Feeling like I'd made progress with the suspension I decided to evaluate my car's braking system and its needs. Some people seem to be interested in putting a bigger set of rotors and better calipers onto thier car for "better braking". I realize that as long as your stock brake system can lock up the tires you like to use, the only thing a bigger brake system will accomplish is improving resistance to brake fade. I tested my braking system and found that my stock setup would likely be enough, but I still wanted some improvement and better fade resistance.

I don't drive in an environment that requires much higher brake fade resistance and the braking is already as good as it can be for my current tire traction, so I decided to go with the HAWK HP Plus brake pads for this project.



The install was easy, the parts matched up fine and slipped right in. The rear calipers were a bit of a pain to work with, but that has nothing to do with HAWK's product. After the install I checked to make sure the system was free of air and broke in the pads. After I was certain everything was working properly and safely I hit the backroads near the garage.

The car's braking was stronger, less forgiving in terms of smoothness, and I don't doubt that the balance was changed slightly. I would suspect it is more nuetral now. In the future I may consider running a less aggresive (or stock) front pad with the HAWK rear pad for a wild trail braking response.

With my braking system improved to match the suspension, my car and my driving became more agile and I continued on with the project.

By: Ben C.

STATEMENT OF NON-LIABILITY

The author of this website does not encourage reckless driving on public roadways. The driving techniques and vehicle modifications shown in this webpage are intended for off-road use only and some of the modifications may make your car illegal for public road use. If you want to learn about drifting: more power to you but keep it safe and off of the streets; there are many on-track events for drifting, search for one in your area.

This website is about improving the performance and technique of the car and driver, mainly in respect to vehice handling. It deals with exploring the maximum ranges of tire traction, and in the case of drifting, pushing beyond that limit for extended periods of time. The closer a car comes to the limit of traction and the further it moves beyond the limit of traction the greater the chances of crashes when an error in judgement occurs.

If, while attempting to apply any of the ideas, procedures, or advice contained in this website, you should encounter any unfortunate or undesired circumstance, you will have done so through your own conscious descision. I disclaim responsibility for your actions, AND for your accident.