Pele

iTrader: (28)

Is there anything better than stock brakes that will fit within the stock wheels? Would Slotted rotors help? I don't want the cracking associated with the drilled rotors.

What about rear brake upgrades? Any vented rotors available?

Since the rear rotors are solid, would drilling them help? I heard soewhere, drilling was designed for solid rotors, not vented ones.

If I need to get larger diameter discs and calipers to upgrade, who sells them? If you've used them, are they any good? How big of a wheel do I need for them?

BTW, which area has more friction, brake pad to the brake disc or tire to the road?

1985 GSL

RXcetera

I have 3 words for ya... "Hawk Brake Pads". I've got some HP-plus' on my car right now, and the improvement over stock is mind numbing. They're expensive and a little loud, but I never though I could get that kind of stopping power from the stock brakes.

yayarx7

I have used ferodo on the front w/cheap stuff on the rear and bonez all the way round.

The ferodos were very adequate on the street, I did not race w/them.

The Bonez were very adequate at the AutoCross with 2 drivers and just a tad noisier on the street.

Hope this helps.

Scott

PS. after warping another set of (albiet used and/or resurfaced)front rotors I bought a set from Rotary Performance that were supposedly thicker than the OEM ones from the parts stores. They seem to hold up better than the others.(although the car was not dailly driven (aka abused) till recent like)

Kerry

Identify exactly what you want as far as "better brakes". If your brakes will lock the tires, upgrading will not decrease stopping distance. Does your driving style cause them to fade from heat? Do you want a firmer pedal? Less pedal effort? Harder pads will help with fade, but increase pedal effort. Braided stainless brake hose will stiffen the pedal. Larger brakes will improve fade and make the brakes more effective, but will increase unsprung weight (bad for ride quality and tire grip on bumpy roads).
The 84-85 GSL-SE's had larger brakes all the way around, but you will have to change differential and wheels. I have stock GSL-SE brakes with 16" wheels/tires, stainless brake lines. I have a nice firm pedal, and all the stopping power the tires will handle. My car also weighs 200lbs more than stock (V8 engine). I don't have problems with fade, but I don't race. Racing places much more strain on the brake system due to the fact they are used much harder and more often than on the street. If you are not racing, you can easily spend a lot of money on brake upgrades that you will never actually use.

Kerry

Pele

iTrader: (28)

Oh. Stock brakes lock all four wheels on el' cheapo pads and stock rotors. Found that out the hard way

I don't fade them, I was just looking to decrease stopping distance. But you already explained that above. I may be getting into auto cross, when I get the car rebuilt. That may cause fade, I dunno though. I've never been to an event. Can't go in the Honda as I almost roll it sometimes in regular street driving.

Hmmm. I think I'll just go with Stainless steel brake lines to replace my cracked to hell rubber ones and some quality street pads.

Kerry

Probably a good choice. The braided hoses make your foot think the brakes are working better. I put mine together using regular industrial type hose with re-useable fittings, and self-made adaptors. I haven't had any problems, but I must admit that I sometimes think about something breaking loose. I used what I had on hand and/or could make. If I had to buy everything I used, I wouldn't have saved any money over buying the hoses designed for the car. I wouldn't recommend making you own unless you have considerable experience in fabricating and re-engineering.

Kerry

gamble302

i didnt know you had all that stuff done too. pele ive seen his car, trust everything he says. it has to be the most well thought out car i've ever seen. every little detail has been taken into consideration so follow what he says. kerry you da man. thanks again for helpin me out in the radiator dept
gamble

Kerry

Garsh, thanks (humbly).

Kerry

smnc

If all you want to do is decrease stopping distance, the best way is to simply get better tires on your car. A higher performace tire will get better grip and allow you to stop quicker.

What kind are you using now? Do you still have the stock rims on there?

SilverRocket

I'll second the vote for Hawk pads. It's almost too easy to lock up with these babies and 205/60 Toyo Proxes. Definitely makes me want to get some super sticky rubber to use their full potential.

I can't imagine why you'd need more brakes than these bad boys can provide, at least on the street.