BanginLS said:
i got cross drilled and slotted rotors already.. dont know if i should get the lines.. maybe when i have to get new rotors..
The stainless steel brake lines will help you more than rotors and pads will anyway. The steel brake lines will not flex like regular lines will thus improving a firmer pedal feel. Stainless Steel brake lines provide a number of benefits as compared to their OEM rubber overmolded counterparts.
1. The SS braid provides superior protection from flying roadway debris.
2. The SS braid and Teflon hose reduce expansion during pressurization.
3. They provide the race car look.
There seems to be a misconception regarding brakes. People think cross drilled/slotted rotors will help them stop better. This is not necessarily true. For most performance applications slotted is the preferred choice. Slotting helps wipe away debris from between the pad and rotor as well as increasing the "bite" characteristics of the pad. A drilled rotor provides the same type of benefit, but is more susceptible to cracking under severe usage. Some people prefer the look of a drilled rotor and for street and occasional light duty track use they will work fine. However, since EBC offers a dimpled rotor instead of through holes the integrity of the rotor will hold up better.
Now, the discussion on brake pads. There are numerous different types of brake pads. Some have a higher heat tolerance (less thermal shock) and wear slower (longer pad life). Some have a lower heat tolerance (more thermal shock) and wear faster (lower pad life). It all depends on the amount force and heat generated by the brake system and the operator. It's hard to get a brake pad that wears great and stops great. You normally have to sacrifice one or the other. Brake pads like the OEM pads are suppose be a longer wearing pad but typically fade out after a lot of heat is applied. Performance pads like the Porterfield R4-S and EBC Red pads have a lower heat tolerance but perform better once the pad and rotor gets hot.
You have to determine what you want to accomplish with your brakes. I prefer to have great stopping power but realize the pad life will less (and possibly more brake dust). However, I will stop sooner since I am harder on the brakes. If you are more of a non-brake person and don't typically race or run your LS hard then I'd simply stick with a pad that will save you money over the long haul. In this case, adding the stainless steel brake lines would be beneficial since it would give you a firmer brake feel. I'd recommend the stainless steel lines for everyone. You won't realize how mushy the LS brakes are until you put the stainless steel lines on.
