Suspension/Brake Upgrades?
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1
Suspension/Brake Upgrades?
I've poured over threads on these topics numerous times and googled the crap out of it in prep for the eventual... and now its necessary/needed.
Here's what I need for sure:
1. New Rotors/pads - Front/Rear
2. New Struts Front for sure but...Might as well do ALL 4
3. New Up/Low Intake Gaskets
Here's what I'm Thinking:
1. R1 Concepts Premium Slotted Rotors / Ceramic pads (brand eh?)
2. Bilstein HD Struts (parts#F4-VE3-F315-H0//F4-VE3-F316-H0)
3. GM Aluminum Gaskets
Any technicalities I should know of with this line of thinking before going ahead? I've been saving for a long while and want to put the best upgrades I possibly can on my 04 MonteSS to get it back to "like new and then some."
What I'd like to do in the future (sooner rather than later if possible) is to Upgrade the suspension Sway bars/Springs, exhaust, add a functional ramAir hood, F-body or just better calipers.... anything that will make it handle tight, squeeze out the most HP without serious engine mods, and stop on a dime...
Just need feedback/comments/suggestions/links anything...
ALL Help is appreciated!! I'm not trained in any specific auto work but I do know I'm a quick learner... I see it done right once and I'll remember the next time no doubt. (I've got a haynes manual handy also)
Here's what I need for sure:
1. New Rotors/pads - Front/Rear
2. New Struts Front for sure but...Might as well do ALL 4
3. New Up/Low Intake Gaskets
Here's what I'm Thinking:
1. R1 Concepts Premium Slotted Rotors / Ceramic pads (brand eh?)
2. Bilstein HD Struts (parts#F4-VE3-F315-H0//F4-VE3-F316-H0)
3. GM Aluminum Gaskets
Any technicalities I should know of with this line of thinking before going ahead? I've been saving for a long while and want to put the best upgrades I possibly can on my 04 MonteSS to get it back to "like new and then some."
What I'd like to do in the future (sooner rather than later if possible) is to Upgrade the suspension Sway bars/Springs, exhaust, add a functional ramAir hood, F-body or just better calipers.... anything that will make it handle tight, squeeze out the most HP without serious engine mods, and stop on a dime...
Just need feedback/comments/suggestions/links anything...
ALL Help is appreciated!! I'm not trained in any specific auto work but I do know I'm a quick learner... I see it done right once and I'll remember the next time no doubt. (I've got a haynes manual handy also)
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 9
I'll say the same thing here that I said in another brake question thread
I also have a 2008 Impala and I have the EBC slotted and dimpled rotors on it with standard Napa pads and the combo is great...
I too was on the hunt for a high quality rotor that would not warp on me like the stock POS GM rotors that came on it. I also have a 1995 Mustang that I race and use the same EBC slotted and dimpled rotors and they have treated me very well and they have once again proved themselves on my Impala.
I went with the Napa pads because I have personally had quality problems with EBC Pads... 2 instances of friction material separated from the backing plate and 1 where the backing plate was actually misformed.
I have had the EBC rotors on the car for over 30,000 miles with no problems and very little to no brake dust.
I too was on the hunt for a high quality rotor that would not warp on me like the stock POS GM rotors that came on it. I also have a 1995 Mustang that I race and use the same EBC slotted and dimpled rotors and they have treated me very well and they have once again proved themselves on my Impala.
I went with the Napa pads because I have personally had quality problems with EBC Pads... 2 instances of friction material separated from the backing plate and 1 where the backing plate was actually misformed.
I have had the EBC rotors on the car for over 30,000 miles with no problems and very little to no brake dust.
Monte Of The Month -- May 2012
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,943
From: Mountains of Utah
Use the Wagner ThermoQuiet brake pads. They are the best in my opinion, the hotter they get the better they will grip, great stopping power.
The Centric brakes performance division's "Stop Tech" slotted rotors are kick *** quality too.....just in case your looking for the higher end rotors about $280 for the front and $280 for the rear on average.
Might as well get the F1 calipers now and buy the nice brake pads to fit them. You will enjoy the decreased braking distance.
As far as cheap horse power, if the engine can breath and exhale easier it will perform better.Air intake and a slightly larger exhaust system and for a few bucks get a programmer to tweak things around and pick up some relatively cheap horsepower. Much beyond that your opening up the motor. Best of luck to you
The Centric brakes performance division's "Stop Tech" slotted rotors are kick *** quality too.....just in case your looking for the higher end rotors about $280 for the front and $280 for the rear on average.
Might as well get the F1 calipers now and buy the nice brake pads to fit them. You will enjoy the decreased braking distance.
As far as cheap horse power, if the engine can breath and exhale easier it will perform better.Air intake and a slightly larger exhaust system and for a few bucks get a programmer to tweak things around and pick up some relatively cheap horsepower. Much beyond that your opening up the motor. Best of luck to you
Last edited by ZIPPY02; Sep 30, 2011 at 12:26 AM.
Can't spell PIMP without an MP
Monte Of The Month -- November 2010
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,626
From: Grove City, Ohio
When I put on my turbo, it was necessary for me to switch over to the FE2 suspension from the Grand Prix GXP and the GTO. I know that we start out with the FE4 suspension, but I LOVE the new way that my car handles. It uses the same springs but different tower assemblies along with a different sway bar and end links. Kevin told me that it was actually an upgrade, but I thought he was blowing smoke. The geometry is a lot different than it was before.
Edit: You apparently have an '04... This may not apply to you at all...
Edit: You apparently have an '04... This may not apply to you at all...
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