Best brakes for S2000?
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Vegas Baby, Vegas
The best proven upgrade to the factory system is...guess what...the factory system with more aggressive pads and a high-temp brake fluid like Motul 600.
If you're looking for bling factor, then knock yourself out. None of the available bling rotors have been proven (there's that pesky word again) to stop the car faster than the factory system.
If you're looking for bling factor, then knock yourself out. None of the available bling rotors have been proven (there's that pesky word again) to stop the car faster than the factory system.
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From: Brooklyn
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Ludedude
[B]The best proven upgrade to the factory system is...guess what...the factory system with more aggressive pads and a high-temp brake fluid like Motul 600.
If you're looking for bling factor, then knock yourself out.
[B]The best proven upgrade to the factory system is...guess what...the factory system with more aggressive pads and a high-temp brake fluid like Motul 600.
If you're looking for bling factor, then knock yourself out.
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Dillsburg, PA
If the brakes in the S2000 are great, and they are, then these guys are right. 
Upgrading is mostly going to be for looks, and performance insofar as stopping distance may actually worsen.
Basically, if you can lock up your brakes with the setup you've got, then you won't improve distances with a BBK (big brake kit). You CAN help dissipate heat better by increasing rotor diameter, but if you do that be sure to also upgrade the rears. Far too many people only focus on the fronts, because they're the ones doing the majority of the braking. That might be true, but if you increase brake torque/bias to the fronts, you're throwing off the balance of the car even more to the fronts, which is part of what sometimes contributes to WORSE stopping distances. The rears are actually doing LESS work with larger rotors and/or calipers in the front.
It truly is an exact science. I've learned this through the Suspension forum over at www.nasioc.com where I've been researching upgrades for my Impreza. Now, obviously it'll be different with the S2k--for several reasons, a major one being RWD vs. AWD. And roadster vs. sedan. And several others...
But to give an example of a GOOD upgrade kit for the Impreza at least, StopTech has a front BBK that actually produces *less* torque up front, than in the rear. The rotor size increases, and number of calipers goes to four from two in front, but basically the front brakes focus on swept area (rotor diameter increase, for heat efficiency) and the braking torque bias switches to the rear.
That balances things out quite a lot, over the stock, heavy front bias from the factory. (Subaru's front brake bias is huge.)
BBKs are worth the money if you really do the research, and really know why and how you're using them. But if you just think you're going to make your car stop in half the distance by throwing them on the fronts, well, save your money!
In the meantime? Read these:
http://www.stoptech.com/whitepapers/warped...rotors_myth.htm
http://www.zeckhausen.com/bedding_in_brakes.htm
Upgrading is mostly going to be for looks, and performance insofar as stopping distance may actually worsen.Basically, if you can lock up your brakes with the setup you've got, then you won't improve distances with a BBK (big brake kit). You CAN help dissipate heat better by increasing rotor diameter, but if you do that be sure to also upgrade the rears. Far too many people only focus on the fronts, because they're the ones doing the majority of the braking. That might be true, but if you increase brake torque/bias to the fronts, you're throwing off the balance of the car even more to the fronts, which is part of what sometimes contributes to WORSE stopping distances. The rears are actually doing LESS work with larger rotors and/or calipers in the front.
It truly is an exact science. I've learned this through the Suspension forum over at www.nasioc.com where I've been researching upgrades for my Impreza. Now, obviously it'll be different with the S2k--for several reasons, a major one being RWD vs. AWD. And roadster vs. sedan.
And several others...But to give an example of a GOOD upgrade kit for the Impreza at least, StopTech has a front BBK that actually produces *less* torque up front, than in the rear. The rotor size increases, and number of calipers goes to four from two in front, but basically the front brakes focus on swept area (rotor diameter increase, for heat efficiency) and the braking torque bias switches to the rear.
That balances things out quite a lot, over the stock, heavy front bias from the factory. (Subaru's front brake bias is huge.)
BBKs are worth the money if you really do the research, and really know why and how you're using them. But if you just think you're going to make your car stop in half the distance by throwing them on the fronts, well, save your money!
In the meantime? Read these:
http://www.stoptech.com/whitepapers/warped...rotors_myth.htm
http://www.zeckhausen.com/bedding_in_brakes.htm
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Dillsburg, PA
Sure.
Just do yourself the huge favor of listening to AS MANY PEOPLE as possible here on the boards. Pay special heed to the pros and weekend racers, since they know a lot and what works for racing, applies to the street as well, with a few twists here and there.
Essentially, if you want a BBK for the looks, go for it, but make sure you do your homework. So long as the stopping distance doesn't worsen, a good BBK *will* improve pedal feel. How well the rest of it works together, well, is dependent upon how carefully the specific kit was mated to your car. For instance, I'd likely trust something from Mugen, just because they know their stuff, when it comes to Honda. See what I mean? But even that may not be true...
Homework, just do your homework is all. And remember that the absolute limiting factor when it comes to good braking capability is TIRES.
Better tires will help braking about a gazillion times more than some brake kit, usually.
As for my brake plans? Swapping out front rotors for 0.7" larger WRX fronts, and the rears for 1.0" larger Subaru Legacy versions. I'll be skipping the caliper upgrades, in light of what I've learned, that is unless I hit the lottery.
(They do LOOK good, after all.
)
-S2-
Just do yourself the huge favor of listening to AS MANY PEOPLE as possible here on the boards. Pay special heed to the pros and weekend racers, since they know a lot and what works for racing, applies to the street as well, with a few twists here and there.
Essentially, if you want a BBK for the looks, go for it, but make sure you do your homework. So long as the stopping distance doesn't worsen, a good BBK *will* improve pedal feel. How well the rest of it works together, well, is dependent upon how carefully the specific kit was mated to your car. For instance, I'd likely trust something from Mugen, just because they know their stuff, when it comes to Honda. See what I mean? But even that may not be true...
Homework, just do your homework is all.
And remember that the absolute limiting factor when it comes to good braking capability is TIRES.Better tires will help braking about a gazillion times more than some brake kit, usually.
As for my brake plans? Swapping out front rotors for 0.7" larger WRX fronts, and the rears for 1.0" larger Subaru Legacy versions. I'll be skipping the caliper upgrades, in light of what I've learned, that is unless I hit the lottery.
(They do LOOK good, after all.
)-S2-