What kind of brakes/rotors do you have/suggest?

[tunersteve]

I'm thinking of upgrading/replacing my brakes on my 2003 ES, since today whenever I stop, i get the "nails on chalkboard" sound from my front brakes. Since they appear to be going bad, I'm thinking of going with a cross-drilled/slotted setup and some better pads, since I plan on autocrossing when the suspension is finished. I know there are some people out there who've already spent the time and money to do this, and I was wondering where and what they purchased, so that I might be able to get a good setup and save some money at the same time. Ive checked Protege Garage, Perfomance Center, CorkSport and I'm not sure where else to look. Any suggestions or direction would be great.

[SciFiMan]

Well, later today I'm ordering Powerslot rotors. Currently running stock rotors but they've been turned once and it's time for a new set as these are warping (58K miles). I get in about 3-4 autox per year as time allows.

Right now I have the front Hawk HPS pads (rear drums are still stock) which have worked great. Still undecided about pads but I may just get the Mazda pads this time around since they are actually quite good. Or I'll just get the Hawks again, and possibly SS brake lines. You should also consider changing to DOT4 fluid for the higher temp rating.

[tunersteve]

I broke down today and ordered the KVR cross-drilled rotors from Corksport, as well as the Carbon Fiber brake pads. I only ordered the front ones for now, since I dont have a huge budget on my credit card, but I plan on redoing the rear brakes next month when the front ones are paid off. I paid $174 for the set of front rotors, and $54 for the pads. How much were you planning on spending on the Powerslots?

[SciFiMan]

The same, about $180 for the fronts. Seems to be the going price.

[protegerider18]

This website has alot of Protege Performance parts too
http://www.shaneracing.com/protege.htm

[99 Pro]

Are the KVR rotors the same size as the stock rotors? Also, do the carbon fibre brake pads provide better stopping power than normal? I also am in need of some brake pads, and I figured that I might as well get new rotors as well. Any info on these KVR's would be great.

[tunersteve]

I'm not sure yet, they were just delivered to my house tonight, but they appear to be the same size as stock. I plan on installing them tomorrow and i'll keep you posted on how things come out.

[99 Pro]

Did you install em yet Hiroll?

[tunersteve]

Yep, installed them Thursday night, very easy to do and a vast improvement over the stock pads. The only part that took time was removing the thin metal plates on the old pads, and securing them to the new ones. As far as stopping, they seem to be much better when initially stopping, they grab instantly and feel great. I'm definitely going to do the rear set soon just to finish off the project.

[MotegiMazdA]

Ive got powerslot I love them, the rims arent near as dirty anymore :)

[Nos]

So what kind of brake pads would you put with the power slot rotor ? I want something that brakes alot , does'n whine or squick while braking and that does'n cover the rims with a black powder .

[MotegiMazdA]

I actually just used OEM Mazda pads. Though I have been told there are kevlar ones out there that leave virtually no residue and have awesome braking power

[Nos]

I actually just used OEM Mazda pads. Though I have been told there are kevlar ones out there that leave virtually no residue and have awesome braking power


So does it brake more then stock rotors ?

[kvman50]

I bought front & rear slotted / cross drilled rotors off ebay (irotors.com) for $200. They were delivered promptly, after all expenses - shipping, exchange rate (Canadian eh) they were less than $400 Can. They are the stock sizes, went on easily, I installed Hawk HPS pads... the car has awesome braking power... no fade, a slight whirring sound, look great. Worth it!
David

[MotegiMazdA]

i love the whirring sound, they brake better IMO

[Serjical]

Just out of curiousity, how does everyone's stock brakes work? I thought that the Protege would atleast be above mediocre on braking, but my car's braking is pretty bad. I can slam on the brakes and be fine without a seatbelt, because the car still goes, and takes a little longer than I'd want before coming to a complete stop. I don't know if this is a matter of just replacing the brake pads, or whether i should be upgrading my rotors or brake lines.

[Action Jackson]

Just out of curiousity, how does everyone's stock brakes work? I thought that the Protege would atleast be above mediocre on braking, but my car's braking is pretty bad. I can slam on the brakes and be fine without a seatbelt, because the car still goes, and takes a little longer than I'd want before coming to a complete stop. I don't know if this is a matter of just replacing the brake pads, or whether i should be upgrading my rotors or brake lines.

I've done a few lapping days with OEM rotors but upgraded pads.

Even if you just upgrade the front pads to something like the KVR pads they'll work fine.

[MotegiMazdA]

My stock brakes were fine. The only problem I had was the master cylinder went and the caliper locked up but that was after 3 years of hard driving and braking, thats when I upgraded

[SciFiMan]

What year are you? I'm a 2003 LX with 59200 miles; my stock brakes and pads worked great, way above average for a economy sedan on the street. Did a couple autox on them also but with the stock RE92 tires so they where in no way stressed. Since then had stock rotors and Hawk HPS pads and pedal feel and modulation are still the same high level, but with better bite from the pads.

Maybe your pads are glazed, or you need them bled, or mushie brake lines...


Just out of curiousity, how does everyone's stock brakes work? I thought that the Protege would atleast be above mediocre on braking, but my car's braking is pretty bad. I can slam on the brakes and be fine without a seatbelt, because the car still goes, and takes a little longer than I'd want before coming to a complete stop. I don't know if this is a matter of just replacing the brake pads, or whether i should be upgrading my rotors or brake lines.

[john36]

just got my powerlot rotors with hawk hps brake pads and love them. i would definetly recoment them.

[kvman50]

The stock brakes on my 2002 P5 were very good, better than most compact cars. But you can always get better brakes. I agree with SciFiMan... glazed pads or rotors? If the pedal is spongy, then bleed the brakes. But slotted /cross drilled is definitely higher perf!
David