987.1 Rotor & Cermic Pads Maintenance

Hi All, My first post. I just recently purchased a used '08 Cayman S with 40K miles. It has been meticulously maintained with all records, has a Borla exhaust added as well as Yellow ceramic calipers. I just ordered the LN Engineering Spin-on Oil Filter Adapter and a case of NAPA Gold filters. I will be doing all my own oil changes, just got low profile jack / pucks and Race Ramps. I will also be doing all rotor and brake replacement. Watched a few videos, I am experienced enough to do this -- Porsche actually makes it easy. I will probably also be doing spark plugs and coils myself. I also purchased a HIP clear engine cover. My question to the group is recommendation for good upgrades. I was told to get some Girodisc Front 350mm 2-piece Rotors.. $1200 per set at Suncoast . So is the $2400 worth the upgrade? I do drive hard and go through brake pads and tires quickly. And what brake pads would match the quality of these rotors? I was told Hawk pads are good, ceramic street version and not the track model. They are less expensive than the OEM Porsche ceramics. And lastly, should I upgrade to stainless brake lines. Anyone recommend a brand?

So they're not ceramic calipers, they are big reds painted yellow, one key giveaway is the Porsche logos reapplied on the caliper, I'm confident those are aftermarket stickers I used them on my 986 . If they were PCCB ( Porsche carbon ceramic brakes) the rotors would be carbon ceramic and incredibly expensive. I'm not familiar with the rotors you speak of, someone else will have to weigh in. Because they are two piece, they are likely less weight therefore reduce the rotating mass on each wheel. Is that worth the upcharge over say Zimmerman? Only you can say, I put Zims on my 986 and they were superb, if you do wear brakes out quickly you might want to try them first and see if they don't satisfy you as they are cheaper than what you are looking at, I ran them with Mintex pads. In short, it's a personal decision on whether to do the upgrades and whether they are necessary, same with the braided lines, unless you are a track monster or like the looks I sincerely doubt you will feel a difference. I don't really believe the L&N spin conversion does anything either other than make sourcing the filters easier, the Mahle filters are fine. In my industry water filtration was a BIG deal and every setup I saw was cannister and cartridge just like Porsche uses. Just my 2 cents. PS be careful around the brake sensors they get brittle from the heat cycles and break easily. Also, why plugs and coils? Is it running correctly?

Ok, I was questioning those calipers as well, the rotors on the car looked really small for the real yellow calipers. thank you for that response. How can I verify, is there a model number somewhere on the calipers? Why would someone paint the red ones yellow? But previous owner did state ceramic pads to prevent dust on rims. Any opinion on Hawk brake pads? I do replace brakes pads at about 10-12K miles. I was told you can get about 40K on the Girodisc rotors from some who does a lot of autocross. As for the LN Engineering Spin-on Oil Filter Adapter , so much easier to do an oil change and the filters are half the price. I change my oil often. I ordered a case of 12 NAPA Gold for $70. And it comes with a nice magnetic billet oil plug that can survive the proper torque. new brake sensors every pad change I though was a must. $20 each sensor. Engine is running perfect. I meant if plugs or coils need to be changed.. super easy job to do it myself. I race motocross and do a lot of motorcycle engine maintenance and replacement. the only thing I see is a major issue is if you have any water colloing issues.. its look hard to get to all the areas.

Some people paint the rotors because they like the look, others to emulate PCCB . Some people change the badges on their cars, I don't know like playing cards in your Schwinn spokes I guess. I saw an internet photo recently with a GT3 logo on a Cayman , no such animal. Brembo big reds are 4 piston, PCCB are 6. I'm not sure you can use steel rotors with PCCB calipers either, I think you would need to change them as sets so it's a good bet they are big reds. I have heard of Hawk and seen photos but I have no experience with them. I bought the L&N magnetic drain plug in place of what you described.

I will take off tires and check how many pistons. I think you are correct, they are 4 Big Reds painted Yellow. Previous owner said use ceramic brakes pads... this research my options before I need a brake change. Pads are new, but I like to buy parts when on sale, and have them in garage for when I need maintenance. I save a lot buying better performance parts early when on sale, rather than on short notice. This is not my daily driver, so any upgrades can always wait for a better price option. Walmart now carries 12 quart Mobil 1 0W-40 for $50, not a bad price if you change oil a lot. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mobil-1-European-Car-Formula-Full-Synthetic-Motor-Oil-0W-40-12QT/893400295

My Cayman S :

You may wish to consider running the VIN to learn more about your new car: VIN Decoder - ******** - Porsche Discussion Forums

thanks for that link. That's why I joined this forum, lots of good info from users.

Nice looking car! Hawk pads are quality, with many options to choose, belt street, track, or anything in between. I used to run them on my Corvette and most likely will when time to replace on my Cayman S .

I like the Cayman R pads on the street and track, I would only use the Hawk , Pagid , or Ferodo brake pads on the track only if you are in the advanced group, all 3 of these make some noise.

I put Hawk ceramics on my 14Base. They are really noisy. Very audible sssshhhh sound when applying the brakes. Only had 23K when the light came on. Rotors resurfaced too. Forgive me, don’t mean to hijack the thread but I am ready to call the supplier and complain. Maybe I did something wrong. It was not hard to replace these pads. Any feedback would be appreciated thank you