caliper to do well at all in terms of longevity, pad transfer, and pedal pulsing. This is what all the kits in the past couple years have been to the best of my knowledge. The "beefier" 14" (and even 15") kits are a recent development with more fitment pain due to wheel clearance. Better to deal with the pain once, however, than repeatedly do brake jobs.

We'll see how the 14" kit with thicker rotors and Aero6 calipers does.

[lifespeed]

Regarding the 14" kits, I am starting to feel it.

Hopefully one of us can put some miles on this setup before you need to pull the trigger. I believe it is possible to see the hard wear issue just by looking at the rotor surface.

[Lowndex]

You could always gut the interior and swap out wheels for lighter weight 3 pieces. Cut some weight, improve braking.


Um, the car weighs 4400+ lbs. I am not a brake expert, but I do not believe less weight in the wheel matters for typical street use. Downward force from speed to slow/stop is the main issue.

[stevengerard]

but I do not believe less weight in the wheel matters for typical street use.

its physics, rotating weight does matter.

[Todd TCE]

All weight matters.

Customer: What's the best thing I can do to improve the braking on my car?
Answer: Take 500lbs out of it.

Interesting that you see this more and more now direct from the auto manufactures. They finally caught onto the fact that we as Americans like fat cars. And fat cars, bloated with power everything, large glass panels and more power suck the life out of brake parts.

The new F150 should be light years ahead of the pack for wear and life.

[Ari]

I'm also interested to see how the new 14" kit with the aero6 calipers does. Hopefully someone can comment soon!

[MOTOWN]

I'm also interested to see how the new 14" kit with the aero6 calipers does. Hopefully someone can comment soon!

I have a custom 15" Aero 6 kit , if the 14" kit will fit inside an 18" stock wheel you will need to add a 1/2" spacer (and longer studs 3") to clear the spokes on the factory wheels , the Aero 6 caliper is huge to say the least at 11.25" long , and it has some serious overhang on the rotor , very nice kit , but as Todd says the factory wheels aren't big brake friendly.

[lji372]

I often wonder.... How do you people drive that need all these big brakes :eek:

Some for the track but they have sand pits that will stop you :lol:

[Bad_S55]

I often wonder.... How do you people drive that need all these big brakes :eek:

How else are we supposed to safely drive like maniacs :D

[Zack]

If I ever get time I will experiment with the CTS-V caliper. I'm 99.9% sure it is not do-able though.

[Ari]

I have 07-09 Mustang GT500 wheels on my car right now. I'm putting down just shy of 600rwhp so i'd like to stop as well as I go! I actually just test drove an 09 CTS-V sedan this past saturday and she stopped damn well. Thanks MOTOWN, and thanks Zack for all the things you do for us panther guys.

[MOTOWN]

I often wonder.... How do you people drive that need all these big brakes :eek:

Some for the track but they have sand pits that will stop you :lol:

If you ever get that silver car TUNED properly you will understand the need to stop!:flamer: LOL!

[Lowndex]

How else are we supposed to safely drive like maniacs :D


What he said.

[kilm70]

TCE Brakes ? I have Todd's TCE big brake kit on my Marauder, 14" front & 13" out back and my experience so far is that I wish I never purchased them. I had MO's install the front and rear TCE big brake kits on my 04 MM with 41,000 original miles and when I received the car out here in California via truck transport. The rotors were warped, I emailed Todd and he suggested that I repeat the pad bedding procedure. That only made the problem worse, Todd's response was that of innuendos about my driving style and that the pads should be changed out to a higher operating temp. pad. Also I also had a option of purchasing new rotors for $600.00. The rotors warped with less than 400 miles on them and they have another 1200 miles on them now with the warping only getting worse with every mile. If that isn't bad enough I'm dealing with a vendor (Todd/TCE) who's attitude is "sucks to be you". He already got his money! right. To top it off Marty is stuck in the middle in this hole thing. I no longer enjoy driving my MM because the only thing I can think about is the $3500.00 plus I spent just to drive around with warped rotors. So at the end of the day I would suggest not to spend a dime at TCE because Todd's customer service is less than desirable to say the least. Just looked at TCE website and noticed that there is a "plus 3" 14" front brake kit. Hmmm it has thicker rotors and radial mount calipers, it's almost like this new kit was put together to address a problem of rotors warping in the "plus 2" kit. I sure hope Todd steps up and takes care of my problem I have with his brake kit.
Alec

[MMBLUE]

TCE Brakes ? I have Todd's TCE big brake kit on my Marauder, 14" front & 13" out back and my experience so far is that I wish I never purchased them. I had MO's install the front and rear TCE big brake kits on my 04 MM with 41,000 original miles and when I received the car out here in California via truck transport. The rotors were warped, I emailed Todd and he suggested that I repeat the pad bedding procedure. That only made the problem worse, Todd's response was that of innuendos about my driving style and that the pads should be changed out to a higher operating temp. pad. Also I also had a option of purchasing new rotors for $600.00. The rotors warped with less than 400 miles on them and they have another 1200 miles on them now with the warping only getting worse with every mile. If that isn't bad enough I'm dealing with a vendor (Todd/TCE) who's attitude is "sucks to be you". He already got his money! right. To top it off Marty is stuck in the middle in this hole thing. I no longer enjoy driving my MM because the only thing I can think about is the $3500.00 plus I spent just to drive around with warped rotors. So at the end of the day I would suggest not to spend a dime at TCE because Todd's customer service is less than desirable to say the least. Just looked at TCE website and noticed that there is a "plus 3" 14" front brake kit. Hmmm it has thicker rotors and radial mount calipers, it's almost like this new kit was put together to address a problem of rotors warping in the "plus 2" kit. I sure hope Todd steps up and takes care of my problem I have with his brake kit.
Alec

Sorry for your problems. I would do a vendor review for sure.

[lifespeed]

Just looked at TCE website and noticed that there is a "plus 3" 14" front brake kit. Hmmm it has thicker rotors and radial mount calipers, it's almost like this new kit was put together to address a problem of rotors warping in the "plus 2" kit. I sure hope Todd steps up and takes care of my problem I have with his brake kit.
Alec

All I can say is his customers have always requested brakes that stopped better, yet fit behind the stock wheels. This is an impossibility, if you include reasonable durability as a requirement. But the customer is always right ??

I strongly recommend against any front kit except the new Aero6 caliper with 1.25" thick rotor.

I have bought two front brake kits at $2K each, the second kit being what I hope is the more durable true big-brake kit that requires more wheel fitment pain.

I have also heard the comments about "driving style". I am going to give Todd the benefit of the doubt on this because although he makes brakes for these cars, I am pretty sure he doesn't own and drive one. If he did he would know it isn't driving style.

[fastblackmerc]

TCE Brakes ? I have Todd's TCE big brake kit on my Marauder, 14" front & 13" out back and my experience so far is that I wish I never purchased them. I had MO's install the front and rear TCE big brake kits on my 04 MM with 41,000 original miles and when I received the car out here in California via truck transport. The rotors were warped, I emailed Todd and he suggested that I repeat the pad bedding procedure. That only made the problem worse, Todd's response was that of innuendos about my driving style and that the pads should be changed out to a higher operating temp. pad. Also I also had a option of purchasing new rotors for $600.00. The rotors warped with less than 400 miles on them and they have another 1200 miles on them now with the warping only getting worse with every mile. If that isn't bad enough I'm dealing with a vendor (Todd/TCE) who's attitude is "sucks to be you". He already got his money! right. To top it off Marty is stuck in the middle in this hole thing. I no longer enjoy driving my MM because the only thing I can think about is the $3500.00 plus I spent just to drive around with warped rotors. So at the end of the day I would suggest not to spend a dime at TCE because Todd's customer service is less than desirable to say the least. Just looked at TCE website and noticed that there is a "plus 3" 14" front brake kit. Hmmm it has thicker rotors and radial mount calipers, it's almost like this new kit was put together to address a problem of rotors warping in the "plus 2" kit. I sure hope Todd steps up and takes care of my problem I have with his brake kit.
Alec

How did you determine the rotors are warped?

[lji372]

If you ever get that silver car TUNED properly you will understand the need to stop!:flamer: LOL!

Just saw this :alone:

That hurt rog :bigcry:

[kilm70]

How did you determine the rotors are warped?

I'm a machinist

[Todd TCE]

I'm not going to get into an open argument and will make only one post in response.

Having been informed of the issue I did suggest that the pad bedding be revisited. This is common and in fact outlined in the pad bedding procedures. The root cause being pad transfer issues, not a faulty rotor. I also suggested the rotors be scuffed with emery cloth- not aluminum oxide sand paper which will muck things up.

I also suggested changes in braking habit as I have here an elsewhere for years. For those who have altered their driving style; they found not only were they getting less or no issues any longer (regardless of the rotor- stock or aftermarket) but longer pad and rotor life! Go figure. Yes; it's a real deal learning process. WARPED ROTORS (http://www.stoptech.com/technical-support/technical-white-papers/-warped-brake-disc-and-other-myths)

A follow up that the problem had not improved, (although I don't truly know what was actually done) I then suggested perhaps the rotors be turned, trued, cut, to appease the situation. While not openly offering to reimburse for that I would consider it. I also fully offered to inspect, measure on a granite plate the parts in question and true them here- if the customer would send them back to me for inspection.

Further follow up with MO's clearly indicated that they had installed the kit per normal procedure and had done the pad bedding there. Confirming twice in discussion: there were NO issues upon the installation and the system was 'signed off' on as compete and correct.

Exactly what happened from the time that one shop installed the system to the time of the first complaint at 400 or 1200mi I cannot say. One day things were fine by a competent shop, the next day they are not. The chain of control has been broken by third and fourth party handling; the trucking folks and the end user. Had there been a complaint from MO upon completion we'd have dug deeper. Am I sending someone new rotors to fix the issue; no.

Despite being thrown to the wolves I will continue to offer to inspect/true/and return the questionable parts. Or fund a one time truing fee ($75 should cover it) to cure the issue. If that works out we all come out well.


*Yes it is true we have now released two extensions of these kits: a 14 and 15" x 1.25 wide kit with the new Aero6 caliper. Great, fantastic changes! Are they a bandaide to the current Marauder listings? No. The added rotor width won't do much for a daily driver unless you somehow manage 1200f temps on a regular basis...the width change comes by default with the caliper. Will it be better for thermal management? Yes. Can you 'warp' them; you bet. Same driving habits and pad transfer issues exist albeit pad and rotor interface are a touch larger.

The purpose of the 'new' kits is not the Marauder at all. They were built for a couple of custom project where the Crown Vic front clip has been retro fit to various platforms; the F100 being a very popular one. These kits will NOT FIT THE MARAUDER without huge wheel changes.

[fastblackmerc]

I'm a machinist

So you measured the runout of the rotors?

[Lowndex]

So you measured the runout of the rotors?

Yes. I can only use the 1.10"; not 1.25". I am considering use of the 14" kits.

[lifespeed]

Yes. I can only use the 1.10"; not 1.25". I am considering use of the 14" kits.

This won't solve your problem. I have the FNSL6R caliper with 14" X 1.1" rotor and it is a nightmare. It burns up pads in 7K miles under normal conditions, and pad transfers badly.

I strongly advise you to get the Aero6 caliper with 14" X 1.25" rotor. The smaller caliper just doesn't have the pad area to hold up to normal use. 1" more rotor diameter doesn't help, you need more pad.

Widening the wheels and running a spacer is a lot better than your brakes being screwed up all the time. The FNSL6R-based kits do not work long term, regardless of rotor diameter!!

The braking habit comments, while true in general, are nonsense in the context of the Marauder/FNSL6R combination. My wife drove the car exclusively for 6 months and pad transferred the brakes, I have pad transferred the brakes. Pad transfer issues with the stock brakes where significantly less, although still an occasional problem. My wife and I also drive a 2012 Ford Focus that has never pad transferred. The whole driving style thing is baloney. The problem is the Marauder is too heavy for the FNSL6R pad. You can look at the rotor surface and see it is being brutalized.

I think anybody who has not owned, driven and maintained this setup lacks the experience to speak on the subject.

[fastblackmerc]

I have the TCE +1 - 13" kit with FNSL6 calipers and if I'm not careful I do get some pad transfer. I have over 40K on the original pads. Most of the driving I do is local.

IMHO... the kit I have is one of the best performance mods I've done to my MM.

[Bad_S55]

Hey Lowndex, just as an option you might want to check out Zack/Jerry's big brake kit. Essentially the same as a Baer kit but for half the price. Jerry's prepping for another run of his brackets if you're interested!

[kilm70]

Todd your pretty good at pointing responsibility away from yourself. So if understand what your trying to sell us, are brakes kits that cost thousands of dollars that don't have the same ability to handle the weight,heat driving habits and what ever else you can pull out of your bag of excuses as compared to the stock brakes. I haven't read any posts about the stock rotors warping!
Todd I'll have you know that I taught high speed pursuit driving classes for the California Highway Patrol for a few years. So please stop making remarks about my driving style or habits. Please stop trying to sell ice cubes to Eskimos. I received my car via an enclosed transport that also had a $300,000 Audi and Ferrari F1 in the back with my MM. I noticed an issue with the brakes straight away and contacted Marty right away. He told me that it may take some time for brakes like yours to "seat" themselves and suggested that normal driving should take care of it. Well it didn't, I don't appreciate spending all this money on brakes to have accusations made! If we entertain your theory of abuse of the brakes on my car one would quickly surmise that those big brakes suck in comparison to stock units on the car. Is that what trying sell, expensive fragile brakes. I have driven 4,000 lb (police equipped) fox body mustang coupes so hard that rotors were glowing orange from inner city pursuit training classes, those rotors didn't warp!
Don't you think I have better things to do besides posting on a forum, I am just an regular person who purchased your product that clearly has an issue and I'm being treated like I'm trying pull a fast one. In my eyes your the one pulling the fast one, why won't you stand behind your product? You sleep good at night? You proud of what you do for a living? Your OK how you treat people who have purchased product from you? I'm good with who I am! I am really beside myself that these brakes performance is substandard to the stock brakes and your trying convince people otherwise. Can't believe it, so the lesson to be learned here people is once Todd gets your money and you have an issue with his product he will tell you sucks to be you!

[kilm70]

Alright people I have let my ego get the best of me and my mouth spewed all over Todd. So I am making a public apology to Todd and anyone else I offended with my posts. I am not going to make any excuse for my actions, I disrespected Todd and for that I am sorry Todd.

[Lowndex]

This won't solve your problem. I have the FNSL6R caliper with 14" X 1.1" rotor and it is a nightmare. It burns up pads in 7K miles under normal conditions, and pad transfers badly.

I strongly advise you to get the Aero6 caliper with 14" X 1.25" rotor. The smaller caliper just doesn't have the pad area to hold up to normal use. 1" more rotor diameter doesn't help, you need more pad.

Widening the wheels and running a spacer is a lot better than your brakes being screwed up all the time. The FNSL6R-based kits do not work long term, regardless of rotor diameter!!

The braking habit comments, while true in general, are nonsense in the context of the Marauder/FNSL6R combination. My wife drove the car exclusively for 6 months and pad transferred the brakes, I have pad transferred the brakes. Pad transfer issues with the stock brakes where significantly less, although still an occasional problem. My wife and I also drive a 2012 Ford Focus that has never pad transferred. The whole driving style thing is baloney. The problem is the Marauder is too heavy for the FNSL6R pad. You can look at the rotor surface and see it is being brutalized.

I think anybody who has not owned, driven and maintained this setup lacks the experience to speak on the subject.

At present, I have zero clearance from the caliper to the wheel. Will the Aero6 caliper with 14" X 1.25" rotor extend further out?

[Lowndex]

Hey Lowndex, just as an option you might want to check out Zack/Jerry's big brake kit. Essentially the same as a Baer kit but for half the price. Jerry's prepping for another run of his brackets if you're interested!

Yes, I am interested! Please.

[Lowndex]

How did you determine the rotors are warped?

They were measured and physically shown to me on a lift by a local brake mechanic. I could have taken video. But after so many warped rotors, enough is enough.

[MENINBLK]

I understand the physics of our Marauders and I also understand the needs of the community that has gently massaged their Marauders.

I put a set of COMMAND ROTORS on my N/A Marauder 75,000 miles ago
and I can safely say they are gone, warped and no longer usable.
Since they are STEEL, who can I get to cut them ? Should I even try ?
Would any local parts store be able to cut these ?
Should I return them to COMMAND ?

These babies are HEAVY. The original box weighed about 75b lbs.

What can I use to replace these with using Ceramic Pads ?

I saw these on Ebay and I laughed but they offer a 1 year warranty...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FRONT-REAR-4-DOUBLE-DRILLED-SLOTTED-BRAKE-ROTORS-8-CERAMIC-PADS-ATL041423-/291330511354?pt=Motors_Car_Tru ck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A2004%7CMake%3AMerc ury%7CModel%3AMarauder&vxp=mtr&hash=item43d4a6d1fa

I want to be able to do a brake replacement that will last as long as these did,
but I don't want to pay $1000 for a brake job either...
The COMMAND rotors were $500+ in a group buy, so long ago, by Wes Chain.

Page 4 - OWNED -

[MENINBLK]

Incidentally, I sent an email to COMMAND to ask them for a estimate for replacement rotors.
The email got bounced back to me with this error...

Base directory of user 'rotors@commandautomotive.com' is 'xxxx'.
Unable to deliver message, storage allocation exceeded.

I guess COMMAND isn't reading email anymore...
Are they still in business ?

I also looked up on Rock Auto and the ONLY brakes they have listed are
PowerStop Pads and Rotors.
They come in complete sets.
I am thinking of trying the Z26 kit. Rock Auto ships them for $320 to my door in 2 days.

[Lowndex]

More bad news for brake kit choices.

[justbob]

I understand the physics of our Marauders and I also understand the needs of the community that has gently massaged their Marauders.

I put a set of COMMAND ROTORS on my N/A Marauder 75,000 miles ago
and I can safely say they are gone, warped and no longer usable.
Since they are STEEL, who can I get to cut them ? Should I even try ?
Would any local parts store be able to cut these ?
Should I return them to COMMAND ?

These babies are HEAVY. The original box weighed about 75b lbs.

What can I use to replace these with using Ceramic Pads ?

I saw these on Ebay and I laughed but they offer a 1 year warranty...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FRONT-REAR-4-DOUBLE-DRILLED-SLOTTED-BRAKE-ROTORS-8-CERAMIC-PADS-ATL041423-/291330511354?pt=Motors_Car_Tru ck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A2004%7CMake%3AMerc ury%7CModel%3AMarauder&vxp=mtr&hash=item43d4a6d1fa

I want to be able to do a brake replacement that will last as long as these did,
but I don't want to pay $1000 for a brake job either...
The COMMAND rotors were $500+ in a group buy, so long ago, by Wes Chain.

Page 4 - OWNED -


Why laugh? I paid $199.00 shipped for all four Race Concepts rotors and cheap pads. Well over 50,000 miles and the rotors are true as could be! I just recently swapped out the pads. Although rare, good parts can be had for next to nothing sometimes. And believe me, I'm quite rough on this car..


Builder Of Badassery

[MENINBLK]

Bob,

I laughed because $200 just seems too good to be true...

If you have purchased these and they are as good as you say,
then I just may have to try them out !!!

Rock Auto wants $165 for replacement Rotor/Pads OE kit from
AutoSpecialty Rotors with Evolution Pads from PowerStop.

They want $300 for a full Z23 PowerStop Extreme Performance Rotor/
PowerStop Evolution Sport Carbon Fiber/Ceramic Pad kit

and $320 for a full Z26 PowerStop Extreme Performance Rotor/
PowerStop Street Warrior New Formulation Ceramic Pad kit

These prices are with a 10% Instant Rebate also...

[sflrainmaker01]

Bob,

I laughed because $200 just seems too good to be true...

If you have purchased these and they are as good as you say,
then I just may have to try them out !!!

Rock Auto wants $165 for replacement Rotor/Pads OE kit from
AutoSpecialty Rotors with Evolution Pads from PowerStop.

They want $300 for a full Z23 PowerStop Extreme Performance Rotor/
PowerStop Evolution Sport Carbon Fiber/Ceramic Pad kit

and $320 for a full Z26 PowerStop Extreme Performance Rotor/
PowerStop Street Warrior New Formulation Ceramic Pad kit

These prices are with a 10% Instant Rebate also...

I was interested in purchasing the Z26 setup too. However, I really only need rear pads. The Ford dealer told me he could just do a "pad slap" on the rear with the Motorcraft pads (lifetime warranty) and all should be good. I'm not sure about that, though.

My car had a set of slotted rotors all the way around with fairly new pads in the front when I bought the car 2 years ago. They work decent, but, the rear pads are worn out. Should I just get pads or do rear rotors too?

[justbob]

Bob,



I laughed because $200 just seems too good to be true...



If you have purchased these and they are as good as you say,

then I just may have to try them out !!!



Rock Auto wants $165 for replacement Rotor/Pads OE kit from

AutoSpecialty Rotors with Evolution Pads from PowerStop.



They want $300 for a full Z23 PowerStop Extreme Performance Rotor/

PowerStop Evolution Sport Carbon Fiber/Ceramic Pad kit



and $320 for a full Z26 PowerStop Extreme Performance Rotor/

PowerStop Street Warrior New Formulation Ceramic Pad kit



These prices are with a 10% Instant Rebate also...


Normally I'd agree 100%! My sob story is easy, I was laid off for a year back then and needed brakes ASAP. My local flaps was $320 for OEM style rotors and pads. The owner of a Speedshop near me who I've known for quite some time suggested the Race Concept (now R1 Concepts) and not to give it a second thought because he uses them all the time.

I couldn't have been happier. I was one of the first here to use them and many guys here have followed suit with the same results.

No warping, no cracking, long lasting pad wear, normal stopping power, and a slight but no doubt improved stopping at the track.

I didn't check the name brand you posted, I've only experienced the brand I bought on EBay. I figured it was the price that made you laugh, that's why I wanted to mention my experience along with plenty of others here.


Builder Of Badassery

[RubberCtyRauder]

I had R1 Concepts rotors on all 4 on my CV sport before Marauder and had no issues, worked just fine with the Hawk pads I used. and they were like $258 delivered from their ebay listing. They have an ebay store as well as online.