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Brake Upgrade: Which kit should I go with?

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Alpha1Betz

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Discussion Starter • #1 •
I’m looking to discuss FIRST HAND experiences regarding front brake upgrades.

I’ve been looking around, and seems like Smart Madness is a reputable company. On their website they have multiple kits that seem to be rather similar in quality/tier. The two below are the ones I’m referencing. Or is it better to just buy the rotors and pads separate? Thanks in advance for your time and help! :)
 
Rambo4

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#2 •
I just replaced my fronts on my 453. I want to say they are the same as the 451s. I got them at the Irish parts store for $22! After some cussing and pouting I was successful at reassembling the keeper springs and DIDN'T have to replace the rotors. I was literally 1\32nd from the end of the pad because the clip that's to make noise broke off. The whole project was complete in 45mins
 
Falcon WIng

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#3 •
I've been watching YouTube videos on how to change these out...looks really easy. Please let us know what you went with and your opinion of the results.
 
Igor Barbaros

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#4 •
I replaced my fronts about a year with powerstop. Went for the crossed drilled and slotted discs and ceramic pads. They work very well. At high speed if you just seem on the brakes you can lock them up for a second. But they do stop very very well.
Btw if you decide to go with them, but from rock auto. They are cheaper there then everywhere else
 
Falcon WIng

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#5 •
Igor Barbaros said:
I replaced my fronts about a year with powerstop. Went for the crossed drilled and slotted discs and ceramic pads. They work very well. At high speed if you just seem on the brakes you can lock them up for a second. But they do stop very very well.
Btw if you decide to go with them, but from rock auto. They are cheaper there then everywhere else
Click to expand...
Which ones from Rockauto did you go with?
 
Igor Barbaros

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#8 •
Falcon WIng said:
Thanks, you are correct, can't find them elsewhere cheaper. Have any photos of them installed?
Click to expand...
I don't, sorry. I didn't take any pictures during installation but it was very straight forward. They don't look special in any way except the drilled/slotted rotors.
Make sure you bed them in properly.
Also if you plan on cleaning your wheels from all the brake dust, do it after the bed in process. After they cool down of course.
 
Rambo4

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#9 •
Be really careful with the brake hose. On my 2016 it wanted the slough off the insulation. Weird design. Boots were really good and not dry rotted. I forgot about the tube of goop for the caliper bolts. Have 15k on the brakes and they don't look used. Funky music and a heater also helped ease my angst. Good luck on your project. Smarties are still fun to work on.
 
jwight

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#10 •
Just my .02, but I've never thought the stock brakes needed "upgrading." Here's what went on our 2011 when it was time for new brakes:

Amazon.com: Raybestos 980806R Professional Grade Disc Brake Rotor: Automotive

Buy Raybestos 980806R Professional Grade Disc Brake Rotor: Rotors - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com

Amazon.com: Wagner Brakes ZX1252 Semi-Metallic Brake Pads: Automotive

Buy Wagner Brakes ZX1252 Semi-Metallic Brake Pads: Rotors - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
Total cost under $80 and they perform as well as the OEM brakes. :)
 
Igor Barbaros

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#11 •
jwight said:
Just my .02, but I've never thought the stock brakes needed "upgrading." Here's what went on our 2011 when it was time for new brakes:

Amazon.com: Raybestos 980806R Professional Grade Disc Brake Rotor: Automotive

Buy Raybestos 980806R Professional Grade Disc Brake Rotor: Rotors - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com

Amazon.com: Wagner Brakes ZX1252 Semi-Metallic Brake Pads: Automotive

Buy Wagner Brakes ZX1252 Semi-Metallic Brake Pads: Rotors - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
Total cost under $80 and they perform as well as the OEM brakes. :)
Click to expand...
But you still have your front wheels covered in brake dust.
 
Igor Barbaros

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#12 •
Igor Barbaros

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#16 •
jwight said:
Because I don't see it as an "upgrade"....YMMV, of course. :)
Click to expand...
Oh, I didn't mean it as an upgrade to the braking system. Just to the brake dust system. ;)
Although I did hear before that ceramic pads actually have less of an initial bite, can't say that I felt it though
 
Falcon WIng

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#18 •
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