I'm thinking of getting a Wilwood big brake kit for my 03 SRT-4. My car is mostly stock, and street driven. The reason I'm thinking of making the upgrade is because my stock calipers went bad once before, which in turn caused the rotor to get chewed up and I ended up replacing the calipers, rotors, and pads.

I think the same thing is happening again, and I figure it will cost me about $150 more for the Wilwood kit but maybe it will be worth it in the long run since it will include calipers, pads, and rotors for the front plus new brake lines. I would still have to spend another $100 to replace the rear pads and rotors.

1.) Does anyone have the Wilwood kit and what do you think of it?

2.) Does anyone have any other suggestions?

3.) Has anyone else had problems with the stock calipers?

 

Why are the stockers failing? Do you road race?

I have 60K on my stockers. I drag and occasionally auto cross. I have only put new pads on the front once, so far. IMO stock brakes are pretty good and usually need only Hawk pads for a nice performance increase for anything short of road racing.

 

I have Ksports bbk and I luv it. I know the stockers are good but these are way way better

 

Hmm. I think I will just replace the pads & rotors for now and see what happens.

I remember when the original calipers were going bad, I could feel the brakes grab slightly as the car was rolling in neutral. It's not really doing this now. It's just making a grinding noise when I stop (it still stops okay) and it squeaks a little while I'm cruising.

Any opinions on pads? I know Hawk are really good. What about Raybestos Quiet Stop, Satisfied Pro Ceramic, Duralast Gold Cmax, Pro Stop Ceramic? I don't want to spend crazy money on them, just decent ceramic pads that are a littlte better than stock.

Thanks!

 

If the brakes are grinding, it sounds like you've gone too far and they are down to the metal.

If you are not road racing, standard but better than the el cheapo pads are fine. I'd recommend spending a little more dong and go to ceramics as they keep your wheels a lot cleaner. They stop just the same as regular pads. You dont need Hawks if you dont race.

Of note; when you buy rotors, even stock replacements, it pays to go with the higher quality ones. The metal is a lot better and will not warp as easy.

With brakes, like tires, you generally get what you pay for.

 

porterfield r4s pads....best pads i've ever used. great stopping power, not too dusty, and no squeeking.