Brake Upgrade Question???

This past weekend I went to a tech session with my local Pclub, NNJR. A great presentation was made for upgrading brakes if the car was going to be used for several DE/track events per year. Ie lower costs over time due to fewer pad/rotor replacements. They centered on a turbo 996 but I was wondering what may work on my non turbo 2004 996 C2? I understand that there are different companies that make upgrades for my car but I don't need to go too extrem. Are the turbo brakes "better" then the stock, and if so would they fit on a non turbo car with 18" wheels. Any other input is welcomed.... Thanks...

The 18" wheels Dad is referring to are the Turbo wheel option for the C2

Dave, there is a company called Stoptech that makes 14 inch floating rotors for the 996. I think these rotors are slotted. I do not know if big $ modifications are needed. Might want to give them a call. Sorry I lost the link to it. I've looked into getting Turbo rotors. Turbo rotors will not fit a NA 996 even if you used 18 inch wheels. I wish there was an easy way to upgrade to GT3 rotors (screw on screw off). Carnewal has upgrade kits in his website. Some modifications are needed. If you're starting out, try different brake pads. PF and Pagids are pretty good when you use them with ATE Super Blue.

Turbo brakes (big reds) or even the GT3 6-piston will fit your car (with 18" wheels) if you replace the hubs. My suggestion is that your brakes are fine, just use track pads and if you want, increase the air ducts (i.e. GT3 ducts). Also if you want to spent money "improving" the car for track use, spend them on the suspension which will be cheaper and with more results.

Thanks all for your advice. I like the idea of track pads and air ducts. Please tell me more about the GT3 air duck mod. How is it done? Thanks agin. Off course the best $$$ I am spending is on DE events.....

Dave... I have the Stoptech 4 wheel kit on my 996C2. I can talk all day. If you want give me a ring and we can chat about this and other braking options. I will have install pics and more up online soon under our project car section at www.vrsm.vividracing.com . We also do Brembo and Rotora brake upgrades. Or we can offer you simple pad, line, and rotor solutions. thanks dan [phone removed]

GT3 ducts will go at the same place as your existing ducts. On the lower control arm. If you remove the wheel you will see a plastic part tied on your control arm. Remove it by uncliping it from the behind. Install the new GT3 one by just clipping it together. It is very easy. If you are handy you can make your own (I did) from fiberglass. Mine are even bigger than the GT3 ones. Understand that by putting larger ducts you will be reducing your ground clearance at that area. It is no problem because the lower part of the radiator difuser will still be lower than your ducts, but if you go over a curb in the track and the wheel gets on the ground (over the curb out of the track) you will brake the duct and the radiator diffuser. If the same would happen with the stock ones you will only brake the radiator diffuser. Good news is that they work great. With the stock ones at Blackhawk farms (track is very hard on the brakes) the brakes were very hot even after the cool down lap. With the custom made ones they were significantly cooler (you could touch them). Hope it helps.

If you're going to get ducts pass on the gt3 and get the cup/motorsport ones, they are almost twice the size and funnel air better at the rotor, but do hang down low. Pagid blue S pads lines, and fluid are the first step, bled with a motive bleeder or whatever. If you want more and still want cheap then go more aggressive on the pads with a race pagid black or orange. If heat is still a problem do the cup ducts. If you are still not happy heat dissipation and fade problems increase the size of the rotor with a kit. Stoptech makes slotted and crossdrilled rotors fwiw. I would buy them over Brembo for sure, as I have them I also have known the owner for over a decade.

hey SPR, got my stoptechs and they're awesome. haven't really tested them out properly but will come mid may at the track. if price of the brembo GT kit was the same as the stoptechs which would you choose. i was just curious regarding your statement. you can get the brembo kit with slotted rotors as well. the stoptechs are sweet. the only problem i have is that the rear oem brembos look dinky compared to the front stoptechs

hahah I sooo agree with the wimpy rear brake look, but it's really a waste in the rear given the weight transfer and demand there. Stoptech's kit has different technology - the special casting of their calipers, the bridge with airfoil, which stiffens the design, and the design of the vanes in the rotors to accelerate the air out are all really cool.

i think the best part of the kit are the cooling vanes in the rotors. i wish they sell rear in stock sizes so i can match the front (visually and cooling wise)

Thanks guys for all the input ....so many choices...only so much $$$$$$$