Brake Upgrade Questions

[D'Ecosse]

I would like to upgrade the brake rotors on my 93 and have some questions:
See this link http://www.nsxhelp.com/brakeupg/index.html
It looks like since I want to replace the stock rotors, it would be possible to just buy the 97 + replacements (larger) & get the 97+ caliper bracket, yeah? Anyone know the part #? Since it appears to be that simple I'm surprised no-one seems to be offering this as a kit with rotors.
One big question however is why are the 97+ plus rotors so much more expensive for same relative brand? (almost 2x depending on what type you buy) Surely an additinal 3/4" can't be all that? Am I missing something else that's different?
Why do you see more parts avilable for 91-96 & not for 97+? e.g. Stoptech & Powerslot don't even list a 97+
When it comes down to it, is it worth worrying about the 97 size or will the replacement 91-96 kits be just fine?

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

The 91-96 brakes share commonality between other Honda cars. This coupled with the higher volume of early cars makes production more lucrative to manufactures.

The complete kit for calipers and rotors runs just under $2500.00 from Acura.

Regards,
-- Chris

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Revolutionize your NSX with ScienceofSpeed
www.ScienceofSpeed.com | [email protected] | 877-863-4520

 

[D'Ecosse]

Thanks for explaining why at least the rotors are more available/less expensive.
I wasn't planning on replacing the whole caliper - just the bracket that holds it on to allow the clearance for the bigger rotor.

[This message has been edited by D'Ecosse (edited 06 October 2002).]

 

[nsxtasy]

Chris, correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think that the '91-96 NSX brakes share commonality with other Hondas. Yes, the brake pads are the same shape and size as certain Legend models and the Integra Type R, but they use a different compound, and have different part numbers. The caliper is different (the NSX has two pistons, the others don't), and the rotors are different (thicker on the NSX). Places like Stoptech and PowerSlot make aftermarket rotors for the NSX but they're a different part number (thicker) than those for the Legend and ITR.

I think the reason there are so many more aftermarket parts available for the '91-96 NSX than for the '97+ NSX is that there are about five times as many '91-96 NSX than there are '97+ NSX.

I think the reason the '97+ brakes aren't sold as a kit is that if you don't want to upgrade calipers and wheels, there are some nice mods available for the '91-96 (e.g. various brake pads, StopTech two-piece rotors, high-temp fluid, air cooling ducts)... and if you do want to upgrade calipers and wheels, there are aftermarket kits that have much bigger calipers and much bigger rotors than the '97+ OEM ones.

My suggestion would be to try out the less expensive option first by getting some good (e.g. RM) pads and fluid and StopTech rotors. They're all "consumables" that you would eventually be replacing anyway, so there's essentially no additional cost if you replace them when your current parts need it. Then, if you're still having heat problems with your brakes*, you can go with an aftermarket big brake kit.

*Remember that the primary advantage of the big brake kits is not that they give you shorter stopping distances; in most cases, your tires limit your stopping distances. The primary advantage of the big brake kits is better resistance to heat effects on the racetrack (such as brake fade or rotor shudder or cracking) - but you may find that the pads/rotors/fluid/ducts are sufficient to avoid heat-related problems.

 

[NSXTC]

Hey D'Ecosse-

That was my article. I bought an entire used brake system (all 4 corners) used off a 2000 NSX via an Ebay auction. Apparently, someone bought a brand new 2000 at the time and had the dealer install Brembos and bigger wheels prior to delivery. At least that was the story I was told. Anyway, I don't believe that you can buy just the caliper brackets from Acura. According to the parts diagram, you have to buy the entire caliper / bracket as an assembly. With typical dealer markup, you might as well just get Brembos for what that will cost..

Of course, you might want to check out a few of the online salvage places that are known to deal in NSX's. Try for instance http://www.erzcar.com/ Also, I have seen 3 sets of these brakes sell on Ebay over the past year or so. It pays to keep checking around.

As far as the rotors go, I have been happy with the factory 97-up rotors. Warping has not been a problem for me like with the 91-96 rotors because they simply dont get as hot at the track.

Since there are so many more early cars than later ones driving around (and arguably, owners of earlier cars seem to go to the track more than later cars), there is much more aftermarket support for 91-96 rotors. I once begged the owner of Powerslot to manufacture 97-up slotted rotors, but he cound not be convinced to do so. Maybe in time, we will see more aftermarket support.

I know that Comptech sells an x-drilled 97 rotor (at least they did last time I checked) but they say in their fineprint not to use them on the track. I'd guess they will crack from stress. The only other place that sells aftermarket 97-up rotors that I am aware of are these guys in Australia: http://www.dba.com.au/

As far as the "same parts as other Hondas", that is partially true. Of course, no other Honda features the raised NSX logo on their calipers, so certainly they are not the same calipers, however our calipers will drop right into a number of other Honda / Acura vehicles. For example, a popular brake upgrade for 94-Up Integras is to use NSX front calipers, which apparently bolt right up to the Integra brackets. The front brake pads are also interchangeable with Accords, Integras and several other models, although the compounds may be different.

Hope this helps..

Good luck!


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All My NSX'es Live in Texas



[This message has been edited by NSXTC (edited 07 October 2002).]

 

[D'Ecosse]

Thanks for all your replies - much appreciated