i gotta 2004 intimidator with the stock 17 inch chrome wheels and i’m looking to get better brakes and not have to run spacers or get new wheels, i really like the stock wheels and they’re in great condition, i know zzp sells crossed and drilled rotors but i haven’t found any bigger calipers that would fit with my wheels without and modifications, they would all require me to run spacers, does anyone know of any other options?

 

The "13 inch" GXP brake setup fits some 17" wheels. Not sure if anyone has tried it with these OEM wheels or not, but if nothing else perhaps you could buy a used set and sell if it doesn't work (without being out much more than shipping cost)? IMO it's a bit of a long shot though - seems like more 17s don't clear than do.

The F body dual piston caliper upgrade will work with your stock 12" rotors, but there is a definite difference in pedal feel (not in a good way). The difference does turn some folks off to this route.

I wouldn't bother with drilled / slotted brakes as an 'upgrade' - the stopping power is dictated by the pad compound. Enormous numbers of amateur track racers use blank rotors. If youre concerned with brake cooling for repeat hard stops, cooling ducting is what you'd want.

Changing to a more race oriented pad (which often comes with other downsides - dust and noise, depending how far you go) is the way to improve braking performance. That's assuming your tires can hold it (no idea what you run, but on this type of platform it seems like more people than not run fairly low performance / high mileage all seasons, so I always mention it).

If you're after better stopping, Id go with a combo of a more track oriented pad and grippier tires. JMO

 

ah okay i appreciate your info it’s my daily right now, eventually i plan on doing performance mods a long time from now, still a few things i need to fix up first, but i have lowered it on some coil overs, stiffer sway bars, and i plan on getting performance rated tires, just waiting on my tires to loose all their tread, but i figure i could upgrade brakes too. Atleast right now i want to do better cooling and then later on get new wheels and upgrade the calipers what do you thing are my best options for pads i dont really mind the dust or the noise im always cleaning those wheels

 

What coils you using?

 

For a basically stock power street only car, I wouldn't go crazy then. I know you mention you're OK with dust and noise, but serious track pads are likely FAR beyond what you're thinking. They also tend to do worse when cold which is where your brakes are likely spending most of of time.

What is it that you don't like about your current brakes / is causing you to want to upgrade?


I will say I run Carbotech pads on my performance vehicles - 1521 series on my pure street stuff. But there are lots of brands that'll likely meet your needs - Hawk is another major performance pads company as is Powerstop.

 

Agree, use the 2002 Camaro dual piston calipers on the front, no spacers required. . I don't have any adversion to the braking performance, seem to be decent to me. I run the EBC "Yellow Stuff" brake pads, perform nicely, litle to no fade when you have them heated up. Used other brands, and after they were hot, you had to get out of it well before the cornering / braking situation developed. Use the ATE Super brake fluids.
Bumpin is right in that tires have a big say in your ability to maintain road contact. I still use my stock GM 5 spoke diamond cut 16" wheels too.

 

Powerstop, Bumpin mentioned... Ive always used their rotors and pads and always recommend them. -But there is a but.

The last set of pads I got from them (plain ceramic) are not nearly as good quality as ive come to expect. I cant do more than two (slightly harder than) normal stops from 100 without pretty much losing the brakes to fade. Before, I could do it back to back and I dont really remember ever having any fade.

Just figured Id mention it since theyre being considered. Possibly..

 

i’m using the zzp coil overs

 

Yeah it’s a street car, my brakes are fine but i brake pretty heavily a lot and they get really hot. I would like having better brakes but if its a pain to do on a street car it’s no problem they’re good enough, but i would like to look into better cooling right now. Would it be worth it to get the crossed and drilled rotors in my case? or do you know any better ways to cool them cause i tend to get them pretty dang hot

 

Okay yeah it’s most likely gonna stay as a street car but i drive a lot faster than i should and mash the brakes harder than i should so i guess im just looking for something slightly better than stock not anything crazy the stock brake are good enough but i get them pretty dang hot sometimes. What do you think my best option are for pads and rotors i’m not gonna be taking it on track anytime soon so i guess im just looking for something that can just taking a beating on the street better than the stock ones can