you can utilize your existing calipers and wheels if you upgrade to 94-97 brakes.
Brake upgrade
Hi there is a similar topic to this but i thought i'd post my concerns.
I want to retain running 14 inch wheels and so far i noticed the only big brake kit being marketed out there are the wilwoods. Is there something that fits 14 inch wheels? I know i would have to compromise with running reduced disc sizes to suit, but i was wondering what choice of calipers are out there that would be a significant improvement over the stock brakes.
Many Thanks
I want to retain running 14 inch wheels and so far i noticed the only big brake kit being marketed out there are the wilwoods. Is there something that fits 14 inch wheels? I know i would have to compromise with running reduced disc sizes to suit, but i was wondering what choice of calipers are out there that would be a significant improvement over the stock brakes.
Many Thanks
1 - 20 of 22 Posts
Since you don't list what year car you have, we don't know if you have a 94+ or not. If you have a 90-93, upgrading to the 1.8L brakes is about the only option.
The stock 14" wheels have nice clearance for the stock brakes. Anything larger won't fit.
Best thing you can do is upgrade to braided stainless lines, good pads and fresh fluid. Don't waste your money on drilled / slotted rotors. They are just bling on anything but a serious track car.
The stock 14" wheels have nice clearance for the stock brakes. Anything larger won't fit.
Best thing you can do is upgrade to braided stainless lines, good pads and fresh fluid. Don't waste your money on drilled / slotted rotors. They are just bling on anything but a serious track car.
Fixed that for yahDon't waste your money on drilled / slotted rotors. They are just bling.
Just what everyone else said. Even if you went to the brakes that are standard for 01+ cars, you'd be stuck with 15" or larger wheels.
Thanks guys....its a 92. Are there any other options besides the stock brakes?
I was actually more concerned about the calipers themselves, i.e if there aftermarket caliper kits for our cars.
But thanks again!
I was actually more concerned about the calipers themselves, i.e if there aftermarket caliper kits for our cars.
But thanks again!
nothing that wouldn't require larger diameter rims. What type of power are you running that you would require BBK?
Thanks for the advice so far, i greatly appreciate it.
You'd be shocked to know that *gasp*, the power levels are still stock and i plan to leave it that way for as long as possible.
Admittedly, my desire for some sort of quality aftermarket brake kit might not sound like a completely rationale one to some.
Let me try to give a number of reasons why.
1. I like the strong initial bite that big brake kits or rather more accurately, larger calipers with greater absolute biting force can give. I know i can somewhat replicate this using the larger brakes as you guys have mentioned, but what i dont want to do is to go down the simple route of upgraded pads and discs which provide greater brake response via a better coefficient of fiction.
2. One of the side benefits i like about complete bbks are the (typically) lighter weights of the aftermarket caliper and the (usual) 2 piece discs that result in noticably better steering feel.
3. My location makes it difficult to source 2nd hand miata bits, i could pick up the phone and order brand new, but i'd imagine that if i was going to shell out good money for brand new bits, i'd might as well go all the way with a good BBK. (I think the term BBK here is somewhat of a misnomer, since i am technically looking for something that can fit the 14s)
4. Further, the car is already 14 years old and i would prefer to replace worn bits with brand new ones, not something i'd have to worry about sometime down the road again.
I guess i am hoping to replicate my good experience i've had with 6 pot AP caliper kits on a Mitsubishi Evolution 8. I would imagine the beneficial effects would not be as great since the brake componentry on a miata do not weigh much in the first place.
Many Thanks again
You'd be shocked to know that *gasp*, the power levels are still stock and i plan to leave it that way for as long as possible.
Admittedly, my desire for some sort of quality aftermarket brake kit might not sound like a completely rationale one to some.
Let me try to give a number of reasons why.
1. I like the strong initial bite that big brake kits or rather more accurately, larger calipers with greater absolute biting force can give. I know i can somewhat replicate this using the larger brakes as you guys have mentioned, but what i dont want to do is to go down the simple route of upgraded pads and discs which provide greater brake response via a better coefficient of fiction.
2. One of the side benefits i like about complete bbks are the (typically) lighter weights of the aftermarket caliper and the (usual) 2 piece discs that result in noticably better steering feel.
3. My location makes it difficult to source 2nd hand miata bits, i could pick up the phone and order brand new, but i'd imagine that if i was going to shell out good money for brand new bits, i'd might as well go all the way with a good BBK. (I think the term BBK here is somewhat of a misnomer, since i am technically looking for something that can fit the 14s)
4. Further, the car is already 14 years old and i would prefer to replace worn bits with brand new ones, not something i'd have to worry about sometime down the road again.
I guess i am hoping to replicate my good experience i've had with 6 pot AP caliper kits on a Mitsubishi Evolution 8. I would imagine the beneficial effects would not be as great since the brake componentry on a miata do not weigh much in the first place.
Many Thanks again
Didnt someone swap out 3rd gen RX7 brakes on a 1st gen Miata at one time? I remember seeing it years ago, looked really great stuffed under there. Not sure if it was a 14 or 15 or even 16 inch wheel for that matter, but its still mazda parts, only better!
EDIT: forgot to mention this would require a FULL swap like lug conversion and the works!
EDIT: forgot to mention this would require a FULL swap like lug conversion and the works!
i have a similar question, i have a 15'' rim, on a 93, i was wondering is worth it or possible to upgrade to the 01's brakes? or should i just do 1.8 brakes?
thanks
simon
thanks
simon
Too vague of a question. Just because you have 15's does not mean you should upgrade your brakes. What you should do is start a new thread with a less vague question. Provide background info as to why you want to upgrade.
umm... i need bigger brakes, because i dont have enough stopping power.
i'm running 10 psi greddy turbo. and can't stop that well. i was wondering my options for brakes, i've seen alot of people use 1.8's, but i intend to increase my power even a bit more, so was wondering if the 01's brakes were an option or a good option.
simon
i'm running 10 psi greddy turbo. and can't stop that well. i was wondering my options for brakes, i've seen alot of people use 1.8's, but i intend to increase my power even a bit more, so was wondering if the 01's brakes were an option or a good option.
simon
That's a big assumption...umm... i need bigger brakes, because i dont have enough stopping power.
I'd look at your pads first, as going to bigger brakes (ie bigger rotors) isn't necessarily going to increase your stopping power. There are plenty of cars with relatively high power levels running just fine (and stopping as well) on stock 1.8 brakes.
Second, are you sure your entire braking system is in good working order? When was the last time the system was flushed? What pads are you running?
To answer your second question, folks wouldn't mention 01+ brakes if they weren't a workable option...
i say the 1.8 brakes with quality rotors as well as racing pads would/should work fine for daily driving and even some event stuff...
but if you are doing competition stuff, then go for the BBK.
the sport/mazdaspeed setup is a bit stronger than the 1.8s and they should be more than enough for daily driving with occasional events (drift, spirited runs, autocross, track days, etc)
TeRRy
but if you are doing competition stuff, then go for the BBK.
the sport/mazdaspeed setup is a bit stronger than the 1.8s and they should be more than enough for daily driving with occasional events (drift, spirited runs, autocross, track days, etc)
TeRRy
lol, try a higher heat coeffient pad.
there is no reason the stock brakes wont work well with a small diameter wheel.
there is no reason the stock brakes wont work well with a small diameter wheel.
in fact a an autoX/Track guy i know sort of well. which is a good driver, 'even beat a pro in his same car (some mag comp)',is selling his wilwood BBK, cause it wasnt what he thought he was looking for. he has stock power
i use stock or generic rotors , with a high bite pad(usually Hawk), and eat em up .
but i can run a downhill with confidence.
i use stock or generic rotors , with a high bite pad(usually Hawk), and eat em up .
but i can run a downhill with confidence.
my brake system is currently working fine, flushed it last month.
current setup:
rotora slotted rotars
rotra steel braided lines
axxis ultimate pads
i was on the track this weekend
and the car just seems like its stopping really well,
i guess it wasn't as noticable before, but with the recent power increases
it doesn't seem to work that great
simon
current setup:
rotora slotted rotars
rotra steel braided lines
axxis ultimate pads
i was on the track this weekend
and the car just seems like its stopping really well,
i guess it wasn't as noticable before, but with the recent power increases
it doesn't seem to work that great
simon
i just finished my 1.8 upgrade. Using Brembo blanks & HP+ pads. Never stopped so good. Cost me around $200 and can stop on a dime. Stopping at 140mph wasn't working out so well with my 1.6 rotors, now it should be easy breezy.
Sounds like maybe you should think even more aggressive pads than the Ultimates. However, as Braineack pointed out, the 1.8 brakes (94-00) will work fine. Since you have 15's, why not just go for the 01+ brakes and be done with it? The only issue I'd have is that 01+ cars have a larger Master Cylinder, and I'm not sure what a smaller MC with the big brakes would do.my brake system is currently working fine, flushed it last month.
current setup:
rotora slotted rotors
rotora steel braided lines
axxis ultimate pads
i was on the track this weekend
and the car just seems like its stopping really well,
i guess it wasn't as noticable before, but with the recent power increases
it doesn't seem to work that great
simon
hmm... maybe i should upgrade the brake master cylinder too...
so same thing goes for the 01 brakes?
i need caliper bracket rotars and pads?
simon
so same thing goes for the 01 brakes?
i need caliper bracket rotars and pads?
simon
1 - 20 of 22 Posts
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