Non BBK Brake Upgrade.

[Ubaderb]

What is the recommended brake upgrade that isn't a Porsche BBK kit? I am not really at the stage that I want to jump to a BBK setup. Is it just as simple as some Hawk pads, Zimmerman discs, and some steel brake lines? My car is purely a street car with the future possibility of a once a year track day.

[nahvkolaj]

After listening to some experienced minds here, I went with Zimmermans, PFC Z-series pads, and Bimmerworld stainless brake lines. I am loving the setup so far for the street. Haven't gotten an auto-x or track day on them yet. I am liking the PFC pads over the Stoptech Sport pads I have on my Z3.

[Estoril]

What are your brakes not doing?

[Ubaderb]

What are your brakes not doing?

Nothing necessarily. Finally have the time to get the car on jackstands and really look it over. Rotors and pads are definitely on the downward part of their lifespan. I’d for sure be happy with less brake dust.

[Estoril]

Nothing necessarily. Finally have the time to get the car on jackstands and really look it over. Rotors and pads are definitely on the downward part of their lifespan. I’d for sure be happy with less brake dust.

Less brake dust = less braking effectiveness. There are "low dust" pads that will do that. That is the opposite of the "upgrade" approach though.

If there is nothing lacking in your brakes, why not stay with what is working just fine.

Use "RejeX" on your wheels and they will stay pretty. It even fends off track pad dust.

[George Hill]

Less brake dust = less braking effectiveness. There are "low dust" pads that will do that. That is the opposite of the "upgrade" approach though.

If there is nothing lacking in your brakes, why not stay with what is working just fine.

Use "RejeX" on your wheels and they will stay pretty. It even fends off track pad dust.

This

[digger]

There is really no such thing as upgraded rotors, pads and lines for a pure street car if retaining stock calliper. The subjective improvement is just getting new bits vs old and a fresh fluid change and bleed

[heinzboehmer]

Agreed with all of the above. I like the stock textar pads for the street.

If you're doing track days, swap your brake fluid for some higher temp stuff (just flush it regularly) and get a set of track pads. Swap before heading to the track and swap back to street pads when you're back.

[Ubaderb]

I think I am tracking with what everyone is saying. Maybe I used upgrade as the wrong word. But to make sure I am following, are we saying that throwing on slightly more aggressive pads plus new rotors won't be any different than OEM rotors and pads?

[Estoril]

I think I am tracking with what everyone is saying. Maybe I used upgrade as the wrong word. But to make sure I am following, are we saying that throwing on slightly more aggressive pads plus new rotors won't be any different than OEM rotors and pads?

I'll repeat my earlier question: What are your brakes not doing?

I'm no fan of Hawk pads - but thats just me. The HPS and HP+ - oh hell no.

OE Textar pads work just fine on the street - which is your use model. SS lines don't improve braking. They just improve braking feel (which is lost on 90% of drivers IME). OE or Zimmerman rotors work just fine

Remember: "Brakes stop wheels. Tires stop cars"

[duperdog]

Agreed with all of the above. I like the stock textar pads for the street.

If you're doing track days, swap your brake fluid for some higher temp stuff (just flush it regularly) and get a set of track pads. Swap before heading to the track and swap back to street pads when you're back.

This ^^^

[Wernd]

An upgrade that's not a BBK would probably be doing the competition rotors and brackets up front with competition rear rotors and calipers. Coupled with SS lines, good fluid, and brass fittings will give you better pedal feel.