1988 N/A, 4-lug wheels.



My current brakes need replacement - the pads are worn down, and at least one rotor is warped. So, I figure I'll do a full change on all the friction parts.



I do a lot of highway driving in city traffic - so I need something that can handle a hard 80-0 stop without warping the rotors. Also, I like a hard brake pedal that's rather touchy.



However, I don't do any track driving, so I don't need anything insanely overkill. And, cold performance is important, since this car is my daily driver.



Suggestions? I'd like to keep the cost under $500, significantly less if possible.



-=Russ=-

Can't help on the rotors, but for the pads I put on some Hawk HPS pads all around and they are a GREAT street pad. They stop very quickly, are quiet, and don't create a whole lot of brake dust. They bite hard enough on the street to stop you quickly, but not so hard that you are constantly locking up your brakes. Oh yeah, they're cheap too, usually around $50 per set.

i've found that i really really like the carbotech pads. They have alot of different compounds and they don't dust as much as the HP+ i had before.

Usually rotors don't just warp from getting hot, it seems to be more of the super hot then super cold that tends to make them warp.



aftermarket rotors sell for around 75.00usd, oem's are around 100.00usd, slotted or slotted/cross drilled are all over the map usually starting at 100.00usd.

I'd take the rotors to a reputable brake shop, and have them turned (unless they recommend they be replaced). I have the HP pads, and they work great. Also, I've heard that stainless steel brake lines will improve braking response.

Pads = $55



Rotors = $99.99 each



That's well under your $500 mark https://www.nopistons.com/forums/pub...DIR#>/wink.png

I have an 88 4 lug too.. I use Hawk HP+ pads in the front, HPS rear, stock replacement rotors & calipers, Mazdatrix stainless lines, and Motul 600 fluid. It stops great... the hotter the better. I can't imagine a need for a 4 piston swap. The HP+ eat the rotors pretty quick but I don't mind spending $60 for a pair of new rotors every couple years.

Wow Im glad this topic was brought up, I guess I was just to lazy to start a thread about it, I need a mad break replacement.

Actually I think I have a set of HPS pads that I would be willing to blow out cheap if you are interested... as long as you don't have the 4 piston calipers.

I dont know what you guys are talking about when you say that the Hawk HPS pads are quiet...? I had them on my car when i bought it and if i wasnt slamming on the brakes they were screaming and hollering so loud it hurt the ears. I have brembo slotted and cross drilled rotors too if that makes any difference, but i would NOT recomend the Hawk HPS pads.

That's strange, the HPS compound shouldn't be that loud, the HPS + are a bit squeaky, but I wouldn't even call them noisy.

As long as they're bedded in right per Hawk's instructions, they shouldn't be noisy. I've had 5 autocross days on the HP+ now and they still don't squeal at all. I beat on them too.

Same here, I have the HP+ pads on my TII no noise at all. I have a set of the HPS pads that I usually run on the street and Autocross. I am just lazy and dont feel like swapping them back in.

Its possible the last owner put something more than than the Hps/+ on his car. He was a major newb has we have found out.

K, looking at a set of Brembo rotors. Is slotted really worth the extra $55/set? I know how they work in theory, venting gasses without the stress points of drilled rotors, but does it actually make a difference in the real world? When I really use my brakes, it's generally hard, and usually from a high speed (not all the time, but I downshift to slow when possible, and coast into lights most of the time). Think "Milwaukee highway driving during rush hour."



Anyone have feelings +/- about Brembo rotors?



Also, are stainless steel brake lines worth it? Personally I like a rather stiff brake pedal, which I understand SS lines help with.



-=Russ=-

I know people will argue but I don't think slotted/drilled rotors are necessary at all. Most of todays pads don't release much of the gasses that used to cause the pads to float. The rotor is a big heatsink and the more metal you take away from it, the less it can cool.. thats the reason they crack quicker than regular rotors. I'd just go OE replacement rotors.

when i upgraded my brake system last summer, i put in a new master cylinder (not that pricey, and it was original and i figured it might go soon), changed all lines to stainless steel braided, and upgraded the pads to the bones from rx7.com (rotary performance).



I LOVE MY BRAKES NOW! they are firm and very responsive, but not too touchy. all force you put into the pedal goes into the wheels, with no losses in the master cylinder, and no line flexing, and no pad fade.



if you want a good upgrade, get calipers and rotors off of a GTU or Turbo II. that is one of the best stock brake systems in a car. then, upgrade the lines to SS braided (earl's from mazdatrix.com), and get some aftermarket pads.

i might as well add some links and the total cost of my upgrade:



1. OEM replacement master cylinder- $136.06



2. Stainless steel brake lines - DOT approved - $84



3. Bonez Stage 1 4 pistons Front and Single piston Rear Pads - $65 each x 2 = $130



TOTAL COST: ~$350

So you don't think slotted will help any for "normal" driving? Even hard stops from 100mph? Granted, that wouldn't be repeated terribly often, but that's still the type of stuff I want my brakes to handle without problems.



-=Russ=-

Pads make the biggest difference. I think pads and fluid are the most important to avoid fade. You don't want the pads to overheat or the fluid to boil. This causes fade. If you've ever overheated your stock brakes and they fade you know what I mean. They can't handle the heat and they lose bite. The HP+ pads I have feel like they stop better the hotter I get them (to an extent). Drilled/slotted replacement (stock size) rotors for us are cosmetic. Again, just my opinion but read on the net or call Carbotech Engineering and talk to Matt. They're really helpful and know a lot about brakes.

Also the stainless lines are a great cheap upgrade. The brakes feel way better than the stock lines.