Brakes...New Rotors,Pads, and lines

TVST*R · Post by **TVST*R** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 12:06 am

I've been dying to tell about my phenomenal success with my new brake set-up....done by SoCalMark...who does all my work.

A few months back (with my crappy brakes-the ones she came with), I was doing my usuall run down PCH at 60 or so. Hit the brakes and really needed them as traffic had suddenly come to a stand still. I saw it with plenty of time to stop or so I thought.

No crack up, but severe white knuckle, heavy breathing, anxiety stricken close call. My brakes were to the floor for a long time and just would not stop me. Severe fade...severe...

Next day...ordered:
Vicks performance Rotors-front.
Stock-Back
Ferodo Pads-front
Stock-back
SoCalMark Braided lines,all 5!

AND WOW....WOW WOW WOW...Unbelivable difference...no fade...I mean none...rock hard petal...great bite cold and hot...
Guys....go and do this upgrade...you will feel like a new man...what a joy to drive fast,,,,,no fears...full confidence....Sooo happy!
T

mdrburchette · Post by **mdrburchette** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 4:47 am

Gee, I don't even know how it feels to be an old man...
Sounds like a good upgrade though. I can attest to those Feroda pads. I installed them on my 71 after I eliminated the brake booster, took it out on the track and was amazed at how well the car stopped in panic situations all day long.

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 8:27 am

I am glad to hear that your panic stop did not result in any paint swap. I had a similar incident earlier this season, yes... I have stock brakes.

Not to argue, or refute any of the above...just to clarify one minor point.

Do you recall when the last time you had any work done, that would include a fluid change on your stock brake system?

I've heard, and practice that:
1. brake fluid collects moisture from the air
2. brake fluid should be changed every other year

Danno · Post by **Danno** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 9:17 am

to add to Mike's point there, I often hear of people making a chagne when what they have is worn out. They are often shocked with the change. Every car that I've had feels totally like a new car just by changing out the stock for stock when its time. Not saying these changes aren't better, just saying it would be cool to hear someone with stock and well working brakes to make the change to see the difference....

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 10:46 am

Tom's brakes were in very good condition when we did the upgrade for him. Installing the braided steel hoses makes a noticeable difference in pedal feel even when the oem hoses are in good condition.
As for fluid changes, I suggest doing it yearly.

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 1:28 pm

after reading several posts on another forum, i was nearly convinced to go with steel braided hoses....but, sometimes you gotta buy parts even when the cash to upgrade isn't available.

i concede the thought that the steel lines may be worth the additional expense, in returning BETTER braking, and longer lasting parts.

i guess the accountant was making sure... unlike real estate people, we are a cautious, pessimistic bunch.

Danno · Post by **Danno** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 2:00 pm

So Cal Mark wrote:Tom's brakes were in very good condition when we did the upgrade for him. Installing the braided steel hoses makes a noticeable difference in pedal feel even when the oem hoses are in good condition.
As for fluid changes, I suggest doing it yearly.

Thanks for that info mark, that's what I wanted to know. I heard him say "crappy brakes-the ones she came with" and I assumed they were 30 year old brake lines that had much give, and worn out pads and rotors.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 3:25 pm

Tom had me inspect his brakes when he first brought the car in, and I pronounced them in good shape. I drove the car and felt it stopped as well as any other stock Spider.

TVST*R · Post by **TVST*R** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 10:02 pm

The stock brakes ARE crappy...most of us just don't have a good reference point and we get used to allowing our brake performance dictate the speed at which we drive. I constantly complained about the stock set up...I could not believe this light weight car w/4 wheel discs would not stop. The more power Mark and I put in the more pissed I became at brake performance....NO MORE!

I can now tailgate w/o fear (joke)-sort of)).
T

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 10:09 pm

I would hope you'll be leading, not following!

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Fri Sep 14, 2007 12:29 pm

right! with all that performance, your abilities come into question if you are constantly BEHIND grandma.

TVST*R · Post by **TVST*R** » Fri Sep 14, 2007 1:46 pm

True that!...lots of those in Pasadena.