Are Stoptech up to it?

[sparky]

This is my third attempt over last year to get a decent set of brakes on my NA1.

First time I was well down the track of getting AP Racing calipers with KVR rotors when KVR stopped doing NSX brakes.

Then I looked into Racing brake setup but you chaps talked me out of them for serious track work.

My ideal solution would still be AP racing but I don't know of any source for NSX... (let m e know if you do!)

So now I'm looking at a F/R Stoptech kit from SoS. I'd be grateful for your opinions, especially if you've tracked these units.... do they have track cred ?

 

[nsxtasy]

If you're only driving in occasional club events (and not actual competition), the stock NSX calipers are more than adequate. Get some trackworthy pads and high-temperature fluid (and ducting, if you want), learn how to bed your pads and how not to overuse the brakes, and you won't need to replace the calipers.

 

[Ponyboy]

Ken is correct. You want to make sure to exhaust the stock braking options using the OE caliper. There are a few more pad options and you don't have to go upgrading the caliper, wheels, tires, etc.

However, I'm fairly sure that you'll find the Stoptechs are more than up to the task of your braking needs. Especially, if you're putting them on all four corners. After playing around w/ various pad, rotor, ducting combinations, I decided to install a set of front Stoptechs and never looked back. The only other alternative I'd consider other than Stoptech is the Brembo Indy setup that CT Engineering (formerly Comptech) designed.

 

[NSX 3.0]

If your serious about tracking your car a few times a year get them. The stockers are fine, but once you get faster they do NOT hold up that great IMO. I guess it all depends on what track your at and how fast you are. Short bursts to 100 maybe alright but if you see 140 three times a lap Stoptech is the way to go you will never look back. Had mine for 7 years and love them. I use Hawk HPS pads for the street and Hawk 10's at the track.

 

[NSXAMG996TT]

Yes, they are.

 

[sparky]

Thanks NSX 3.0 and NSXAMG996TT that's the feedback I wanted.

(your avatar and signature block NSXAMG996TT suggest you actually understand women? :smile

From many previous discussions on track brakes I'm well aware that stock brakes well set up (right fluid, pads & ducts) can do the job in most situations, but not all. I want to go the extra mile ...

 

[Ponyboy]

You're welcome.

 

[NSXAMG996TT]

Pads make a big difference too...I'm using Carbotech XP10 (track) and Carbotech Bobcats (street).

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

Yes, definitely.

http://www.scienceofspeed.com/products/braking_performance_parts/NSX/Stoptech/big_brake_system/

Stoptech brakes are used by top finishers in World Challenge and Grand Am.

http://stoptech.com/satisfied_customers/race_team.shtml

Stoptech now also offers the kits with the Trophy calipers and rotors if you're looking for the nth degree of weight savings featuring the Stoptech ST40 forged aluminum caliper with additional weight saving machining and a lighter and more durable hard anodized finish.

We've had several inquiries lately to put a group buy together. Watch the vendor section shortly.

Cheers,
-- Chris

 

[NSX 3.0]

Those Trophy's look sweet Chris !

 

[sparky]

I'm definitely interested in those trophy calipers Chris !

 

[sparky]

Pads make a big difference too...I'm using Carbotech XP10 (track) and Carbotech Bobcats (street).

Can you share details on why you chose to run these different pads for track / street? Would you recommend using the XP10 on the street too? Or are there problems with that idea (like too noisy perhaps, or dusty?)

And where do you buy them ... ?

 

[kookoo4nsx]

If I replace my factory stock pads with stoptech will I have to remove and cut my rotors?
Thanks

 

[nsxtasy]

If I replace my factory stock pads with stoptech will I have to remove and cut my rotors?

Stoptech makes calipers, not pads.

 

[nsxtasy]

Stoptech now also offers the kits with the Trophy calipers and rotors if you're looking for the nth degree of weight savings featuring the Stoptech ST40 forged aluminum caliper with additional weight saving machining and a lighter and more durable hard anodized finish.

We've had several inquiries lately to put a group buy together. Watch the vendor section shortly.

It's up. Click here for info. Group buy expires March 31!

 

[NSXDreamer2]

depends on the track that you go to, if you consider the stoptech 4 corner and then you have to deal with new wheels and clearance issues... you could easily be spending $7000+200 a set of pads.

vs, just upgrading to stoptech aerorotors and more aggressive pads.

you could easily spend the rest $5000-6000 somewhere else.

 

[stuntman]

This is my third attempt over last year to get a decent set of brakes on my NA1.

First time I was well down the track of getting AP Racing calipers with KVR rotors when KVR stopped doing NSX brakes.

Then I looked into Racing brake setup but you chaps talked me out of them for serious track work.

My ideal solution would still be AP racing but I don't know of any source for NSX... (let m e know if you do!)

So now I'm looking at a F/R Stoptech kit from SoS. I'd be grateful for your opinions, especially if you've tracked these units.... do they have track cred ?

Those AP calipers are a bit suspicious. It would be safer to go with Stoptech/Brembo/Performance Friction.

As others have said, good pads/fluid/ducting should suffice 99% of drivers on track. For that remaining 1% - you need the larger surface area/dissipation and torque of a larger rotor.

While the ST/Brembo/PFC systems will all be "up to it" for track use - The Stoptech and Performance Friction brake systems are the only ones widely available that were engineered for the NSX's brake bias.

The Brembo (GT and motorsports {aka "Indy}) calipers have the same piston size front and rear, resulting in more rear brake bias than ideal or stock.

Using just a Brembo or Stoptech front caliper will result in too much front bias and an underutilization of the rear tires to slow the car down. BUT even with this, you will most likely never fade the "BBK" front brake system even though its doing more work with a stock rear rotor. You just compromise the bias a bit which isn't that bad.

Stoptech's Trophy caliper is lighter and nicer than their standard stuff but for the price, it's hard to beat a standard front-axle only upgrade. F&R would be more ideal. Can't go wrong with either the regular or Trophy.

Performance Friction's system is probably the best/most advanced brake system on the market (better than the "Brembo Indy"/Motorsports caliper) and is the same caliper shape/architecture/design as used on the EPSON JGTC NSX. It's also the only 14" rotor option and is ~$7,000 for the F&R system. The 14" rotor only fits under a few wheel options and the caliper has to be shaved a few mm to clear some 17" front wheels. It will fit under most 18/18" wheel applications.

Brembo's motorsport (Indy) caliper is a race caliper (like PFC) but unlike PFC, dosn't have dust boots to my knowledge. Good system, can't go wrong with it. Brembo's GT "Lotus" calipers are a great bang/buck and ya can't go wrong with them. Even the front only system is pretty darn good on track.


0.02

 

[RYU]

NSXDreamer2 - If you're using the ST aero rotors then you must be on NA1 brakes? I'm searching for a lightweight NA2 (I know it's technically 97-01 brakes or whatever) but it seems only RB makes this size with a alum rotor hat.

Billy - have you seen any other NA2 rotor only options? Do you think simply upgrading rotors from OEM isn't much of a jump? I'll be installing new street/track pads and fluid but hoping to source a proper rotor before I do so. I may just go back and turn my OE rotors instead of going with the RB.

 

[stuntman]

NSXDreamer2 - If you're using the ST aero rotors then you must be on NA1 brakes? I'm searching for a lightweight NA2 (I know it's technically 97-01 brakes or whatever) but it seems only RB makes this size with a alum rotor hat.

Billy - have you seen any other NA2 rotor only options? Do you think simply upgrading rotors from OEM isn't much of a jump? I'll be installing new street/track pads and fluid but hoping to source a proper rotor before I do so. I may just go back and turn my OE rotors instead of going with the RB.

FWIW I can have fun all day with my NSX in terms of brakes:

235/275 Bridgestone RE01R tires (good street tires) - 17/18" wheels
Stock 92 calipers/rotors (probably original on the car)
Panther Plus pads - too much noise/dust but good on track.
SS lines
ATE Superblue pads.

I/H/E
NSX-R wing
Full interior (3,100lbs with driver/fuel).


I was at Spring Mountain in Vegas last week with 2 guys I race against in Grand Am. All 3 of us spent hours beating on the car. No brake complaints or issues. Playing with a Z06 on slicks, GTR, and passing GT3 cup cars on slicks in the corners was pretty entertaining (but eventually losing and blown away on the straights).

What tires/size and power level/mods do you have? If its not too crazy, i'd just save my $...

 

[sparky]

great summary Billy, thanks

Those AP calipers are a bit suspicious.

that's first time I've heard a bad word on AP racing! Curious as what gave you that impression?

BTW I've joined in the SoS Stoptech + trophy group buy ... so original problem solved, in true Prime spirit, thanks all

 

[stuntman]

great summary Billy, thanks



that's first time I've heard a bad word on AP racing! Now I'm wondering what gave you that impression?

BTW I've joined in the SoS Stoptech + trophy group buy ... so original problem solved, in true Prime spirit

AP is a top level brand. But some of the AP calipers on the market are potentially Chinese-made knock-offs or AP sold the rights for another manufacturer to use their name on the caliper (Brembo does this too -often on OEM stuff). I've seen "AP" calipers and rotors fall apart under relatively light conditions and I don't know much about KVR or the history of that AP system. You'd probably spend some big $ to get a proper AP system.


0.02

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

I agree with Ken & Billy. You can get very far with the stock brakes if you increase their efficiency and use and aggressive pad for the track. A really well performing setup is brake ducts (such as these from Downforce), brake pads (such as these from Carbotech), and good fresh fluid.

Many customers don't want to deal with changing pads between street and track use, which is why many eventually gravitate to big brake systems which have increased pad surface area, larger more thermal efficient disc that allow a less aggressive pad to be used for both street and track use. They are also much easier to change pads with compared to the stock calipers, should you ever want to switch.

The KVR brake system was based on the AP 5200 series caliper used in the front, which was a good 4 piston caliper good for track or street use with dust boots and anti-rattle hardware. It worked pretty well with a 13" rear disc with the stock caliper. However, it was discontinued about a year ago - the cost of the kit was getting so expensive that it was more expensive than a full four corner Stoptech system. The discs were also solid mounted and have been surpased in design by Brembo, Stoptech, Performance Friction, etc.

-- Chris

 

[RYU]

FWIW I can have fun all day with my NSX in terms of brakes:

235/275 Bridgestone RE01R tires (good street tires) - 17/18" wheels
Stock 92 calipers/rotors (probably original on the car)
Panther Plus pads - too much noise/dust but good on track.
SS lines
ATE Superblue pads.

I/H/E
NSX-R wing
Full interior (3,100lbs with driver/fuel).


I was at Spring Mountain in Vegas last week with 2 guys I race against in Grand Am. All 3 of us spent hours beating on the car. No brake complaints or issues. Playing with a Z06 on slicks, GTR, and passing GT3 cup cars on slicks in the corners was pretty entertaining (but eventually losing and blown away on the straights).

What tires/size and power level/mods do you have? If its not too crazy, i'd just save my $...

I'll be going to Spring Mtn in May and it sounds like a lot of fun but it won't be fun if my brakes start fading or shuddering as they do now. The only prep I'll be doing will be the brake ducts, fluid flush, and pads... which then got me thinking if a rotor upgrade would be good to do at the same time. I'll just turn the OE rotors and be done with it and put the $ into tires

I'm still on the fence about removing the rotor dust shield...

btw.. i'll be going on a stock motor, mild suspension work, and 17/18 with 225/265 tires. Currently on old Kumho Ectsas but now looking to upgrade to Star Specs.

 

[nsxtasy]

I'm still on the fence about removing the rotor dust shield...

You may want to consider doing what I did - using them as a mounting surface for the cooling ducts by cutting a round hole in them and welding on a flange.

 

[NSXDreamer2]

Again, different track has different demands on the brakes.
I really recommend the 2 piece rotors, I'm going from bleeding darken motul fluid every track day on oem 1 pc power slot , to only need to bleed once a year with st 2 pcs.

I love the carbotech panther + as well, been using xp8 to xp11; I have to say it seems like the more aggressive compounds didn't give me as much advantage.

In short, panther +, stop tech aero rotors, motul 600, bigger defractor or duct. This setup will take care most track duty from novice to advanced drivers.

I'll be going to Spring Mtn in May and it sounds like a lot of fun but it won't be fun if my brakes start fading or shuddering as they do now. The only prep I'll be doing will be the brake ducts, fluid flush, and pads... which then got me thinking if a rotor upgrade would be good to do at the same time. I'll just turn the OE rotors and be done with it and put the $ into tires

I'm still on the fence about removing the rotor dust shield...

btw.. i'll be going on a stock motor, mild suspension work, and 17/18 with 225/265 tires. Currently on old Kumho Ectsas but now looking to upgrade to Star Specs.