KSport brakes - are they any good?
09 April 2008, 07:54 AM
#31
Theyre made in Taiwan, not China. Very significant difference as the quality of produce from Taiwan tends to be much higher than equivilent products from China unless the Chinese manufacturers have quality control and design implemented and enforced by an outside agent.
KSports are cheaper because they only produce a small range of calipers so design, development and production costs are very low due to economies of scale. Wages are also very low and KSport work on high turnover rather than large margins so can sell at a very very competitive price.
Zen approached us after seeing the brake kits for themselves and could see no reason why they would be inferior in performance to any other brand (without going to ceramic, water cooled etc). Kevin Atkins, winner of last years Time Attack Club, also runs KSport all round, 356mm front, 330mm rear. He swapped from standard rear and AP 363mm fronts. He says that ultimate braking force is similar but that the car npow brakes with much greater stability. It no longer nose dives under braking which makes corner entry far more stable and therefore ultimate car performance has been improved upon.
We have been running KSport brakes on our own cars for years. Our most serious in house test car is a Skyline that we have had running 593bhp. The cars done more track days that I can shake a stick at and Apex has spent 10s of thousands doing our own in house testing to make sure the products are upto the job. The Skylines now bright yellow and running a small block Chevy race engine with 531bhp and 480lb/ft of torque. Youll see it out in EDC and Time Attack this year as well as various other events.
Skyline
Skyline V8
Youtube footage of the car in the wet finals at Time Attack, 2wd and a V8 suck at getting power down when it slippery!
We also run a couple of S13 Time Attack cars and, of course, our Impreza. Our Impreza came 12th out of 44 in the first session at Time Attack this weekend with road road trim and just over 300bhp! Not bad at all. Sadly it then destroyed a big end bearing so didnt compete for the rest of the day. All our cars run our coilovers and KSport brakes amongst many other Apex parts.
Our Impreza
S13
S13 2
We had one rotor failure early on in the development process but the rotor material and design has been completely altered and we have had 100% reliablity since.
We have NEVER had one reported caliper failure, no sticking pistons, no leaking seals, nothing.
We get the odd rotors coming back due to vibration but these are very few and far between and are generally due to pad despits build up, something you will get with any and every brand of braking system, its part and parcel of driving cars hard on a race track.
Im trying very hard to be objective here and give give solid info and not subjective opinion. One of the Apex cars in an Nissan 200SX S14. Its being built as a top end car, its not a budget build. £10ks worth of Tomei 2.2 solid lifter engine, £5k Quaiffe 6 speed sequential gearbox, £1400 triple plate Giken clutch, £1k Quaiffe diff, Motec M800, £3k Trust T78 turbo kit, £4k+s worth of roll cage and seam welding etc. The car is currently sat on brand new AP 363mm front and 330mm rear brakes as when the brakes were purchased we had just started doing KSport (its been a long term build!). I have absolutely no qualms about selling the APs on and fitting KSport and is exactly what Im going to do. It will save me a huge chunk of cash and the car will brake just as well as on the big brand stuff.
Car as it currently stands
Tomei engine with T78
Quaiffe 6 speed sequential box
Huge Greddy intercooler, 150mm deep
Fuel system install
KSports are cheaper because they only produce a small range of calipers so design, development and production costs are very low due to economies of scale. Wages are also very low and KSport work on high turnover rather than large margins so can sell at a very very competitive price.
Zen approached us after seeing the brake kits for themselves and could see no reason why they would be inferior in performance to any other brand (without going to ceramic, water cooled etc). Kevin Atkins, winner of last years Time Attack Club, also runs KSport all round, 356mm front, 330mm rear. He swapped from standard rear and AP 363mm fronts. He says that ultimate braking force is similar but that the car npow brakes with much greater stability. It no longer nose dives under braking which makes corner entry far more stable and therefore ultimate car performance has been improved upon.
We have been running KSport brakes on our own cars for years. Our most serious in house test car is a Skyline that we have had running 593bhp. The cars done more track days that I can shake a stick at and Apex has spent 10s of thousands doing our own in house testing to make sure the products are upto the job. The Skylines now bright yellow and running a small block Chevy race engine with 531bhp and 480lb/ft of torque. Youll see it out in EDC and Time Attack this year as well as various other events.
Skyline
Skyline V8
Youtube footage of the car in the wet finals at Time Attack, 2wd and a V8 suck at getting power down when it slippery!
We also run a couple of S13 Time Attack cars and, of course, our Impreza. Our Impreza came 12th out of 44 in the first session at Time Attack this weekend with road road trim and just over 300bhp! Not bad at all. Sadly it then destroyed a big end bearing so didnt compete for the rest of the day. All our cars run our coilovers and KSport brakes amongst many other Apex parts.
Our Impreza
S13
S13 2
We had one rotor failure early on in the development process but the rotor material and design has been completely altered and we have had 100% reliablity since.
We have NEVER had one reported caliper failure, no sticking pistons, no leaking seals, nothing.
We get the odd rotors coming back due to vibration but these are very few and far between and are generally due to pad despits build up, something you will get with any and every brand of braking system, its part and parcel of driving cars hard on a race track.
Im trying very hard to be objective here and give give solid info and not subjective opinion. One of the Apex cars in an Nissan 200SX S14. Its being built as a top end car, its not a budget build. £10ks worth of Tomei 2.2 solid lifter engine, £5k Quaiffe 6 speed sequential gearbox, £1400 triple plate Giken clutch, £1k Quaiffe diff, Motec M800, £3k Trust T78 turbo kit, £4k+s worth of roll cage and seam welding etc. The car is currently sat on brand new AP 363mm front and 330mm rear brakes as when the brakes were purchased we had just started doing KSport (its been a long term build!). I have absolutely no qualms about selling the APs on and fitting KSport and is exactly what Im going to do. It will save me a huge chunk of cash and the car will brake just as well as on the big brand stuff.
Car as it currently stands
Tomei engine with T78
Quaiffe 6 speed sequential box
Huge Greddy intercooler, 150mm deep
Fuel system install
Last edited by bren@apex; 09 April 2008 at 08:22 AM.
09 April 2008, 10:41 AM
#32
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Mid Wales
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I fitted a set of K sport 8 pot calipers and 356mm disks a couple of months ago to my mates classic.
I was very impressed with the quality and fitment. My mate was so impressed that ordered the rear 6 pot set with 356mm disks!!!!!. That was 4 weeks ago and when he phoned K sport yesterday they said they were having trouble with the orange annodising and may not be getting any calipers in that colour for some time!!!!
To answer the question, my mate is very happy with the brakes, the more bedding in the better they got. We would both recommend them.
I was very impressed with the quality and fitment. My mate was so impressed that ordered the rear 6 pot set with 356mm disks!!!!!. That was 4 weeks ago and when he phoned K sport yesterday they said they were having trouble with the orange annodising and may not be getting any calipers in that colour for some time!!!!
To answer the question, my mate is very happy with the brakes, the more bedding in the better they got. We would both recommend them.
14 April 2008, 09:21 AM
#36
Yep:
14 April 2008, 09:58 AM
#37
From what ive seen the K-sport items look well made and id say approx 50% of this years TA entants are using their setup. The certainly seem to do the business on track.
I have APs and think the K-sports look just as well made if im honest.
I have APs and think the K-sports look just as well made if im honest.
17 April 2008, 04:36 PM
#39
Theres a Japanese Performance article on the KSport brakes vs standard here:
Jap Performance article
A heads up, the price of the brakes will be going up soon. KSport are facing continual rises in the price of raw materials and although theyve absorbed them all repeatedly upto date. They are going to have to start passing some of these costs on soon and those increases will be reflected in a retail price price
Jap Performance article
A heads up, the price of the brakes will be going up soon. KSport are facing continual rises in the price of raw materials and although theyve absorbed them all repeatedly upto date. They are going to have to start passing some of these costs on soon and those increases will be reflected in a retail price price
Last edited by bren@apex; 17 April 2008 at 04:38 PM.
18 April 2008, 01:44 PM
#40
Scooby Newbie
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South Coast
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mine arrived yesterday after some great service from the guys at Apex. They went to the trouble of taking the brackets off their own car to fulfill the order after I'd had some problems with my own calipers. I fitted them in a couple of hours yesterday afternoon. No real chance to test out their performance, but if nothing else they look great!!
Ordered Tuesday
Dispatched Wednesday
Delivered and fitted Thursday
It doesn't get much better than that, especially as it wasn't a case of just picking up a box from the shelf and posting it.
Thanks to Bren and the others at Apex.
I'll post again when the new kit is bedded in with some thoughts and opinions on performance.
Ordered Tuesday
Dispatched Wednesday
Delivered and fitted Thursday
It doesn't get much better than that, especially as it wasn't a case of just picking up a box from the shelf and posting it.
Thanks to Bren and the others at Apex.
I'll post again when the new kit is bedded in with some thoughts and opinions on performance.
Last edited by MCS_5435; 18 April 2008 at 02:04 PM.
18 April 2008, 05:22 PM
#41
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Nottingham
Posts: 2,086
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Theres a Japanese Performance article on the KSport brakes vs standard here:
Jap Performance article
A heads up, the price of the brakes will be going up soon. KSport are facing continual rises in the price of raw materials and although theyve absorbed them all repeatedly upto date. They are going to have to start passing some of these costs on soon and those increases will be reflected in a retail price price
Jap Performance article
A heads up, the price of the brakes will be going up soon. KSport are facing continual rises in the price of raw materials and although theyve absorbed them all repeatedly upto date. They are going to have to start passing some of these costs on soon and those increases will be reflected in a retail price price
They were at an introductory price, just say it!
LOL.
21 April 2008, 12:09 AM
#43
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: at a petrol pump somewhere
Posts: 704
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
They certainly look fantastic, but not many comments yet on their actual performance from all those who've bought some? Are they a big improvement on standard 4-pots? Are they reducing lap times by 5+ seconds?
23 April 2008, 03:36 PM
#44
Our original retail price was set three years ago. We, like KSport, originally priced up to run on minimum margins. We havent touched our retail prices in this time as KSport themselves have absorbed their additional costs. You must be aware how the price of fuel, steel, aluminium and other raw material has been on the increase for some time now? You all buy fuel so youre all aware of how ludicrous the prices are getting even if you have no idea of the increases in prices for raw materials in general.
Well this increase in raw materials is finally seeping through, it was inevitable.
However the prices arent going up just yet and as an added bonus Im going to go back on what I said and run another GB as Ive gone and ordered a rediculous number of brake kits on a boat shipment due to land mid May. The order was placed before any price rise was passed to us so not only will the retail price be the same as before but Ill be running discounts to move some products to help pay for the shipment.
Keep an eye on on the GB section for some serious bargains appearing in the next few days
Well this increase in raw materials is finally seeping through, it was inevitable.
However the prices arent going up just yet and as an added bonus Im going to go back on what I said and run another GB as Ive gone and ordered a rediculous number of brake kits on a boat shipment due to land mid May. The order was placed before any price rise was passed to us so not only will the retail price be the same as before but Ill be running discounts to move some products to help pay for the shipment.
Keep an eye on on the GB section for some serious bargains appearing in the next few days
24 April 2008, 12:56 AM
#47
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Nottingham
Posts: 2,086
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am up for this one if it happens. As i posted in the group buy thread, its gonna cost me over 500 quid for new discs, pads, hardware for my StopTech kit, and i am loathed to buy it as the caliper coating has come off one side completely and the other is flaking away now also.
Bren, will the black caliper withstand weekly jet washes?
Bren, will the black caliper withstand weekly jet washes?
24 April 2008, 12:49 PM
#48
We have never seen the finish come off of KSport calipers :no: Theyre annodised rather than painted as default although we can supply the kits with calipers painted any colour at extra cost.
24 April 2008, 07:54 PM
#50
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: newquay
Posts: 6,880
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i think my k-sports are 10 times better than the 4-pots i had with red-stuff pads, not the best combination people will say but it was a great step up from the original 2-pots
i can't say that they have taken time off laps as i only use my car on the road but i can brake harder and later without (it seems) any fade, i'm a lot more confident in these!!
i can't say that they have taken time off laps as i only use my car on the road but i can brake harder and later without (it seems) any fade, i'm a lot more confident in these!!
24 April 2008, 08:24 PM
#51
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I fit 330mm K-sports 18 months ago and i can't fault them. In 2006 went to the ring and could'nt do a lap without fade using original 4 pots and 1144 pads.Last year with K-sports and DS2500 pads, fantastic, no fade at all.Just done track day at Elvington,again brilliant
24 April 2008, 11:34 PM
#54
For the look. People buy products for their cars for various reasons. 356mm might be ott in terms of stopping power but you can be damm sure theyre never going to fade and they do fill a rim well. If you think thats silly check these out, 380mm 12 pots:
V8 Skyline
Engine
BIG brakes
Brakes fitted behind 18s
The cars a demo hence the big big brakes, its got matching 356mm 6 pot rears. Although the brakes are over sized and not necessary theres still not a huge weight penalty in comparion to the original set up. The original brakes came in at just over 2 kilo lighter and they arent large to begin with, 296mm. Take something like a Brembo with a 330mm rotor and the difference is even less.
Our more serious cars run KSport 356mm front and 330mm rear, same as Zens Impreza and Kevin Atkins/MADs Evo (won TA club last year).
V8 Skyline
Engine
BIG brakes
Brakes fitted behind 18s
The cars a demo hence the big big brakes, its got matching 356mm 6 pot rears. Although the brakes are over sized and not necessary theres still not a huge weight penalty in comparion to the original set up. The original brakes came in at just over 2 kilo lighter and they arent large to begin with, 296mm. Take something like a Brembo with a 330mm rotor and the difference is even less.
Our more serious cars run KSport 356mm front and 330mm rear, same as Zens Impreza and Kevin Atkins/MADs Evo (won TA club last year).
26 April 2008, 06:22 AM
#59
Sorry guys, should have sorted the GB yesterday but ran out of time. Went round to Richard Henry Motorsport yesterday (Impreza specialists who also built our Skyline) to simply run the Skyline round to the test centre to get an MOT first thing in the morning and didnt end up leaving until 6pm.
Hence me now trying to catch up at silly o'clock on Sat morning.
Ill sort the GB today
We can do the calipers in just about any solid colour.
Hence me now trying to catch up at silly o'clock on Sat morning.
Ill sort the GB today
We can do the calipers in just about any solid colour.
26 April 2008, 11:18 AM
#60
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 2,966
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Which ones are these? I didn't realise they would fit under standard WRX alloys!
Is it ok to pair them up with the standard 2 pots on the back or is it generally not a good idea?
Also (probably a stupid question) but why don't people who upgrade their front ones fit their fronts to the rear?
Sorry for all the questions, I'm a bit of a brake upgrade newbie
Is it ok to pair them up with the standard 2 pots on the back or is it generally not a good idea?
Also (probably a stupid question) but why don't people who upgrade their front ones fit their fronts to the rear?
Sorry for all the questions, I'm a bit of a brake upgrade newbie