So I was driving in NC this weekend, with some friends (s2000 and CL-S) on Wayah rd, which is amazing! the roads were amazing and I could really feel what the Z could do handling wise. I didnt feel I was relying on the brakes too much or even using them too hard, but they got too hot and felt like they gave out. It at first felt like the power steering went out, but it hadn't. they were just overheated. At any rate, luckily i have navi so i could see there was a switchback coming up so i braked early and did not run in to a tree around the turn. I realize my next mod is going to be brakes. Is there really that much of a difference b/w the '03 brakes and the '06 brakes. I was thinking about upgrading to '06 brakes and a stage 2 stoptech brake upgrade for them. but if the '06 brakes do not make much difference to begin with, i will probably try to find a cheap used BBK on the forums. anyone know how much of a difference there is b/w stock 06 and stock 03 calipers/rotors. BTW I know the specs of them both, but im curious as far as actual application in performance driving.

 

Is you car manual or auto ? Were you down shifting as well ? Going down the mountain using only your brakes could be a costly mistake . You have to down shift and use engine braking to assist your brakes . Try this next time your in the mountains and you will see a huge difference in how your brakes feel and perform .

 

I felt i was barely using my brakes except when enterting a hairpin turn, the road wasnt that steep, but more curvy. I used engine braking whenever possible. Im sure it wasnt driver error, I was being very conservative on the brakes. The factory 2003 brakes are just underpowered for what i want. any advice on new brakes?..oh yeah its a manual

 

yea they suck, our brakes r genereally underpowered except the brembos. wut u had, was brake fade. either get a big brake kit (often called bbk around here) but those r costly. or u can get a brake upgrade, which includes stainless lines, slotted/drilled rotors, pads, and brake fluid. costs around $500. oh and caliper covers 2 lol

 

I've an '06(non-Brembo) and drive the twisties everyday, sometimes very agressively. At 20,000 miles I have not experienced any problems. The standard front '06 brakes are significantly bigger than the '03-'05 and rears slightly better. The Brembos haven't changed and of course are still superior to standards for more reason than size alone.

 

Except they squeal like hell!!!

 

i think I may just upgrade to the '06 with a stoptech upgrade. Anyone have a set of '06 brake calipers for sale?

 

Sounds like you need SS lines more than anything.. but yeah, going with the whole upgrade won't hurt either.