Why ask the general forum when there's an abundance of knowledge here?

2 issues: Brakes & Alignment

I know there are alignment threads already but to help Jerry push down the FS threads and clean up Page 1, I'll make another.

On my GPW, I set the alignment to a little more aggressive than the UK-spec. I had Prodrives, I was pretty low, etc.

With my Sebring, I am only running NSX wheels with 225/50/16 front and 255/40/17 rear. Plenty of clearance. And I am only dropped on Espelir ASD springs (1'' F, 1.2'' R).

So, with that said, what's a good alignment setting? Just go with plain UK? I don't track. I do some spirited driving but nothing crazy. It's just my DD. I was happy with the alignment on the GPW, it really transformed the car.


Next, brakes. I think mine are going out. I haven't inspected them yet (not sure I'll be able to tell anyway, maybe) but they are getting a little loud. At first they would only squeak when they were cold, maybe 2-3 weeks ago. After a few minutes they'd be just fine. Now it seems to squeak for a while longer.
If in fact I do need new brakes, I don't think I'll get another Stoptech BBK.
I would go with OEM parts since I am not exceeding their abilities, but they are no cheaper (and probably just the same) as the alternatives.
Thinking of getting Centric rotors with Axxis Deluxe pads. I have some Brembo fluid leftover from another brake change. Thoughts on this?

*Edit: Might as well throw this in as well.
I was vacuuming my car the other week and it took all of 5 minutes. In that time with just the radio on, the battery died. It's the OEM battery from a 2002. After a jump start, it's been fine since. A tad slow on start up but nothing major. However, it's getting colder out and should be replaced maybe around Thanksgiving time. Thinking ahead, I've seen many people opt for the Odyssey PC680. It's a tad smaller than stock, but similar output. It never gets really cold in the PNW. If there's snow, I bus anyway or get a ride. The car is garaged (overnight), unless at school for the day where it's parked outside of course. Will this hold up okay for me?

 

As far as alignment is concerned I'd just go with an OEM alignment setting. If you're not tracking or autox'ing what is the point w/ an alignment that will only benefit you on the "edge" so to speak.

Will a BBK fit under stock NSX wheels? Plus, i doubt fresh pads and rotors will be around the same price as a BBK. Calipers should be fine unless you're noticing fluid leaks and horrible pedal pressure.

If that is the original battery it's 6 years old and should be around the end of its life. I'm not sure about the Odyssee batteries, never used them. I did run a tiny 10lb Interstate battery in my old track car that was good for cold starts, was the exact same battery as the restamped JDM bling bling ones but didn't have the JDM price tag.

Hope this helped. Also, post some pics of your car w/ the NSX wheels. I have a few of mine on them and would love to compare them.

 

Not looking at BBK. Sorry, that was on my old GPW car. Just looking for rotors/pads now... And asking about Centric/Axxis combo compared to OEM.

BBK will not fit under the NSX wheel, pretty sure.

Well, the UK alignment felt more stable, predictable, and really did improve the overall driving manners. It is OEM.... in the UK.

I had the T1R battery in my GPW. Nice and small but I don't care about weight savings and JDM bling anymore. It didn't have the power of the OEM, though. I'll probably try the PC680.

 

Brakes wise I only recommend OEM. I've only ran into noises from any aftermarket pads. They also have more aggressive material in the pads which kill your rotors. Any rotors are OK. Just use OEM pads. You'll thank me.

OEM batteries last around 5 years. I test about 30 OEM batteries a day. When I see a 5 year old battery I know it needs replacement. You can always test the battery or just replace it.

 

There is no reason to replace your rotors unless there is something wrong with them. Inspect and measure them. If you do need to replace them, I would probably stick with OEMs, but any rotor should be fine for street use.

As for the pads, you should also inspect them before doing anything else. Assuming you do need pads, if I were you I would just buy another set of OEM pads. They are cheap and good for street use.

If you liked the alignment you had before, there's no reason not to use it again.

As for batteries, if the one you have is six years old it's probably on its way out. I suggest just going to Autozone or Shucks or whatever and buying a new one. Mostly I think the premium batteries are just a way for you to spend a few extra bucks thinking you did something special. I suggest just getting the cheapest battery.

 

Yeah, I don't care for "premium batteries". Just want one that fits the stock spot, has similar cranking power, and might lose a few pounds if it doesn't cost much more.
The OEM battery was designed for climates ranging from NY winters to LA summers. So, I will look for one that might be more suitable for the mild climate we have here.

Probably going with the UK alignment, then!
As for brakes - I'll definitely get them inspected before replacing them. Rotors, probably Centrics (blanks are cheaper than OEM, slotted *flame suit on* are the same price as OEM.
Pads... I've had experience with dustless, quiet pads... Axxis Deluxe on my Stoptech BBK, and EBC Red on the C43 AMG. Both are nice. OEM is fine, too. But same price. These softer, street pads I just mentioned are also just as easy on the rotors.

Loud brakes are more annoying than rattles in the cabin!!!!

 

^ I would have to agree with mike.

Rotors: I don't really believe you need to replace the rotors along with the brake pads if they are well within specs after you measure them. If you don't have the tool, you can go to les schwab and they will measure the surface and also do the complete inspection for FREE. Of course you will need to schedule with them and take time out of day to go get it measured out but its better than spending $$$ on something you don't need to replace.

Pads: I would also just stick with another set of OEM pads. However, if you are going to track the car I would choose aftermarket "higher end" pads.

Alignment: I never changed the s2k alignment so I can't give you any personal experience or feedback.

I have always replaced my batteries from the cars I bought used. I bought the batteries from autozone but never owned the car long enough to see how the autzone batteries performed 6+ years but I am sure those batteries will be fine for DD purposes.

OR unless you are really picky about weight such as: wearing thinner socks or even thinking about driving naked for the sake of saving weight.... maybe a lighter battery might be your choice...

Personally, I wouldn't spend a lot $$$$ on lightweight batteries and especially in this time of economic crisis but if its something you want with your money, its always up to you...

hope that helps!

btw: When you get back, I think Jerry wants to join in on the spring install.

 

Having spent a few years going down that path, I highly recommend not compromising either street or track driving by trying to use some pad that kind of sort of works for both. Swapping pads is dead simple. Just buy street pads for the street and track pads for the track.

Swapping rotors is more of a PITA, but I used to to that too. Mainly because I wanted to make sure that no matter how much I trashed my rotors at the track, I had a nice, safe, consistant set on my car on the street.

 

^ I am one of those who "used pads that worked for track and street" on my gsr. Not only did my wheels look like it had been powdercoated brown, the squeeling was definitely annoying. I had to buy a set of earmuffs for the passenger as well.

You had a set of rotors for track and street? Swapping rotors IS a PITA indeed.

 

Cool, hopefully Jerry can join us! Does the 31st still work for you??

Remind me to bring down the filter and pick up a 6pack on the way.

I'll get the brakes and battery tested when I come down that weekend. And pending the results, will plan/research to do the swaps sometime in November.



Thanks again, everyone.