I am considering an upgrade from my stock 993 brakes to Big Reds?

Anyone have experience with this upgrade? Was it worth it? I do spend a bunch of time on the track.

Thanks for any replies...

Don

 

Lots of info in the archives, do a search for more specific info. Generally it is not neccesary and the benefits are not noticeable unless you are tracking your car. If you just want red brakes there are cheaper ways to do that also.

 

Don

I've done it, and as Greg says there are better ways to get a bigger performance bang for your buck. Do it after you've sorted out suspension, rims/tires, flywheel, gearbox.

 

Unless you are currently experiencing brake fade on the track, your money is probably better spent elsewhere.

 

I`ve done it as well on a 964 as I had to change/repair my discs/rotors and calipers.
With the standard suspension and tyres it actually made things worse but with subsequent upgrades to the suspension and using cup tyres makes more sense. I can now run on track and not worry about warped discs/rotors or fade or changing pads or boiling brake fluid. 10 track days, 1000+ track miles and I`m only half way through the standard porsche pads.
For me it`s saved time, money and effort not having to mess around with the brake issues trackdays throw up.
As above, I would make other changes first but if the track is a big part of your driving time then it is worthwhile,
All IMHO.

(H+R coilovers, Michelin sport cups, Big reds f+r 965 f, 964RS r discs/rotors)

 

I have them on my car from the previous owner...the stopping power at the track is awesome, especially wkith the ABS kicking in. Very good for late braking. I cannot compare the Big Reds to stock 993 brakes since the Big Reds have been on since day one (1). Ther is a complete set for sale on Rennlist Classifieds to include calipers and rotors for about $1,200, a real steal in my humble opinion. And in addition, they look awesome as well.

The down side, a set of Pagid Orange pads is about $400, and the replacement rotors are at least $150 a piece. If you want to go fast/stop fast, the wallet has to give a little. Good luck with the possible project.

<img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

 

Ditto!

They are awesome (performance) and look very sharp!

<img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

 

Greg Fishman and Temple have given the best advice on this. Your money is better spent elsewhere for sure. However, if you want them for looks, you can always have the calipers <a href="http://p-car.com/caliper/" target="_blank">painted</a>.

 

So what do the venerable Messrs Fishman and Temple propose as their personal choices for mods in priority order?

 

Don:

Assuming you are using OEM wheels, the upgrade is very easy as it is a direct bolt on. The service manual strongly recommends that you install new bolts on the front calipers anytime they are removed. Like others have indicated, I am not sure there is a huge performance increase in braking and because the caliper piston sizes are a different ratio as compared to stock 993 calipers, you get much more front brake bias than stock. Removing the brake biasing valve is one solution. Another solution is to purchase factory RS rear calipers (red) with 993 TT (also red) front calipers which closely approximate stock piston ratios. The look is very nice IMO.

Hank