[Shotimes] '96 brake upgrade

[Steve Tatro]

Here's what I'd suggest if you're going to stick with the stock brakes
(which I don't think is a bad decision at all in some cases).

Buy the Brembo rotors.  I think Tire Rack has them in the right size.
Higher quality (although slightly higher priced) than the AutoZone ones.
They've lasted longer and without corroding on my buddy's '96, so I'm
assuming the '93 size is of comparable quality.  I have the AZ ones, and
even though I've been able to keep them from warping, they rust away in no
time (depending on your location).

Get an "upgrade" pad.  Even something as cheap as the Performance Friction
Carbon Metallic pads from AutoZone.  I've been using these pads for about 3
years, and the only complaint I have it the brake dust.  If you keep a good
coat of wax on your rims and don't let the dust accumulate for months
between cleanings it's not too bad.  I tend to wash mine (Gen3 wheels on my
'93) about once every two weeks as I can't stand the sight of brake dust ;^)

Also, if you haven't done so, bleed your brakes.  This is a difference you
can actually feel if your brake fluid is as old as what I just removed from
my '93.  I hadn't done it in so long because my front bleeder screws had
seized in the caliper.  I purchased a set of Speedbleeders
(www.speedbleeder.com) for $28 + shipping and two bottles of Valvoline
Synthetic Dot3/4 compatible fluid for $4 each and voila.  Nice firm pedal
again, and more positive feeling when stopping.  All without touching my
pads and/or rotors.

When you get this all done, follow the rotor break-in instructions on Baer's
website.  http://www.baer.com/Support/TechTips.aspx?TechTipID=4 is an
article that has said instructions reprinted.  I've gotten 3 people
(including myself) to use these instructions to season some new rotors and
none of us has had problems yet.  Mind you I once warped a set of new rotors
in 3 days ;^)

Good luck Kerry,

Steve Tatro
Red/Black '93 with 170k miles
Cincinnati, Ohio



----- Original Message -----
From: "Kerry Kinion" <kerry@kinionfurniture.com>
To: <Shotimes@autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, September 18, 2003 3:28 AM
Subject: RE: [Shotimes] '96 brake upgrade


> I know, my wife tells me this all the time (-: .
>
> I think (as stupid as this may sound to a bunch of you out there) I'm
going to replace with stock rotors etc.
>
> I think I'll learn a bunch in the process and when my rotors warp next
time, I'll have some brake experience behind me.  Then I'll do the upgrade.
>
> Once I get under there and learn the parts involved, I'll have a much
better understanding of what's involved.  Most of my driving is in a small
town.  So I'm thinking I should get quite a few miles out of a standard
(stock) fix.  Thanks to all for the input!
>
> Yes, I may change my mind again by morning, so don't be surprised if I hit
you guys up some more with this!
>
> Kerry - '93 MTX
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Kirk Doucette [mailto:Kirk.doucette@verizon.net]
> Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2003 8:50 PM
> To: Kerry Kinion; Shotimes@autox.team.net
> Subject: RE: [Shotimes] '96 brake upgrade
>
> Size DOES matter! :)
>
> Kirk J Doucette
> NESHOC President
> Stormtrooper-97 White
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: shotimes-admin@autox.team.net
[mailto:shotimes-admin@autox.team.net]On
> Behalf Of Kerry Kinion
> Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2003 10:56 PM
> To: Shotimes@autox.team.net
> Subject: [Shotimes] '96 brake upgrade
>
> Hey all,
>
> I have a '93MTX w/ 114k on the clock.  Engine is good, time to move on to
> the
> brakes, suspension, etc.  Rotors are extremely grooved and in need of some
> serious attention.
>
> I was trying to explain to my 18 yr old son (he'll be helping me do this
> hopefully) why I need to do the '96 upgrade.  I didn't have a very good
> answer
> except the rotors are too small and will warp again if I just put stock
ones
> on.  What is the short and sweet answer as to why I need to do this??
>
> Also, I know there is a lot of parts involved in doing this that I
wouldn't
> know if they hit me upside the head - So........Is there a complete kit
> available?  If so, what's the total $$ amount to do this??  Alan Fanning
> recently tried to explain some of the things involved but at least half of
> the
> stuff he told me went directly over my head.
>
> He said George (I think) wrote a good FAQ about this and I will check out
> soon.  Is it just the front rotors that get upgraded??  Anyway....I would
> love
> to know:
>
> 1.      Why do I need to do this?
> 2.      How much - ballpark at least?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Kerry
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