Front brake upgrade Mk2

G'day guys Im looking into getting new rotors, pads and lines for my car. The car is driven daily so the pads will need to work cold and I will be attending track days. I have never done any work on brakes so my knowledge is not very good.
 
At the moment I cannot afford a proper big brake upgrade so I want to do new rotors (old ones getting thin), pads and lines that will be an easy bolt-on, no hassle upgrade.
 
As far as pads go I was thinking EBC Redstuff but I am open to all opinions
 
For rotors I dont have much of an idea of what I should do, whether I get a solid standard replacement rotor or one that is slotted. Also am I right in thinking I would need a different caliper to have a vented rotor due to it being wider? Because ultimately vented (Im assuming) would be better as more heat would be let out.
 
And now to lines.....My current ones have cracks and I dont want a line failure on the track. I understand rubber lines can flex whilst braking but I have heard that braided lines are not legal here is SA and if that is the case I would rather neglect the better performance for a lower chance of getting defected and put through regency.
 
Any help would be much appreciated as I really do not have much idea and I need to get these brakes done before I go to Mallala on 30th September.
 
Cheers, Ryan

Thanks for that war,
 
In that case I will definitely go for a vented rotor being that simple. Am I better off getting a drilled and slotted rotor instead of a plain face? The benefit is obviously more surface area for better cooling but what are the downsides apart from cost and how much will the cooling be increased?
 
Cheers, Ryan

Thanks for the advice Rhys that's very helpful.
 
I just had a look on the EBC website and it seems as though the difference between green and red is the recommended power range. Green up to 200hp and red for heavier cars above 200hp. So I would DEFINITELY be in need of greens.
 
Oh ok thanks, I didn't realise that braided lines could be approved but in that case it might be a good option.
Ill contact the place in Keswick that sells those and get a price.
 
I believe its a private event as it was set up through someone a mate knows and there was a limit on how many cars.
Can't wait, its my first one and I bought some formula ford tyres to chuck on for the day.
 
Where did you buy your rotors from Rhys? Also was thinking ebay for the pads, they seem pretty cheap on there.
 
Cheers, Ryan

Hi Ryan,
 
I've got solid grooved discs, standard calipers & Ferodo DS2500 pads on my Mk2.
I don't get any fade on the track - but only 115 rwhp, so wouldn't have the speed of some!
Pads need a bit of heat, so not ideal for the street.
 
Cheers, Gregg

I'm trying to remember about rotors, possibly someone of this forum? Or through their work. 
 
Ring around RDA rotors are quite cheap.
 
Brake lines sounds very cheap....check thats not each line? Mine were about $60/line 7-8 years or so ago. If that's correct, that's a great deal.
 
You're doing the right thing sorting brakes and getting some tires with grip. 
 
You'll have a ball!
 
Rhys

As it turns out the price quoted for the lines was each, not for the lot. Feel pretty silly now but I must have misunderstood the bloke.
 
So my brakes are ordered and here is the list:
 
Braided Lines (Black in colour) $90 each
 
RDA rotors drilled, slotted, dimpled and heat treated $100 each
 
EBC Greens pads $110 pair
 
I'm pretty happy with that in the end, I chose to go for a solid rotor in the end mostly to make it easier for me to fit and also I will be setting up some ducting for the track. With others getting no fade with more power and a solid disc I'm sure my car will be fine with this set up.
 
Thankyou to all who helped out and offered their opinions, your help has been greatly appreciated.
 
I will let you know what I think when they are fitted and after the track day.
 
Cheers, Ryan

This is great reading - "Pulp Friction" by Grassroots Motorsports.
 
The article is in the form of 6 jpegs close to the bottom of this page:
http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/brake_FAQ.htm
 
Sure changed my mind about what I was about to do with my brakes.  After doing a bunch of calculations and ending up within a few percent of what I already had, I saved myself a very tidy sum of money and a whole lot of aggravation.

Brakes are now fitted.
 
I am very happy with the difference it has made. I am a lot more confident with the car now knowing when I step on the pedal it will actually stop as it should. I have only driven short distances so far but I can tell that the more heat I get into them the grippier they are. Also I don't need to put anywhere near as much force through the pedal as I did before.
 
Really happy with the results, thank you again for everybody's input, your help has been very much appreciated. I would very much recommend this setup as a cheap upgrade, it has made a world of difference.
 
Cheers, Ryan