I've ordered the Prodrive/Alcon brake upgrade for my RB5 which doesn't come with braided hoses.

The dealer is happy to fit braided hoses at the same time if I supply them - is this worth doing and if so, where's the best place to get a set from? (didn't see any in Scoobyshop, hint, hint!)

Any idea what brake fluid the normal subaru stuff is?

Is it worth getting some DOT5 or DOT5.1 for them to put in at the same time?

I only have the virtually std brake set on my RB5 and have put the goodrich hoses on and use silkolene prorace 2000 fluid, I noticed the difference straight off, and the brakes were much better on my last trackday, the hoses are cheapest (I am pretty sure) from scoobymania, and the fluid is from scoobysport but it is expensive, you'll need about 2ltrs (£40ish quid)of it to flush out the old stuff and bleed the system, might be cheaper dot5 stuff about. Considering the amount you are spending and you will need to bleed the system anyway go for better fluid and hoses for sure.

Andy

Kryten,

Go for the hoses, they firm up the pedal, giving a more direct action to the calipers.

My dealer uses as std DOT 5.1 - check with yours.

Steve.

Go for the Hoses, my dealer ordered mine from Scoobysport. About £65 I think. My dealer uses Dot 5.1 as standard.

I've got Alcons now but still bedding them in, also put hoses on- supplied direct from Goodridge- about £55.+5.1 fluid.

Still too early to say about braking performance. I had to go back to have the brakes re-bled and, despite that, still have a slightly soft pedal after 120 miles, although significantly better than pre bleed. I'm now waiting to see if the pedal improves further . Basically I expect to have a very firm pedal. I assume that this is reasonable?

My dealer uses Dot4 as std,
FYI
Andy

Thanks for the input - better order some hoses.

I'll check what fluid the dealer uses tomorrow - is there much difference between DOT4 and DOT5/DOT5.1?

Another thing I've just thought of: is it worth getting a set of DS3000 pads to take along for track days?

I know they were the bane of many a P1 owners jetwash but is the extra stopping power I assume they would offer (say round Donington) worthwhile? Would I even notice the difference?

Can anyone confirm if the 'prodrive upgraded' pads, supplied with the Prodrive/Alcon 330mm brake upgrade are now always Ferodo DS2000?

Are the rear 'prodrive upgraded' pads also DS2000?

My dealer doesn't have any other information about the pads supplied and I just wanted to check.

Also, how much brake fluid am I likely to need - they use DOT4 so I'm going to buy some DOT5.1 for them to put in but I'm not sure whether one litre will be enough with having to bleed the system through as well.....

Kryten, doesn't you dealer have a phone? They should have instant answers to obvious questions, especially when you're spending that kind of dosh.

The Prodrive/Alcon kit comes with DS2000 pads, and yes the Prodrive rears are also DS2000. One ltre of fresh fluid is plenty.

See how you get on with the DS2000 pads before splashing out on DS3000. I think you'll find you'll be able to trip the ABS at 100 mph with those brakes so you won't stop any quicker with DS3000 pads (unless you run slicks). The main benefit of the DS3000s will be improved pedal feel.

Richard

I did think it was a bit s*** them not knowing but the main parts guy was on holiday (their prodrive expert) when I called back to check.

I ordered the braided hoses and fluid from Scoobysport today so its all looking good for next week http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/smile.gif

I'll try the DS2000s out for a while first then - I guess the DS3000s are only really necessary if I go to slicks which is very tempting though a bit expensive as I guess I'd really need a spare set of wheels too (I'm not actually sure that four wheels will still fit in the boot due to the sub that's in there...) Though it would mean I don't mess up an expensive set of SO2s every track day!!

Thanks again for all your help.

IMPORTANT NOTE: I've just had to replace my braided steel lines as one had split, after chafing on bodywork. The new ones have been fitted, and are shrouded with a plastic or rubber cover to prevent this happening again. Make sure you get yours shrouded to avoid this expense !

Kryten, is your sub just a box sitting in the boot? Take it out for a track day or it'll go for a roller-coaster ride all by itself! Remove anything that isn't tied down or screwed down tight.

If you're serious about track days, you will certainly need a spare set of wheels (or two!). You can get four wheels easily on the back seat, six at a pinch with the other pair on the front seat. If your car's a two-door, good luck, M8. Best book an an appointment with your back specialist before you go.

17in slicks are hard to find part-used, but they do exist. Don't buy anything over about 620mm diameter - they're too tall for the wheel arches.

Richard

Hi Tony,

Did your hoses have a centre clamp to secure the hose to the suspension strut ?

Regards,

Ian

Hoppy - the sub box isn't going anywhere! Its removable but its a two person job! Might take it out anyway - less weight http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/smile.gif

Tony - surely that's a fitting problem? I would have thought that normal hoses would be more prone to chafing if rubbing against something...?