Ok i'm about(within 8 weeks) of getting some AP 6 pot brakes. I know they are awesome on the track and on the road. But what are they like day to day.

Sorry about the P1WR style questions, but these are the only things i'd like to know before completing my research

I.e Do they work well when cold? Will I be buying brake pads/discs every 2,000 miles etc etc?

Any idea how long they take to run in properly and how often they need bleeding?

 

Neil,

I've had my set for about 1,000 miles now, and they took a bit of getting use to!! I was stopping about 1.5/2 metres short of the stop line at traffic lights (when braking the same way)!!!

I couldn't live without them now! I've only used them on the road for now, but trackdays will come soon.

I bought the kit second hand, and it had 4,000 miles on them, but the pads were about half worn.

Drop me a mail if you have specific questions!

Cheers
Andy

 

Neil, prepare to enjoy

There's more to it than just big, six-pot calipers. You need to take pads and discs into account for a balanced system that realises full potential.

I hope you're referring to an official APR kit. That is to say, six-pot calipers, Pagid RS421 pads, APR 330mm discs, 5.1 fluid, braided steel hoses.

If that's the case, you're about to enter braking heaven, and a level of braking force and feel that takes fast Scooby driving experience to new parameters.

On the other hand, if you've just got APR calipers, a pair of pads made from sandpaper and discs from a slice of wood, prepare for big disappointment.

Discs are key - if they can't absorb the heat, and dissipate it quickly, they'll warp. Pads - if they can't produce the friction or contain the heat, they'll fade. Calipers - if they can't squeeze hard enough, why bother.

From the information you've given, it seems you've got the right calipers. The other components must be of the same class.

I have the offical APR six-pot kit. It's almost unblieveably splended. I think the key to its combined road/track excellence is the Pagid RS421 pads, which cost over £200 But they work instantly from stone cold on the road, and can handle anything I've been able to throw at them on two track days. Add about 3,000 road miles and they've still got 4-5mm of pad left. Discs are clearly worn, but have many thousands of miles to go.

Just fabulous. If you're used to OEM brakes, it will take you a while to discover just how much power you've got under your foot.

Richard.

PS Since you ask, I bleed them after every track day just to freshen up the fluid in the caliper. It's a sensible precaution, but nothing more. Bedding in should take no more than 100 miles, starting light and gradually building up to full braking. Just follow the APR instructions.

The only 'problem' I've encountered, with the standard Pagid pads, is slight roughness after a track day. You can feel it and hear it. If you check the discs they are scored with copper metal deposits from the pads. It takes about 50 miles of normal road driving to smooth them off again.

[This message has been edited by Hoppy (edited 11 June 2001).]

 

Brakes, are the best thing I have bought for the car ever, clutch a close second.

WOW. amazing what they can do on track.

Day to day I dont notice a difference at all.

Except they feel better.

Oe thing to say is, you cant run them in too much. Just keep doing consistent long brakes from speeds above 50mph to make sure you get heat into the whole disc.

 

Andy
Fancy selling your AP's mate??

 

Hoppy...

If you don't mind me asking, where did you get your 6 pot kit? I live in the US and have had a hard time locating a 6 pot kit on this side of the ocean.

I have heard that it is best to get the "official" APR 6 pot kit, but I am still unclear as to how it is different than the other AP 6 pot kits out there. Ideally I would like to find several places that sell the kit, and discuss specifics with them (caliper types, rotor types and quality, ABS? and brake booster issues).

Thanks
Jason Uyeda
2002 WRX

 

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Martin Cook:
<B>Andy
Fancy selling your AP's mate??

[/quote]

Martin,

I might have said yes a few weeks ago, but now the Link is on the horizon, I wouldn't swap them!!!

Andy

 

Spaf, there are some difficulties in the US, something to do with product liability laws and stuff. But APR products are available.

I'll dig out some info for you tomorrow.

Richard.

 

Spaf, you can get APR products in the US. The official distributor is Stillen Sports Parts, down your way in CA.

Check their site