Stops just as fast as a GTR. 06 Non brembo content
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,447
Likes: 0
From: Rapid City, SD Ellsworth AFB
Stops just as fast as a GTR. 06 Non brembo content
Ok ok so the title may be a little misleading. But anyway. For those of you with 06 non brembo's looking for extra bite in the braking performance category. Carbotech has your every need.
I recently purchased from Oakos Carbotech XP10 front and XP8 rear setup. I was at first a little skeptical about ordering from a company so far away, and not to mention, a company I was not familiar with. However, they have the best service I've used when ordering parts to date. Excellent customer service and quick shipping too with tracking numbers instantly.
I opened the box today and was surprised to see that UPS made no error in the shipment nor had carbotech in their packaging. The pads look incredibly beefy. My stock fronts are in fair condition. In such good condition the dealer decided that they passed their inspection and the dealer calls anything that's .00001 out of spec bad. The rear pads were below 1/4 of an inch so they were on their way out.
So the install went smooth. I talked to Oakos and also Carbotech and asked if I needed to install the shims. They assured me no. But I said hey **** it. They have the cut outs for them so I figured why not.
After I completed the job I went out for the bed in process. I forgot to go online to carbotech's website to check the bed in process but luckily carbotech had me covered and provided step by step instructions.
The bed in process, yes did happen on the street. I had no other options but there was no traffic or anything and speeds did not get excessive but I feel were good enough for the bed in.
The brakes instantly feel, bite, and grab much harder than the factory pads. To build up heat does not take long at all. Factory pads were alot smoother when initiating braking but we will see when the pads lose a little meat and smooth out the rotor.
The reason for my upgrade was I am unsatisfied with the performance of the factory pads. There is an excessive amount of glazing when spirit driving or even after doing a couple high speed runs and you approach a few quick turns. I won't comment just yet on how well they perform at higher speeds (85+) until this weekend when I really get to test them out (legally).
Now I do have a few questions. I feel these pads are excellent but almost too good of braking force and heat is what stirrs my curiosity about the factory rotors. What temps can the stock non brembo 06 rotors handle? The front pads are rated to 1650 and the rear are 1450 I believe. I don't want to cause stressing or cracking in my rotors. I keep checking after every stop to verify and they show no wear. But they also have only 38k miles with no track days but a good amount of hard braking on them.
The brake fluid. Should I upgrade to a DOT4 spec fluid? I'm seriously contemplating it for extra precausion especially for hotter lap days.
Lastly when you apply the brakes hard. Should you feel a slight vibration in the steering wheel? I feel this was normal as the shock wave sent through the chassis has to go somewhere and the place would be the wheels and tires which could send the vibration to the steering wheel.
Now the feeling isn't as hard or rough as a glazing effect but a tad softer and more controllable. I figured I will see what happens when the pads really break in.
Once again thanks to Oakos and Carbotech. Really makes me appreciate my Z so much more knowing that I don't have to worry about pad glazing or pads overheating.
If you have any questions don't hesitate to pm me.
I recently purchased from Oakos Carbotech XP10 front and XP8 rear setup. I was at first a little skeptical about ordering from a company so far away, and not to mention, a company I was not familiar with. However, they have the best service I've used when ordering parts to date. Excellent customer service and quick shipping too with tracking numbers instantly.
I opened the box today and was surprised to see that UPS made no error in the shipment nor had carbotech in their packaging. The pads look incredibly beefy. My stock fronts are in fair condition. In such good condition the dealer decided that they passed their inspection and the dealer calls anything that's .00001 out of spec bad. The rear pads were below 1/4 of an inch so they were on their way out.
So the install went smooth. I talked to Oakos and also Carbotech and asked if I needed to install the shims. They assured me no. But I said hey **** it. They have the cut outs for them so I figured why not.
After I completed the job I went out for the bed in process. I forgot to go online to carbotech's website to check the bed in process but luckily carbotech had me covered and provided step by step instructions.
The bed in process, yes did happen on the street. I had no other options but there was no traffic or anything and speeds did not get excessive but I feel were good enough for the bed in.
The brakes instantly feel, bite, and grab much harder than the factory pads. To build up heat does not take long at all. Factory pads were alot smoother when initiating braking but we will see when the pads lose a little meat and smooth out the rotor.
The reason for my upgrade was I am unsatisfied with the performance of the factory pads. There is an excessive amount of glazing when spirit driving or even after doing a couple high speed runs and you approach a few quick turns. I won't comment just yet on how well they perform at higher speeds (85+) until this weekend when I really get to test them out (legally).
Now I do have a few questions. I feel these pads are excellent but almost too good of braking force and heat is what stirrs my curiosity about the factory rotors. What temps can the stock non brembo 06 rotors handle? The front pads are rated to 1650 and the rear are 1450 I believe. I don't want to cause stressing or cracking in my rotors. I keep checking after every stop to verify and they show no wear. But they also have only 38k miles with no track days but a good amount of hard braking on them.
The brake fluid. Should I upgrade to a DOT4 spec fluid? I'm seriously contemplating it for extra precausion especially for hotter lap days.
Lastly when you apply the brakes hard. Should you feel a slight vibration in the steering wheel? I feel this was normal as the shock wave sent through the chassis has to go somewhere and the place would be the wheels and tires which could send the vibration to the steering wheel.
Now the feeling isn't as hard or rough as a glazing effect but a tad softer and more controllable. I figured I will see what happens when the pads really break in.
Once again thanks to Oakos and Carbotech. Really makes me appreciate my Z so much more knowing that I don't have to worry about pad glazing or pads overheating.
If you have any questions don't hesitate to pm me.
Ok ok so the title may be a little misleading. But anyway. For those of you with 06 non brembo's looking for extra bite in the braking performance category. Carbotech has your every need.
I recently purchased from Oakos Carbotech XP10 front and XP8 rear setup. I was at first a little skeptical about ordering from a company so far away, and not to mention, a company I was not familiar with. However, they have the best service I've used when ordering parts to date. Excellent customer service and quick shipping too with tracking numbers instantly.
I opened the box today and was surprised to see that UPS made no error in the shipment nor had carbotech in their packaging. The pads look incredibly beefy. My stock fronts are in fair condition. In such good condition the dealer decided that they passed their inspection and the dealer calls anything that's .00001 out of spec bad. The rear pads were below 1/4 of an inch so they were on their way out.
So the install went smooth. I talked to Oakos and also Carbotech and asked if I needed to install the shims. They assured me no. But I said hey **** it. They have the cut outs for them so I figured why not.
After I completed the job I went out for the bed in process. I forgot to go online to carbotech's website to check the bed in process but luckily carbotech had me covered and provided step by step instructions.
The bed in process, yes did happen on the street. I had no other options but there was no traffic or anything and speeds did not get excessive but I feel were good enough for the bed in.
The brakes instantly feel, bite, and grab much harder than the factory pads. To build up heat does not take long at all. Factory pads were alot smoother when initiating braking but we will see when the pads lose a little meat and smooth out the rotor.
The reason for my upgrade was I am unsatisfied with the performance of the factory pads. There is an excessive amount of glazing when spirit driving or even after doing a couple high speed runs and you approach a few quick turns. I won't comment just yet on how well they perform at higher speeds (85+) until this weekend when I really get to test them out (legally).
Now I do have a few questions. I feel these pads are excellent but almost too good of braking force and heat is what stirrs my curiosity about the factory rotors. What temps can the stock non brembo 06 rotors handle? The front pads are rated to 1650 and the rear are 1450 I believe. I don't want to cause stressing or cracking in my rotors. I keep checking after every stop to verify and they show no wear. But they also have only 38k miles with no track days but a good amount of hard braking on them.
The brake fluid. Should I upgrade to a DOT4 spec fluid? I'm seriously contemplating it for extra precausion especially for hotter lap days.
Lastly when you apply the brakes hard. Should you feel a slight vibration in the steering wheel? I feel this was normal as the shock wave sent through the chassis has to go somewhere and the place would be the wheels and tires which could send the vibration to the steering wheel.
Now the feeling isn't as hard or rough as a glazing effect but a tad softer and more controllable. I figured I will see what happens when the pads really break in.
Once again thanks to Oakos and Carbotech. Really makes me appreciate my Z so much more knowing that I don't have to worry about pad glazing or pads overheating.
If you have any questions don't hesitate to pm me.
I recently purchased from Oakos Carbotech XP10 front and XP8 rear setup. I was at first a little skeptical about ordering from a company so far away, and not to mention, a company I was not familiar with. However, they have the best service I've used when ordering parts to date. Excellent customer service and quick shipping too with tracking numbers instantly.
I opened the box today and was surprised to see that UPS made no error in the shipment nor had carbotech in their packaging. The pads look incredibly beefy. My stock fronts are in fair condition. In such good condition the dealer decided that they passed their inspection and the dealer calls anything that's .00001 out of spec bad. The rear pads were below 1/4 of an inch so they were on their way out.
So the install went smooth. I talked to Oakos and also Carbotech and asked if I needed to install the shims. They assured me no. But I said hey **** it. They have the cut outs for them so I figured why not.
After I completed the job I went out for the bed in process. I forgot to go online to carbotech's website to check the bed in process but luckily carbotech had me covered and provided step by step instructions.
The bed in process, yes did happen on the street. I had no other options but there was no traffic or anything and speeds did not get excessive but I feel were good enough for the bed in.
The brakes instantly feel, bite, and grab much harder than the factory pads. To build up heat does not take long at all. Factory pads were alot smoother when initiating braking but we will see when the pads lose a little meat and smooth out the rotor.
The reason for my upgrade was I am unsatisfied with the performance of the factory pads. There is an excessive amount of glazing when spirit driving or even after doing a couple high speed runs and you approach a few quick turns. I won't comment just yet on how well they perform at higher speeds (85+) until this weekend when I really get to test them out (legally).
Now I do have a few questions. I feel these pads are excellent but almost too good of braking force and heat is what stirrs my curiosity about the factory rotors. What temps can the stock non brembo 06 rotors handle? The front pads are rated to 1650 and the rear are 1450 I believe. I don't want to cause stressing or cracking in my rotors. I keep checking after every stop to verify and they show no wear. But they also have only 38k miles with no track days but a good amount of hard braking on them.
The brake fluid. Should I upgrade to a DOT4 spec fluid? I'm seriously contemplating it for extra precausion especially for hotter lap days.
Lastly when you apply the brakes hard. Should you feel a slight vibration in the steering wheel? I feel this was normal as the shock wave sent through the chassis has to go somewhere and the place would be the wheels and tires which could send the vibration to the steering wheel.
Now the feeling isn't as hard or rough as a glazing effect but a tad softer and more controllable. I figured I will see what happens when the pads really break in.
Once again thanks to Oakos and Carbotech. Really makes me appreciate my Z so much more knowing that I don't have to worry about pad glazing or pads overheating.
If you have any questions don't hesitate to pm me.
FYI, Oakos is a great place to shop. Back in my Subaru days, I've purchased things from them many times and they were always great to work with. They're a really good vendor. They used to sell their own, developed in house, short downpipe for the WRX which was of fantastic quality. I had that thing wrapped, pushing 23 psi and it never showed any signs of fatigue. I definitely recommend the as a vendor.
As far as vibration in the steering wheel, I do not think that is normal. If you're seeing some, it's possible that you have deposits from your old pads on the rotors or you bedded your new pads unevenly. When you did the procedure, did you get the brakes to fading point?
As far as vibration in the steering wheel, I do not think that is normal. If you're seeing some, it's possible that you have deposits from your old pads on the rotors or you bedded your new pads unevenly. When you did the procedure, did you get the brakes to fading point?
Last edited by Ziggyrama; Jul 9, 2010 at 01:48 AM.
The vibration in your steering wheel means you need new rotors. You could probably 'get by' by machining them but from what I'm told by my mechanic it's not a good idea for the Brembo rotors.
Great brake pads! I have them in my Brembo's and have no complaints on their performance as a track pad.
As for using the on the street... not a great idea but it is manageable.
Brake dust: It's terrible and will build up 5x as fast as street pads. If it gets wet and you let it dry (rain) it will almost never completely come off.
Noise: When I stop at low speeds with cold brakes it is almost enough to make someone's ear bleed if they are standing outside the car.
Stopping power: These pads work great hot or cold... if you're driving down the highway and have to slam on your brakes, watch your mirror or your Z is going to get a foot shorter.
I know all this from experience, I've had 3 track events relatively close to one another so I have just left my XP10's in for the past 1.5 months.
I don't have any ducts so on small circuits I overheat my front rotors all the time and get hard spots. I've had to have them machined twice so far. It's easy to avoid this, just don't stay out for too long of sessions. To find out if the vibration is from your rotors, increase your speed and brake moderately... if the vibration gets more intense than it is the surface of your rotors screwed up. Just get the 2 front machine for $40 (CDN) and you will be all set.
Yes put in some fresh brake fluid, the more aggressive pad generates a lot more heat. I think DOT-4 is okay but do your due diligence and find out; I can't recall exactly what I use.
As for using the on the street... not a great idea but it is manageable.
Brake dust: It's terrible and will build up 5x as fast as street pads. If it gets wet and you let it dry (rain) it will almost never completely come off.
Noise: When I stop at low speeds with cold brakes it is almost enough to make someone's ear bleed if they are standing outside the car.
Stopping power: These pads work great hot or cold... if you're driving down the highway and have to slam on your brakes, watch your mirror or your Z is going to get a foot shorter.
I know all this from experience, I've had 3 track events relatively close to one another so I have just left my XP10's in for the past 1.5 months.
I don't have any ducts so on small circuits I overheat my front rotors all the time and get hard spots. I've had to have them machined twice so far. It's easy to avoid this, just don't stay out for too long of sessions. To find out if the vibration is from your rotors, increase your speed and brake moderately... if the vibration gets more intense than it is the surface of your rotors screwed up. Just get the 2 front machine for $40 (CDN) and you will be all set.
Yes put in some fresh brake fluid, the more aggressive pad generates a lot more heat. I think DOT-4 is okay but do your due diligence and find out; I can't recall exactly what I use.
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,447
Likes: 0
From: Rapid City, SD Ellsworth AFB
Thanks everyone for the input.
I figured out the vibration problem. I must have not have did enough hard stops during the bed in so there may have been a pad just a hair (not even out of spec. The vibration is gone. Moderate braking is excellent as well as hard braking.
These brakes are not as loud as people make it seem. Now they are not quiet because under normal traffic braking you can hear them but you have to pay attention.
There is however alot of brake dust. I wash my Z very often so I don't care but for the sake of this review I feel its something you would want to know.
But my overall opinion is a 5/5 for the pads. My next upgrades will once again be focused on braking. I want to read more about rotor ducts for cooling and upgrading my DOT fluid. So hopefully that really prepares my car for HPDE season.
I figured out the vibration problem. I must have not have did enough hard stops during the bed in so there may have been a pad just a hair (not even out of spec. The vibration is gone. Moderate braking is excellent as well as hard braking.
These brakes are not as loud as people make it seem. Now they are not quiet because under normal traffic braking you can hear them but you have to pay attention.
There is however alot of brake dust. I wash my Z very often so I don't care but for the sake of this review I feel its something you would want to know.
But my overall opinion is a 5/5 for the pads. My next upgrades will once again be focused on braking. I want to read more about rotor ducts for cooling and upgrading my DOT fluid. So hopefully that really prepares my car for HPDE season.
Trending Topics
I remember reading about the Fresh Alloy project 350z and how they did a non Brembo brake upgraded setup. They replaced everything with "upgraded" parts and they still managed to overcook the rear brakes on a highspeed circuit. I also remember a Best Motoring vid I bought where they tested an '05 G35C with base brakes in a Tsukuba battle and the same result happened: overcooked rear brakes and fade on oem setup after only a couple of laps. I think for the street our base brakes are more than enough. For continuous lapping on a real circuit, I would invest in a monoblock, multi piston caliper, bigger 2 piece rotor setup.
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,447
Likes: 0
From: Rapid City, SD Ellsworth AFB
Excellent brakes. Incredible stopping power over OEM. The pads get better and better. There is an incredible amount of initial bite and even after that the car just wants to stop. Can't wait to do get some brake ducts fabricated up to cool off the rotors. But man I am highly impressed. It's been almost 200 miles since I installed them and these pads are definitely a great buy.
However, be ready to wash your wheels everyday as pad dust is horrible. But I don't care because the stopping power more then makes up for it. Also cruising in parking lots you hear the squeel and people do to. But as long as you know you're stopping fast that's all that matter.
Once again thanks to Oakos and Carbotech for excellent service and products. Carbotech send me a sticker damnit.
However, be ready to wash your wheels everyday as pad dust is horrible. But I don't care because the stopping power more then makes up for it. Also cruising in parking lots you hear the squeel and people do to. But as long as you know you're stopping fast that's all that matter.
Once again thanks to Oakos and Carbotech for excellent service and products. Carbotech send me a sticker damnit.
I'm surprised nobody has brought this up, but I think a GTR still has better brakes.
However, I'm glad you like the Carbotechs. They were good for me for a track day, but I quickly upgraded to Stoptech St-40 on the front. I immediately noticed a massive difference between the two, especially in pedal feel and feedback. I wish I could've gotten ST-60 on the front and ST-40 on the rear, but brakes get f***ing expensive.
Until you get stickier rubber and increase your skills you should be okay on the stock brakes. Fading and wear largely depends on the circuit and how you drive.
I agree that the stock brakes are sufficient, but since I have gone to Stoptechs braking has become the cars strong point instead of the weak. Anything short of a Z06 can't match the on track stopping power of the Z with Stoptech ST-40 and Dunlop Z1 Starspecs. On the other hand, the GTR stops from 60-0 in 104 feet, which is pretty damn hard to beat.
This link is pretty informative; http://www.zeckhausen.com/Testing_Brakes.htm
However, I'm glad you like the Carbotechs. They were good for me for a track day, but I quickly upgraded to Stoptech St-40 on the front. I immediately noticed a massive difference between the two, especially in pedal feel and feedback. I wish I could've gotten ST-60 on the front and ST-40 on the rear, but brakes get f***ing expensive.
Until you get stickier rubber and increase your skills you should be okay on the stock brakes. Fading and wear largely depends on the circuit and how you drive.
I agree that the stock brakes are sufficient, but since I have gone to Stoptechs braking has become the cars strong point instead of the weak. Anything short of a Z06 can't match the on track stopping power of the Z with Stoptech ST-40 and Dunlop Z1 Starspecs. On the other hand, the GTR stops from 60-0 in 104 feet, which is pretty damn hard to beat.
This link is pretty informative; http://www.zeckhausen.com/Testing_Brakes.htm
Awesome link sooner, that one is bookmarked! Its interesting to see the stopping distances hardly change (which is expected), but look at the temps! I've never seen real data like that. I think it also shows why front brake ducts are so important, as the temp bias from fr/rear is so great.
Vendor - Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Redondo Beach, CA
FWIW, a few years ago the JIC Magic 350Z stopped in 98 feet with our kit in a Sport Compact Car test.
http://www.stoptech.com/proven_techn...est_wins.shtml
the GTR is a heavy beast so it will always be at a disadvantage under braking, hence the giant brakes to handle the heat that gets developed. It will be much more reliant on tires for reduced braking distances than other cars which are easily hundreds of pounds lighter.
http://www.stoptech.com/proven_techn...est_wins.shtml
the GTR is a heavy beast so it will always be at a disadvantage under braking, hence the giant brakes to handle the heat that gets developed. It will be much more reliant on tires for reduced braking distances than other cars which are easily hundreds of pounds lighter.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Dark Knight
Wheels Tires
7
Nov 11, 2015 08:40 PM
