SKYDRIFTER350

Hello,

I have ben shopping for a new brake set-up. Pondering the switch to GSL-SE brakes or something else... or just stocking with the OEM-- GSL brake set-up but just new & hopefully improved stuff.

i have been looking around on eBay and there are many options.. Can anyone give me direct knowledge advice upon which 'brand' or 'seller' to buy from .... They all look the same... but I would think there is a difference (in performance) between all the different brands that are available. There are different priced options. So, any input would be greatly appreciated.

Also, I would like to upgrade my suspension set-up...So an option I have thought about is getting a coil-over shock built for a GSL-SE & put it on my GSL & therefore I'll have, at least, upgraded GSL-SE front brakes...no? Please, any & all knowledge put forth would be greatly appreciated.

I know this issue has been brought up plenty of times... I just had a little bit of difficulty to make up my mind from what I learned using the search feature & a bit of direct talk, I think, would set me straight...

Thanks!!

Bezs2k

Any specific brands your interested in??

SKYDRIFTER350

it's really all the stuff from eBay....I'll take a look & see if I can get the branding... I know one was 'power stop' but I think that may be one of the more expensive out of the ones I'm looking at.. I've seen all 4 corners, rotors & pads going for between $200 & $300.... is this just too cheap? & chinese junk?

I'll come up with a few comparisons for You all to tell me about...LOL...
thx.

SKYDRIFTER350

oh, as for the coil over set-ups... I like the Techno Tuning, the ACBRON seem nice... well, I am in a bit of a pickle ...Big Decisions!!! LOL. I have bought the RB springs but haven't installed them ... so, I am in the middle of deciding of where to go with the car. use the RB springs & go with new standard GSL brake parts OR go to a coil over type & get the GSL-SE brake upgrade along with the suspension upgrade...(well, at least in the front) & do something else with the RB springs... perhaps run the TTT up front w/ GSL-SE brakes & the RB springs with my Tokico 'blues' & GSL brakes...?

Thx

Bezs2k

If your not to concerned about noise when the pads are cold or dust, Hawk seems to have a couple good options and the price is reasonable

GSLSEforme

1st,what's your plans for the car? Driving on street,autocross? The Racing Beat springs are a good choice for this,they will lower your car about1" in front and 3/4" in rear,combine these with a good shock/strut insert ,larger front swaybar and you have a good suspension foundation.
GSL wheel stud pattern is 4x110mm and GSL-SE is 4x114.3 so to complete the upgrade you need complete front struts,calipers and complete rear axle,brackets,calipers and rotors and pads of your choice AND a complete set of wheels in 4x114.3 pattern & tires since you can no longer use your original wheels/tires. Considerable expense...to upgrade to SE brakes all around,which are the best 1st gen brakes to be had,but...

Again i ask what are your goals here,short of trying to cobble together 2nd gen brackets,rotors,bearing spacers,calipers,master cylinder,proportioning valve,custom stuff for the back of car,etc,$$$..

Consider renewing/improving what you already have. Recommend Powerstop slotted(not drilled) rotors all around,Hawk HP brake pads all around,DOT stainless braided brake hoses(all 5) and converting to DOT 4 brake fluid. The combination is a serious upgrade for a street driven/autocrossed car,slotted rotors will run cooler,HP pads will have good bite(installed correctly they will make no noise),the braided hoses will give more linear pedal feel and DOT 4 fluid raises boiling point of brake fluid AND you keep your original wheels,tires.This combination will net you 90% of stopping power of SE brakes with a lot less invested.

Maxwedge

iTrader: (1)

I have Hawk HPS pads F/R on my Forester XT and the difference was very noticeable over stock. Very minor squeal (occasionally) but they don't seem to be dustier that OEM (I have about 8k on them now) . I'm gathering parts for a 4x114.3 SE Brake conversion, but haven't decided on springs/shocks vs coil overs yet.

Bezs2k

I also have had a good experience with the HPS pads, i have heard other mixed reviews but i guess it all comes down to the vehicle, persons driving habits, etc etc

SKYDRIFTER350

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fit-1984-19...d/391958862059

https://www.ebay.com/itm/For-1981-19...s/352429420982

https://www.ebay.com/itm/FRONT-REAR-...2/131484604179

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mazda-RX7-G...R/250848555733

https://www.ebay.com/itm/FRONT-BRAKE...2/131432508227


So, here are a few examples of the brake kits I have been looking at on eBay.... The price is definitely good, IMO. However, I do not know the quality of these parts.
They may be good & reliable....OR could be cheap Chinese junk? Anyone have any experience with these kinda kits from eBay?

As for the front COIL-OVERS .... when they are built by whomever, (looking at TTT as the preferred supplier, now) could it be set up for 4x110 but also have the provision to run a GSL-SE caliper & rotor? I am running a 15x7 wheel, so, the rotor should fit (inside at least) , Yea? ALSO, could anyone explain it to me any more clearly of how exactly these 'coil overs' are built? They claim they use Ur old shock body, is this just the tube, and they supply all of the guts of the thing? I mean the valves shafts & all the other crap inside of there? ALL up-graded to some new stuff the coil over builder makes themselves?? OR do the re-use what is already in there? so Ur just sorta getting the springs & not really an improved damping unit..??? This is one of the cloudy areas of this coil over thing I really haven't understood as of yet & any light someone could shine on the subject for me...I would be gratified.

Thanks ...I'm trying to get these parts sources tidied up so I can complete the car & just drive the thing... kinda of tired of chasing it around... I want to get it sorted & just let it be.... Ya know?
Thx, Sam