Which front rotors and pads would you choose?

3330 Views 50 Replies 18 Participants Last post by killian96ss, 2 mo ago

sonuvah

Discussion Starter · 2 mo ago

The Speedtech front control arms and QA-1 coilovers have been sitting in the garage for almost a year. It's almost time to install them on my 96 Impala. While the changes are being made I thought it would be a good time to do the pads and rotors also as the rotors are still the originals at 135k. Sorry no wear-down disk thickness measurements to report. I've been looking at three brake/rotor kits, all on the Summit Racing web site. Probably use the same stock calipers, brackets, and pins unless someone talks me out of it, or I see damage to them upon removal. The car is not a daily driver, just goes out for joy rides when the weather's good and longish trips with wifey. It won't see any drag racing or autocross. Just want a nice upgrade to enhance stopping performance and appearance. The brake proportioning valve on the master cylinder was installed years ago. If you do not recommend one or more of these and could provide reason(s) why, I'd appreciate that, too. Suggestions for another better quality brand/deal are welcome, too. So here's the three I like in order of preference. Thanks for your help!
1. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/hwk-hkc4150-131f/make/chevrolet/model/impala/year/1996
2. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ebc-s5kf1069/make/chevrolet/model/impala/year/1996
3. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ebc-s13kf1528/make/chevrolet/model/impala/year/1996

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shakenfake

· #41 · 2 mo ago

Gotta think about the cool factor with the massive brakes too

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GreenWitINv

· #42 · 2 mo ago

I used tubular control arms from 70-81 Camaro. Baer decela rotors and Willwood d52 calipers (braided SS lines) on all 4 corners. Just use Big box store brakes. Was NOT $2500

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deingy

· #43 · 2 mo ago

Marky Dissod said:
Astrafari front brake rotors and J55 calipers with D513 or D614 pads is what GM should've done.
I get why GM did not do it, but ...
Anyway
The Astrafari-J55 upgrade would likely outperform any Summit kit that does not improve on the OE B- car's (lack of) rotor mass or thermal capacity - and for far less money.

Those of us who are still lucky enough to own Caprices RoadMasters or Fleetwoods would be clever to expand our definition of OE to profit from sherlock9c1's efforts.

I worked for DM Division of GM and semi-metallic linings become the std replacement pads after warranties expire as they are the better brake with the ceramics better for less noise and dust. We've got a good design. Don't mess with it.

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95wagon

· #44 · 2 mo ago

shakenfake said:
Gotta think about the cool factor with the massive brakes too

That's why I did it

Automotive parking light Tire Wheel Vehicle Car

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shakenfake

· #45 · 2 mo ago

You're so hot @95wagon

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95wagon

· #46 · 2 mo ago

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sonuvah

Discussion Starter · #47 · 2 mo ago

Ok, guys, Here's what I decided on for the brake upgrade on all 4 wheels:
1. EBC3 disk rotors (Yes, they're expensive, but I like them the most with the black coating)
2. EBC Red Stuff Brake Pads
3. Russell Stainless Steel brake hose kit
4. Stock Caliper rebuilds: r/r all slide pins and rubber seals

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91ss

· #48 · 2 mo ago

The black on the wear surface goes away.

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Marky Dissod

· #49 · 2 mo ago

91ss said:
The black on the wear surface goes away.

after about 1000 miles at most.
With EBC rotors and pads, using their specific break-in (brake-in?) procedure is important.

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sonuvah

Discussion Starter · #50 · 2 mo ago

Marky Dissod said:
after about 1000 miles at most.
With EBC rotors and pads, using their specific break-in (brake-in?) procedure is important.

Ya, I saw an EBC video about the procedure plus they say there's very clear instructions in the brake box for how to do it. I will definitely follow them. Thanks!

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killian96ss

· #51 · 2 mo ago

Have the Powerstop Extreme pads on my 23 Z51 C8 and they work great! Had the same pads on my 96 SS before I sold it and they also performed well despite the weight of a b-body.

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