StopTech BBK
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 447
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From: Bay Area
StopTech BBK
So I’ve been working feverishly on prepping my car (and daily driver) for the upcoming race season and wanted to share some pics I took of my latest upgrade – a StopTech BBK. I considered the Brembo and RacingBrake kit but elected to go StopTech. The perception I gathered with the Brembo’s was they weren’t balanced with the stock rears, plus I couldn’t stomach the $3k for their kit. I also read a lot of great things on HC’s RacingBrake thread, and felt that some of the quality issues pointed out in that thread was due to their initial brake pads, but in the end, it came down to cost. I got a great deal from my friend’s shop for the StopTech BBK, street pads, AND my favorite track pad, Raybestos ST-43 for about $1900-ish (out the door with ridiculous CA tax). Installed them a few weeks ago along with some remanufactured rear calipers and I can’t wait to try these out on the track.
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 447
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From: Bay Area
The stock calipers with Motul (or ATE) and Raybestos (or Porterfield R4) pads served me well but for the last couple of seasons have been one of the more pronounced weaknesses in the car (besides the driver 
). The brakes would be fantastic for the first 10 minutes but would require me to progressively brake earlier as the session went on and/or run 1 lap at ¾ speed every 2-3 laps. I know my tires also contribute to this trailing off of braking performance however I want to ensure I have a solid foundation of brakes and suspension components before moving up to competition tires.
). The brakes would be fantastic for the first 10 minutes but would require me to progressively brake earlier as the session went on and/or run 1 lap at ¾ speed every 2-3 laps. I know my tires also contribute to this trailing off of braking performance however I want to ensure I have a solid foundation of brakes and suspension components before moving up to competition tires.
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Thread Starter
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 447
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From: Bay Area
I upgraded to SS lines years ago so the rubber plugs provided by the StopTech kit wouldn’t have worked. I had some scrap aluminum round-stock so I quickly created a plug to screw into the stock brake line. M10x1mm if anyone wants to know.
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 447
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From: Bay Area
I noticed late last year that this bushing on my coilover needed to be replaced. Bought a shop press earlier for this and to replace additional rear end bushings.
Very nice setup. Have you any experience tracking an FD with any BBKs in the past? Im myself am going racingbrake just because I like the fact that the setup is complete front and rear. Do you worry about having bias issues with these huge fronts and factory rears?
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 447
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From: Bay Area
This will be my first season with a big brake kit; only 3 more weeks until we kick things off at Sears Point. I'm not worried about the bias issue since this kit is specifically engineered to be used with the stock rears. StopTech also has a kit for those who have the '99+ rears but they weren't on sale. And even with my MazdaMotorsports discount, the 99+ rear setup ould have cost me around $750 (~$500 calipers, $250 for the rotors), three times the cost of a pair of re-manufactured rear calipers.
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 447
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From: Bay Area
I run with Checkered Flag Racing (www.cfra.net) and will be in the time trials and racing competition. Due to the economy, we'll only have 6 events this year so I'm hoping to leech onto another club to get some much needed track time.
Nice choice. I also went with the Stoptech for the same reasons you did. Did you leave the stock backing plate and are you going to do any ducting? I ripped off the stock backing plate and installed some Mazcare backing plates that are fed by my hollowed out indicator lights. I think even with the bigger brakes proper cooling can extend the life of the expensive rotors and pads.
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 447
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area
Really nice setup there! No, I don't have any ducting and retained the stock backing plates however your setup gives me project ideas for summer. I had been playing around with the idea of using the front turn signals as the intake for a brake ducting setup but it stayed on the back burner since I hadn't installed my GTC front end and wasn't sure if that would be ideal (I'm a bit worried about the fitment with some of the comments on JKL Engineering...). I was figuring I'd design it up such that when I get to the track, I simply remove the signals since it's only held in by one screw and it's a sizeable opening for fresh, cool air.
Where did you get your backing plates?
Where did you get your backing plates?
Nice choice. I also went with the Stoptech for the same reasons you did. Did you leave the stock backing plate and are you going to do any ducting? I ripped off the stock backing plate and installed some Mazcare backing plates that are fed by my hollowed out indicator lights. I think even with the bigger brakes proper cooling can extend the life of the expensive rotors and pads.
Nice write up
OP,
Nice write up! BBK is in my future (distant right now) and it is nice seeing some quality kits and installation pics. Please keep us updated on your track sessions and how this kit responded.
Congrats.
Charlie
Nice write up! BBK is in my future (distant right now) and it is nice seeing some quality kits and installation pics. Please keep us updated on your track sessions and how this kit responded.
Congrats.
Charlie