front brakes, best 4 lug set up Options

[sk8kat1]

I right now have the19 mm MC , SS brake lines and bmw front caliper upgrade from PO

I have heard the the stockers are just as good if working properly .. is this true ... is there a better setup than both and keeping the 4 lug ..

[lapuwali]

QUOTE (jetboy @ Feb 21 2006, 04:46 PM)

I see a bunch of comments about the stock brakes being good enough to not need better. So, does that mean they are suited to work well with the added weight of a /6 (2.4-3.2) and some more rubber on the rims? If not, then in my opinion there is room for improvement. Is anyone running a /6 this size and still using stock brakes for daily driven (spirited) and occasional AX? Not intended to hijack... What front/rear springs would be recommended for a daily driven (spirted) and AX teener with a 3.0 /6?

Even with more power, and extra weight, and better tires, the stock brakes can be plenty adequate if you're only on the street. The stock brakes can be completely inadequate even with the stock engine and 165 tires if you're going to spend loads of time braking into downhill hairpins from high speed.

AX rarely puts much stress on brakes, simply because the runs are so short, and you get so much cool-off time between runs. On the street, if you're overheating your brakes, you are (IMHO) overdriving on the street, or you have a much worse than stock braking system. So, for your proposed use, I'd venture the stock brakes would likely be adequate.

Track use continually puts heat into the brakes, so vented rotors are often a big help. If you're running for long periods, calipers that use bigger pads can cut pad wear so soft pads will last a long session.

If you're running lots more rubber than stock, esp. at the back, bigger REAR calipers with an adjustable prop valve can help get more rear bias into the system. This also helps if you have more rear weight, and you lower the CG (less forward weight transfer).

Bigger calipers, by themselves, are a worthless upgrade. Vented rotors where they're not needed add lots of unsprung weight, so they can cause other problems.

You need to determine for yourself if you need to improve your brakes based on how you use the car. If you're overheating the brakes regularly, try a higher temp brake fluid and do a better job of bleeding (even small amounts of trapped air will cause problems when hot). Try better pads. Those things alone can often substantially improve your brake's resistance to fade, for much less money and hassle then a new system.

If you're still overheating your brakes, then vented front rotors are the next thing to try (ClubHubs and stock calipers with spacers can get you there).