soooo im hearing knocking coming from the front of my car when I apply the brakes, which means most likely that there is something loose. I figured this would be a good time to upgrade my brake setup while I have to fix this problem anyway... So im 18 and on a budget, I wanted to know whats the best bang for the buck for performance rotors, pads, and stainless steel brake lines! thanks in advance!

 

cheap rotors and axxis ultimate or hawk hps pads would be bang for the buck

 

I run Autozone Duralast rotors and Hawk Ceramic pads. The HPS were good to me as well, but dusted up too much, and their wonderful initial bite gave my girl some real havoc trying to learn to drive a manual transmission.

And the $15.99 cheap rotors have held up to monthly auto-x and occasional HPDE abuse just fine, including an all day lapping event at the big track at Willow Springs with 2 different 120+ mph to 90 mph brake zones every lap (yes, I had to slow to 90 for turns 1 and 9 with my street tires).

I think they might have increased the price at Autozone a little since I last purchased rotors. I'll still be changing rotors when I need new pads. The peace of mind is well worth the price.

As a side note, if cost is an issue, do not get stainless brake lines. Unlike factory rubber lines (which are pretty much good for the life of the car), stainless are wear items and need frequent inspection and regular replacement. I'm happy to have gotten 2 years out of mine and am replacing them this year before issue start.

 

so whats the deal with the stainless steel brake lines? no or yes? any other opinions on them?

 

I would say, depends on your needs. If just for spirited street use, new rotors and some axxis ultimates are a very noticeable difference. That was my setup but now i downgraded a bit to metal masters because they are cheaper and hopefully they don't eat up my rotors the same. I'm sure ss lines would be even better but I don't know bout that.

edit: check our sponsors for the pads or I found importrp.com has very good prices

 

They improve feel slightly, not stopping power. Make sure they are DOT approved and are plastic coated. I am running StopTech lines.

 

K well, I checked out this on our sponsors, just wanted to know some opinions.

http://www.hondamarketplace.com/show....php?t=2569512

 

OMG THOSE ARE SO CHEAP! I'm on 'em ASAP!

 

but has anybody heard or had experience with them?

 

IMHO, slotted or crossdrilled rotors only cause headaches for street applications.

 

Why is that?

 

1) You are not going to see a performance gain in street applications.
2) The holes or slots complicate routine maintenance, such as runout measurement and rotor cutting.
3) Holes or slots serve as nucleation points for corrosion.

 

So, you won't be able to resurface these in case you have to?
Thanks for the info so far btw.

 

You can still resurface them, but not everyone is willing to do it. The runout and thickness measurements are also possible, but are much more complicated compared to a blank rotor.

 

yea I agree for street application, it is overkill. You lose friction surface.

 

hmmm.... didnt know about all this.. lol but thanks keep giving info and opinions!

 

What about wet braking as the manufacturers suggest?
Local tune shop says that slotted on hondas tend to vibrate as well
What if the pad is softer than the rotor? will that reduce maintenance of rotor?
I plan to attend 2 or so track days a year, but the car is a daily driver. I feel with a lower power car, braking and suspension is essential. What would you recommend?

 

282 mm front brakes (ITR size) with blank rotors and Hawk HPS pads. (Stock front brakes are 262 mm.) I use Motul RBF 600 fluid and the aforementioned Stoptech SS braided brake lines. I just drove in the ITR Expo at the Autobahn Country Club South track. I had no brake fade after the 25 minute sessions.

 

Not necessary, especially if you're worried about only spending money where it matters. As noted above, they change pedal feel. Does your car have a spongey feeling brake pedal? Mine doesn't, with stock brake lines. I've never felt the need. < shrug >

In my experience - I've used both kinds, as well as solid-face rotors - there are no downsides. But OTOH there are no advantages either.

Again, since you're worried about only spending money where it matters, there's no need to replace the rotors, as long as they are not cracked, they are well above minimum spec for thickness, and they are not warped.

I like the Hawk HP+, which will give your brakes a bit more "bite". But my cars are occasionally driven on the racetrack. Oh yeah, and they dust.