Sensible brake upgrades for AU2

[Polyal]

I know the AU1 guys usually upgrade to AU2 brakes as a cheap alternative, but I was wondering what is available for AU2 people?

Does any of the BA stuff just bolt on? Im not particularly interesting in going the tickford or bigger route as the car doesn't warrant it, but thought that if there is an option that is only a few hundred more then I would like to look at it.

Ive got soem brake shudder at the moment which I think is because of warped or old rotors, I could just change them as they do the job but you guys know what its like, if a little upgrade is possible then why not.

What have other AU owners done?

[The Monty]

BA calipers off FTG - $50
Slotted RDA rotors, 298mm for BA falcon - $160 for the pair off Floored
RDA extreme pads front and back - $160 for the set off Floored also
Two bottles Brake fluid - $30
Postage for the lot - $100

This is what I done, seriously good stuff. cant fault it at all, 12000k;s into it, and it still hasnt warped, and pulls up the AU admirably.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by The Monty

BA calipers off FTG - $50
Slotted RDA rotors, 298mm for BA falcon - $160 for the pair off Floored
RDA extreme pads front and back - $160 for the set off Floored also
Two bottles Brake fluid - $30
Postage for the lot - $100

This is what I done, seriously good stuff. cant fault it at all, 12000k;s into it, and it still hasnt warped, and pulls up the AU admirably.

Great reply thanks, thats pretty much what I was hoping for.

I have FG G6 rims so I guess there is a little more room perhaps? Dont know if that would have been an issue with the previous stock rims.

Did you install it yourself or take it to a shop??

[Dave_Obsession]

Originally Posted by Polyal

I know the AU1 guys usually upgrade to AU2 brakes as a cheap alternative, but I was wondering what is available for AU2 people?

Does any of the BA stuff just bolt on? Im not particularly interesting in going the tickford or bigger route as the car doesn't warrant it, but thought that if there is an option that is only a few hundred more then I would like to look at it.

Ive got soem brake shudder at the moment which I think is because of warped or old rotors, I could just change them as they do the job but you guys know what its like, if a little upgrade is possible then why not.

What have other AU owners done?

You could just invest in some slotted rotors to suit AU2/3, also put some quality pads on and you will notice an improvement, especially if you dont' want to fork out extra for a BA brake conversion...

DBA and RDA are the main two rotor manufacturers most people speak of, but there are other ones available.

I bought front and rear slotted & cross-drilled rotors from a place in South Melbourne for $280.
Spent another $116 on QFM HP-X pads (was meant to only get the 'Super X' pads but they sent me the better ones!)
Another $180 for the mechanic to chuck the lot on, but if you're going to do this yourself, then obviously this doesn't count....just buy a couple of bottles of DOT4 brake fluid to flush your lines and you're set...

Has been 6500 kms since it all went on....so much better...mind you my old rotors were seriously warped and the pads almost worn out LOL

[Whoosha]

I would have to agree with Dave best value option for a road car would be the Slotted rotor option with decent pads , Having gone the Premo option on mine apart from looks, the AU 11 Caliper and pistons are larger than the Premos the main difference is the rotor size, Which I would assume that would help brake fade in extreme conditions, as far as NORMAL breaking next time round I would go the cheaper option.. But it really is horses for courses

[The Monty]

I put the lot on myself took an hour or two going slow, but using hoist.
I only have 16 inch pursuit (stockos) rims, so your G6 ones will be fine.
They were straight bolt on, caliper off, rotor off, rotor on, caliper on.

[InfernoSR]

BA front calipers with Slotted/Vented rotors all around and TRW pads is a great upgrade... i have these myself, but chose a major upgrade for the rear end (cause of the value for $$ upgrade that was on offer)

[saber]

Originally Posted by The Monty

I put the lot on myself took an hour or two going slow, but using hoist.
I only have 16 inch pursuit (stockos) rims, so your G6 ones will be fine.
They were straight bolt on, caliper off, rotor off, rotor on, caliper on.

Yep, easy swap over. Just watch out for the remaining brake fluid thats in the old caliper when you pull it off!!!

[blueoval]

I personally went the RDA slotted with Bendix HD pads all round. Noticed a much improved feeling. But I want to upgrade the front pads to QFM HP-X pads like Dave to get some better bite on 'spirited' drives. :P

[Uncle_Ken]

I just updated the rotors and painted the stock cals

The old


in with the new..



and the rears..



and




UK

[blueoval]

looks great UK

[HLC]

Originally Posted by The Monty

BA calipers off FTG - $50
Slotted RDA rotors, 298mm for BA falcon - $160 for the pair off Floored
RDA extreme pads front and back - $160 for the set off Floored also
Two bottles Brake fluid - $30
Postage for the lot - $100

This is what I done, seriously good stuff. cant fault it at all, 12000k;s into it, and it still hasnt warped, and pulls up the AU admirably.

exactly what i did.

except i got cheapo pads when FLOORED had a group buy, $165 for front rotors and pads.

i got my BA calipers/standard rotors for free lol

and i didnt have to pay postage.


cost all up

$195 and a carton of beer for the fellas who helped me put them on originally!

[HLC]

Originally Posted by Polyal

Great reply thanks, thats pretty much what I was hoping for.

I have FG G6 rims so I guess there is a little more room perhaps? Dont know if that would have been an issue with the previous stock rims.

Did you install it yourself or take it to a shop??

BA calipers fit under stock 16" steel wheels. And AU2/3 fairmont 16" wheels.

by about a mm, but they fit all the same

[Dave_Obsession]

Originally Posted by blueoval

I personally went the RDA slotted with Bendix HD pads all round. Noticed a much improved feeling. But I want to upgrade the front pads to QFM HP-X pads like Dave to get some better bite on 'spirited' drives. :P

You won't regret it mate :-)

[xrford]

im selling my drilled and slotted front rotors and slotted rear rotors off my au 2 only cos i just bought big brakes.
But in the short time i had them they worked really well for me, the rotors wont make a massive difference with the braking ability just helps disperse the heat a bit better so its def worth paying extra for the better pads which you definately notice bite better!
anyway heres the fronts when i put them on if your interested, rears are the same pattern just without the holes......

[saber]

Originally Posted by dave93761

You won't regret it mate :-)

+1

Really pulls up the car well, especially when you give the car a bit of curry!

[Ride]

Well since we're showing off brakes, here's the compulsory "You should spend at least half the value of your entire car on brakes" photo.




But in all seriousness, don't cheap out on brakes, if they make the difference between avoiding hitting another car and/or pedestrian then they're well worth the extra you spend

[Uncle_Ken]

Show off !!

If you have the $$$ I don't think any money is ever wasted on getting better brakes.

UK

[Polyal]

Ride you have much more dedication with your AU than I do with mine.

So the BA route seems to be around the $660 mark plus installation, and just replacing with better stuff is around $400 plus installation. So an extra $260 for the BA items.

What is the diameter difference between the two, if the $200 odd wasn't an issue would it be worth while?

[The Monty]

287mm AU2/3, 298mm BA/F
I warp brakes usually in about 7000km (DBA, RDA and Stock). Ive had BA brakes for 14000km so far and are still perfect.

[blueoval]

I think the BA upgrade for the front is what I will need to do in due time.

[Ride]

Originally Posted by Polyal

Ride you have much more dedication with your AU than I do with mine.

Not so much dedication, more REALLY bad spending habits, I see shiny/expensive things and buy them.

[The Monty]

Originally Posted by Ride

Not so much dedication, more REALLY bad spending habits, I see shiny/expensive things and buy them.

Are you sure your not my wife?

[blueoval]

I can get my hands on some BA front calipers cheap. If I was to get DBA slotted rotors to suit BA calipers, get braided brake lines and put QFM HP-X pads on, do you this will be a worthwhile improvement?

[paulyxr8]

Hi i just fitted DBA 4000 series to my au3 xr8 with Bendix Ultimates, It breaks just fine now later and later.