GoodfellaFD3S

iTrader: (213)

I am considering picking these up for my FD primarily for road race use. I understand that stock 16 inch wheels can still be fit to the rears (for drag racing purposes) with minor shaving of the rear caliper knuckles.

These are the differences from stock as I understand it:
front rotor +0.8 inch in diameter, +0.375 inch in thickness
front calipers, altered piston sizing
rear rotor +0.8 inch in diameter
rear caliper, same?
pads are interchangeable between 93-95 and 99.

For street use, are these a significant upgrade over stock? I am told that for road racing they are of quite a benefit. Of course, drag racers tell me that the rotors are heavier and will slow the car down, so I suppose opinions depend on your agenda, lol.

Anyway, just looking for feedback and opinions, and also how much everyone payed for their setup......

thanks!

ptrhahn

iTrader: (9)

What have you got up front?

Are you cracking rear rotors regularly at the track?

GoodfellaFD3S

iTrader: (213)

I should have posted this up initially, thanks Peter.

I am running stock slotted (powerslot) cryo treated rotors front and rear.

Have not experienced cracking, but was running much less boost/power the last time I road raced.

I plan to start seriously roadracing, and running at least 15 psi with the water injection in place.

Also, I am getting a great deal on the brakes, which makes the decision to upgrade easier.

thanks for any further input

Rich

ptrhahn

iTrader: (9)

Well,
FWIW, i've got StopTechs up front, and 275/40 all around track tires, and 345/rwhp on my track boost setting (only 12 psi), and am still running on the FACTORY ORIGINAL, 95k-mile plus rear rotors and calipers.

I don't think you want to upgrade the rears without the fronts, but at the power level you're talking about, you may be in for both. Most folks AFAIK upgrade the rears as much to "ballance" against the front big brake kit they put in as they do for heat dissipation (crack avoidance).

Most four wheel upgrades will likely necessitate a 929 master cylander as well to maintain the pedal firmness.

cmartinp28

does the caliper size change? cuz you only have 1/4in. or so clearance between your fikse and caliper

ptrhahn

iTrader: (9)

The calipers are exactly the same, only with longer mounting tabs.

the_glass_man

iTrader: (2)

The rear pads are the same, I'm not sure if the front pads are the same, I do think they are different. The newer pad compounds are much better for street/track performance.
As far as weight is concerned you could always get the Precision rotors with a aluminum hats. It's a nice setup that probably weighs close to if not less than the stock rotors.

the_glass_man

iTrader: (2)

I know I had to sell my old SSR wheels because they would clear the stock brakes, but not the newer calipers. I had to go with a different offset.

7racer

The fronts and rears pads are the same.

However, the front 99 spec caliper is thicker. You might want to double check your clearance from your fikse. I can measure my 99 spec calipers if you like.

In regards to the 929 mc, once I upgraded I haven't really noticed a difference so I don't think that you have to upgrade the mc.

7racer

hey Rich,

btw, did you win the lottery or somthing??? Lots of upgrades all of a sudden!!!

ptrhahn

iTrader: (9)

You shouldn't need the 929 MC if you're using '99's all around, because the piston sizes are the same, or nearly the same. The 929 upgrade is for aftermarket big brake kits that require more fluid to be pushed in order the maintain the pedal height/firmness.

The '99 brakes are essentially the same as the 93-95, with the calipers positioned further out to accomodate larget diameter rotors... the fronts are indeed wider to accomodate a wider rotor, not unlike what Mandeville does to the 93-95's to accomodate the 13" coleman rotors he used in his kit.

7racer

ah your right....thanks for the clarification ptr!

GoodfellaFD3S

iTrader: (213)

Bob, if you could measure the calipers that would be great. I hope these suckers will fit with the Fikses.

No lottery, just have been saving for the last year or so. Plus, got a raise at work, found some killer deals, etc.

Rich

Fritz Flynn

iTrader: (263)

The 99 fronts are not sufficient for 300 rwhp FDs with big sticky tires when driven at the advanced level.

If you can afford it go with a brembo or AP kit.

BTW I have some nice kits available hehe.

Tim Benton

iTrader: (1)

Since Fritz has many more track days under his belt, I'd go with his suggestion. I have the 99 front and rears and just did a track day at Road Atlanta on my street tires. Brakes worked great, but the stress/work I put on the braking system is far less than what Fritz and Damian's car's see. For a beginner to intermediate track experience, the 99's are a great upgrade over stock. Then like Fritz mentioned, you'd need a bit bigger rotor in the front if your in their run group. The 99 rears are a good option no matter the level.

Tim

GoodfellaFD3S

iTrader: (213)

Given the fact that I am nowhere near advanced group on a road course, I think these brakes will be just the ticket for me. It will be nice to know at my given driver skill level I don't have to worry about brakes.....spoke with damonb on the phone at length about this and he is at the limit of his stock braking system with his current skill level. He was salivating when I told him of the deal I was getting .

Rich

GoodfellaFD3S

iTrader: (213)

Also, I verified that the 99 brakes use the same pad size as the 93-95 brakes, front and rear.

GoodfellaFD3S

iTrader: (213)

How many simply cut their rotor backing plates (vs picking up the new larger ones)?

I am not looking to cheap out here. Are the larger backing plates a worthwhile addition?

thanks guys!
Rich

rynberg

Rich, my rear backing plates just have the lips removed for clearance. I removed the front backing plates completely.

7racer

Rich,

I did a write up on the install. I replaced all for backing plates. However, to do the rears you have to r/r the rear wheel bearing. A big PITA. The fronts aren't that bad.

I'll get the measurements for you later this weekend.

the_glass_man

iTrader: (2)

I just cut off all the splash shields with a dremel. Who needs the extra weight?
I bent them at first, but got tired of scratching my new wheels.