Brakes on Solara

[lilm]

I an glad you want to be safe but why would you need this "hardcore" stoping power?

Have you tried just not driving so fast so you will not have to slam on the brakes?

[TadS]

I plan to get the two rear drums converted to disc

Please critique and suggest any alternatives that you believe will provide greater stopping power for my lara

Have you looked at the DIY on doing this? I don’t want to see you get in over your head.

If you can, get a set of the Ericsol caliper relocation brackets, that and with the SS lines are the best bang for your buck upgrades. Just get good brand name fluid. IMHO Unless you’re auto-crossing or tracking the car there is no way you’re going to boil your fluid.

[(K)]

I personally wouldn't spend the money on the SS lines.

Zipties pretty much serve the same purpose at a fraction of the cost...but that's just me.

You're pretty much set with the Brembo blanks and Hawk pads. Unless you plan on making some serious power, any more stopping power is pretty much a waste of dough or a project that should be considered much later on your to-do list.

But if you're dead set on conversions and the whole shebang, rear disc conversion, x-drilled/slotted rotors with track compound pads and super sticky tires will do the job for you just superb, that is, as long as you can control the wheels from locking and want to make it a ritual to keep your pads/rotors within their operating temperatures...

[CamryOnBronze]

^ how do zip ties do the same thing as stainless lines? I would agree that stainless lines are the best bang for the buck and make a huge difference...

[(K)]

Well, to be frank, the purpose of SS lines is to protect the lines from road debris. The second purpose is the firm pedal. Prevents flexing and expansion and all that good stuff.

What I meant with the zipties is the firm pedal part, the feel, should have been more clear...sorry. By giving the lines SOME pressure from tightening a few zipties around each line, you can duplicate the firm pedal feel. I learned this back in my cheap-and-effective mods days...I mean if you really wanted to get the firm pedal AND protect your lines, just get a sheet of sturdy and flexible material and wrap it around your lines (or use a larger diameter and thicker cross-section hose and wrap it around your lines). Then slightly tighten them with the zipties.

Outside of that, SS lines don't "really" offer brake performance like the primary brake parts (calipers, pads, rotors, etc). By brake performance I meant actually stopping the vehicle and decreasing your stopping distance. Which is what I thought the OP only wanted. I probably read too specifically into his post.

In the end this is what I meant:
Stopping power = pads, rotors, calipers, fluid.
Pedal/brake control/feel = lines, master cylinder, fluid (fits in both categories).

I'm probably being too specific on this subject, but just thought I'd break it down so as not to confuse.

[knightbird123]

what will Ericsol caliper relocation brackets do?

[TadS]

what will Ericsol caliper relocation brackets do?

They let you use Supra TT rotors. Someone had talked about trying to makes some more a while back. If enough of you new guys get together maybe they can get some made.

[knightbird123]

What upgrades have you guys done to your brakes?

[Ruski]

some guys have the big brake kits. i had slotted brembo with oem pads in the front , and cheap rotors with hawk pads for the rear. Unless your pushing high speeds why do you need such a big brake job ?

[TadS]

I have the ericsol kit, cross-drilled Supra TT rotors, EBC Red Stuff Pads and Goodridge SS brakelines.

[gnegroni]

Do they make a big break kit specifically for the Solara?

yeah... just knock a 12 pack by yourself... that should be a nice big break.

I was hopeful that someone else would see that LOL. Talk about a pet peeve .

On tires, Michelin Exalto’s are available in the 205/65/15. We put a set on my Dad’s ES300 and they are very nice. For the biggest “cheap” boost in brake performance the SS lines work very well. They increase pedal response and improve brake feel. I like EBC Greenstuff pads. They melt like butter, but they have great initial bite.

How many miles does it mean "melt like butter"?

[CamryOnBronze]

I was just curious (K), those are very valid points- makes sense.

I am running brembo slotted rotors, Hawk HPS pads, and Goodrich stainless lines all around- love the setup.

[gnegroni]

But, but... how long are your setups (pads mainly) lasting? I've had my Toyota stock since I bought the car and they haven't worn out a bit. More than two years and they still have almost all the pad material left.

Maybe this is the reason why pad upgrades work so well for you guys... Toyota pads are like stones!

[CamryOnBronze]

I dont drive my car in the winter, so the pads last a long time I am willing to sacrifice duration for performance, so it doesnt bother me.

[(K)]

No harm no foul! It was an honest question.

I've been tempted to get an all out setup with slotted rotors with some good biting but dusty pads MANY times, it's just that I daily the crap out of my car in normal everyday traffic at normal everyday speeds so I wouldn't really be using the full potential of the brakes as much as I should, plus cleaning off the dust all the time and having to replace pads so often...it's like torture for people like me; you WANT to buy it, but you don't NEED it. I've been taking classes to calm my addiction...

Anyway my personal suggestion, if you want a good STREET specific combo: Brembo blanks + Hawk ceramic or, if you can stand the SLIGHT dusting, Hawk HPS pads (they're actually cheaper than the ceramic pads on tirerack and have better stopping power). Anything else is for the serious performance folks. Actually, even with this setup, it's satisfying enough.