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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 367
CEG\'er
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OP
CEG\'er
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 367 |
BAT inc offers an brake upgrade kit for us small rotor zetec guys. It basically consists of the larger 278mm rotors, brackets that will move my existing caliper â??outâ?, and their pads. My question: is it worth the 350 bucks? I donâ??t auto-x or have any need to show off big brakes. I do want a little better braking however and that is why I was thinking about the kit. For my application would it be just as acceptable to buy some really good pads and upgrade the lines to the BAT steel lines?
I appreciate your thoughts and opinions on this. I will be buying the BAT strut & spring kit and know that this will have a positive impact on my braking. My old and most likely stock springs and struts are toasted. I will also be getting new lower ball joints.
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 322
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 322 |
My personal opinion on the price is: no, it's not worth it. If you find a set of caliper brackets from a 98.5+ SVT or a 99+ Cougar (w/ the larger brakes), then you can simply buy the rotors and pads of your choosing. I was able to do the entire setup using (fairly) new EO calipers, Brembo rotors, and Bendix TiMetallic pads for about $220. Even if you needed to buy the brackets from Ford, that would only drive your total cost to maybe $280ish.
The size difference is definitely noticeable though... and a great upgrade.
-Chris
2000 SE Sport V6 5spd
(all stock except for EO brakes)
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 322
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 322 |
Oh, and PM Stazi for his brakes. I don't have them, but everyone here highly recommends them, and the prices are competitive.
-Chris
2000 SE Sport V6 5spd
(all stock except for EO brakes)
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 540
Veteran CEG\'er
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Veteran CEG\'er
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 540 |
If you're not going to use the bigger brakes (i.e. auto-x, open track, etc.) I would not spend the money. There are some very good pads out there that will give you a noticeable improvement in performance.
'98 SVT Red/midnight blue - a few mods
E0 wheels for sale - PM me
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,693
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,693 |
The brackets from Ford are not cheap. I think they are up around $175.00. Some have posted that they have found used Cougar brackets from a wrecking yard for much less.
Jim Johnson
98 SVT
03 Escape Limited
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 367
CEG\'er
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OP
CEG\'er
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 367 |
So is the consensus that it is worth upgrading the rotor size even though I won't be doing any competitive driving? I mean worth it over the stock rotor, really good pads, and braided steel lines?
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 540
Veteran CEG\'er
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Veteran CEG\'er
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 540 |
I say no, it's not worth it.
'98 SVT Red/midnight blue - a few mods
E0 wheels for sale - PM me
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 7,117
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 7,117 |
Originally posted by Hdbngr8: I say no, it's not worth it.
Likely correct, but let me qualify that....
If you've done anything that might hamper your braking ability, like 17" or larger wheels & their greater rotational inertia, you might consider the upgrade to get you back to stock or better braking performance.
One thing I was considering was the FSVT 300mm front brake upgrade. Seemed a significant benefit for the money. I still worry about the spacers required & will request a report from one of our CEGer friends soon.
Must be that jumbly-wumbly thing happening again.
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,292
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,292 |
i upgraded to the e0 calipars...and there is a difference..and worth it..350 worth it? prob not..if you can do if for around 200 than i'd say yes...
"Youth ages, immaturity is outgrown, ignorance can be educated, and drunkenness sobered, but STUPID lasts forever."-Aristophanes.
--93 pgt,headers,intake,borla=14.9 1/4mile
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,197
I have no life
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I have no life
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,197 |
Focus swap! Best bang for the $.
-'96 SE MTX 3L
-'98 SVT 1,173 of 6,535
-'05 Mazda 6s, loaded, g/f's ride
-Need a 96-00 manual on CD? PM or email me
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