pmhellings

Hello All,
I'm looking for slotted and drilled rotors to replace the tired originals on my 2003. It has the factory Sport Brakes ( I think all '03's did). I'm happy enough with the stopping power of the stock brakes, just want to refresh rotors and pads along with braided lines and fresh fluid. Car is boosted, but never used for track, just the occasional Autocross.

The last time that I changed pads, I used OEM and have been satisfied with the performance and lack of dust. Is there a better alternative that will provide good all around dustless or low dust performance? I realize that this is a lot like asking "what's the best oil?" ( I use Amsoil XL 10W40 )

Thanks for any recommendations.
Paul

Guardiola

iTrader: (1)

I've heard some good arguments against braided lines on the site, too lazy to search for a thread. IIRC, there really is no issue with regular brake lines. If they need replaced, just buy a good rubber replacement.

Don't buy slotted/drilled rotors. Use the plain Centric rotors. You can get them for under $20 on RockAuto. Here's a coupon code for 5% off: 125114312102951599

For a daily driver, I like the Centric Posi-Quiet pads. If you want more bite, you are going to give up something. Noise, dust, rotor wear, etc. Most people have a personal preference, so I won't make a recommendation.

pman9003

Most members on here will steer you away from slotted/drilled rotors. They eat pads faster and generate more dust and noise. They can also crack under hard use. Centric or Napa plain rotors are the most widely recommended. I use plain Centric rotors myself on my 2002 which also had Sport Brakes. If you really are set on getting slotted/drilled, Stoptech/Centric or DBA are probably the best bet.

There are a ton of pad choices. Dusting varies a lot based on driving style, but the G-Loc GS-1 is supposed to be low dust. Also might want to look into a ceramic pad, as those have a lighter color dust that is less obvious.

If you need new brake hoses, stainless braided ones are a good upgrade. While a good rubber hose is fine, stainless is more durable and is what you see on any serious track car or race car. They don't cost much more than rubber, and can offer an improvement in pedal feel compared to old rubber hoses. Most of the time the improved feel is actually from bleeding the brakes with fresh fluid. New rubber hoses vs stainless hoses will most likely not feel different as the rubber hose still has its strength. The text below is from BrakeQuip regarding the difference in rubber and stainless hose. To me it shows that stainless is "technically" better but it's probably not a difference the average person will really notice. Personally I went with stainless.

Side note, if you really want to drastically improve pedal feel the absolute best mod you can do is a 1" master cylinder from a 929 or one of the kits from Supermiata or V8R. I did it to my car and HIGHLY recommend it.

sixshooter

iTrader: (12)

Don't get slotted or drilled rotors.

pmhellings

Okay, this is why I asked. I confess, it was partly for the "look". I'll replace all my rotors with good quality plain ones. No need to replace wheel cylinders if there's no leakage, correct? I'm still undecided on stainless braided versus rubber lines, but at 16 yrs old and 130k, I can't go wrong with replacing them either way.

Paul

pman9003

Go with stainless braided hoses from one of the supporting vendors here.

Correct, no need to replace if they are not leaking.

nzr

When I replaced my oem lines with stainless I couldn't tell any difference.
But then again like your car like my car is only daily/autox maybe replace for just peace of mind?

icantlearn

Drilled rotors suck. Properly slotted rotors (AP Racing J Hooks) are not bad, but it doesn't sound like you need them.

By wheel cylinders do you mean hubs? Whats a wheel cylinder?

As far as brake lines go, either do OEM replacement or stainless. Either will be fine. Pedal feel will be a little firmer with stainless.

sixshooter

iTrader: (12)

Wheel cylinders are the brake components on a drum system that expand with hydraulic pressure to apply the brakes. He means the calipers I determined from context.

poormxdad

Since the term "wheel cylinders" was used, I feel compelled to mention that braided steel brake lines do not have the locating pin on the banjo on the caliper end. If you're doing the install yourself, OEM-type rubber hoses are easier to install correctly, as long as you know right from left. Also, braided steel lines are actually some kind of space-age plastic tubing surrounded by the stainless steel braid. I do not know how long they last, but they are a wear item. They need to be replaced after some time interval because you can't see any hose deterioration/damage under the braiding like you can when inspecting your rubber hoses.

My '65 Mustang has wheel cylinders. I had not thought about that in years...

sixshooter

iTrader: (12)

As someone who has had a factory style hose fail, I can say that they don't always fail in a visible manner before failing in a physical manner. The new wire hoses often have Teflon inside covered with another membrane and then surrounded by Steel braiding. The original style units would have rubber surrounded by fabric surrounded by Rubber. There was a of course some variation but that's pretty well the difference.

pmhellings

My bad for writing "wheel cylinders". I do know better but, at 71 I remember the old terminology. The principle is the same, be it wheel cylinder or caliper. If it isn't leaking, I'm probably okay. Leaks tend to be caused by old fluid that absorbs moisture and rusts out components in the hydraulic system. I'll probably go with the stainless braided line, I expect that I can handle the install of them.

I appreciate all of the input here, these forums can be very useful. If anyone wants to hear about the "good ol days" when cars had wheel cylinders, I'm your man.

Thanks,

Paul

poormxdad

Sir,

I have 170+ track dayz on my '99 Miata. When I bought it in late 2010, I replaced the brake hoses with OEM-like rubber. When I upgraded to Sport Calipers in ~2016, I had to replace the hoses. I chose OEM rubber. If you don't track your car, you're really wasting your money on braided steel lines. Any replacement hose from Rock Auto will do just fine.