Upgraded brakes

Hey all,
I am in the market for new brakes (as in, 100% sure I am buying some soon - it's not really an option, eh?). I want to get new slotted or slotted/dimpled front rotors, since the current set is the one that came with the car upon purchase. I also want to get front and rear pads that are a little more quality than the typical cheap-o Napa or Autozone set. I was thinking something semi-metallic, as they tend to perform best when warmed-up, but aren't total poop when cool.

Does anyone know of any tried and true brands that they want to suggest?

Oh ya, and Dayle, before you go suggesting your big brake kit - I'm not looking to spend boat loads of money. I'm trying to keep this around/below $300 (I'm doing all the labor).

So, new front rotors, and new front and rear pads... Any help?

Thanks.

[TomsSVX]

It is about time I introduced you to my good friend EBay, be wary though, could get crap rotors if you buy the cheap one. You can also find the AXXIS pads that I use on both of my SVXi, they are excellent in performance and not too shabby on wear. You can pick a set of front rotors and pads for under $300. Good luck.

Tom

[SVXer95]

I recommend Akebono ProACT ceramic pads. I have had the best luck with these. Low dusting, NO fade, great performance!

You can buy them through tirerack.

[Tim]

How do they compare to the EBC green stuff? I'm in the market for pads soon.

[SVXer95]

Originally posted by TE1221
How do they compare to the EBC green stuff? I'm in the market for pads soon.

Never had the GreenStuff. Do a search, there have been a couple of different reviews on these. I really love them. No fade whatsoever.

I had to get cheap autozone pads because I needed them fast. They were ceramic, so I thought they might be good like the Akebono. WRONG. Akebonos are awesome. Many OE's use them including Subaru on some models. Quiet, virtually dust free, and great performance.

[SVXer95]

http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/brake...T+Ceramic+Pads

Also thought I would mention....these lasted a very long time for me. Even when I swapped them after 30k miles, they still had about half life left. The only reason I changed them was due to a frozen caliper.

[gsodonis]

I highly recommend the Akebono ACT Pro Ceramics as well. Three of my last four vehicles had them (it would have been 4 for 4 had they made them for my 78 Jeep CJ7, which at the time they didn't)and they are quiet, low dusting with much better stopping power. Akebono is the company that makes pads for Honda among other OEM's and this is their premium pad.

[RojoRocket]

I'm surprised nobody has suggested a set of stainless lines!?? I was flat amazed at the difference in feel on my Legacy, less so, but still firmer on the SVX. Purchased from Dayle at Motorsport.

Glenn

[SVXer95]

Originally posted by RojoRocket
I'm surprised nobody has suggested a set of stainless lines!?? I was flat amazed at the difference in feel on my Legacy, less so, but still firmer on the SVX. Purchased from Dayle at Motorsport.

Glenn

I have thought about doing stainless lines....

A full system bleed and fill with synthetic made my brakes incredibly firm. I don't personally see the need for stainless lines now. Although, this would be a great upgrade.

[RojoRocket]

I don't personally see the need for stainless lines now.

Colin,
Maybe not, but if the original rubber lines are still on the car, and depending on the harshness of the weather in your area it might not be a bad time to consider them. Just my $.02, but after seeing what kind of shape the originals were in, and having dealt with leaking lines at very "inopportune" times on three 10-12 yr old 'tegs in the house over the last 3 years, some kind of replacement might be in order.

Glenn

[SVXer95]

Originally posted by RojoRocket

Colin,
Maybe not, but if the original rubber lines are still on the car, and depending on the harshness of the weather in your area it might not be a bad time to consider them. Just my $.02, but after seeing what kind of shape the originals were in, and having dealt with leaking lines at very "inopportune" times on three 10-12 yr old 'tegs in the house over the last 3 years, some kind of replacement might be in order.

Glenn

I completely agree with you. I was jsut stating that, with the current feel of my personal pedal, I don't need them. I think it is a great mod and if I need to replace brake lines it will be with stainless.

I have been thinking about making my own lines though. Should be cheaper than the Goodridge ones....

[wawazat??]

Originally posted by SVXer95
I have been thinking about making my own lines though. Should be cheaper than the Goodridge ones....

By a TON Collin.

Todd

Get slotted rotors, dimples and drilling make them more likely to crack, dimples not as much, but they're only for looks and serve no purpose except taking mass away from the rotors, which make them less effective.

EBC are great pads, I also recommend Porterfields if there is an SVX application.

[Motorsport-SVX]

I have the lines on special too !! $95 set...
for pads, I like Raybestos Ceramics myself too

[drivemusicnow]

collin.. he meant cheaper by a lot...

My dad has the EBC greenstuffs on his rex and loves them. i really like the pedal feel too, however i would REALLY suggest not getting cheapo pads. my axxis MMs died because of a frozen caliper, didn't have the money or time to get anything other than the napa special... and MAN do they SUCK...

i have the ss brakelines on the front, and with these pads the pedal feel is horrible.

which means... Collin, you're helping me replace the fronts with the akebonos (probably) sometime this term... and should probably put the rear stainless steel lines on too.