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      04-19-2014, 04:55 PM   #1
Gle8
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StopTech Brakes are the worst

When I bought my Z4Mc, it had StopTech BBK (front and rear) already installed. I had bought it as a daily driver, and it immediately became apparent I was going to have to re-learn my braking technique (and general driving technique) to accommodate for them. The slightest touch of the pedal produced immediate stopping power. Almost too much. But I persevered, and got used to it.

Yesterday I went out to test drive a few cars. I'm considering picking up a replacement daily, as the M is just a bit too aggressive (and low) for everyday Philly driving. I drove a CLA45, C63, and a 2015 STI (launch). I'll spare you the reviews of each, but I wanted to share this:

When I drove the STI, I loved it. Yeah, it's a bit low budget, a bit rattly, but the engine was great and the handling was superb. And then I hit the brakes. I almost plowed into the car in front of me.

I told the sales person that there was something wrong with the brakes. There is no way an STI should have that little stopping power. He agreed, and gave it to the tech when we returned.

The diagnosis? The brakes were fine. No issues.

So this is an STI, which means Brembros. And they were crap. Absolutely hideous. And that's when it hit me: I'm now stuck with StopTech forever. I can't imagine not having that feel, and that stopping power. My point of reference is permanently changed. I even started considering the WRX, as I could spend the money saved on a BBK.

Damn you StopTech. Damn you to hell.
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      04-19-2014, 05:19 PM   #2
inTgr8r
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Haha... Love my Stoptechs too.
Where you really appreciate them is out on the track.
Definitely one of my favourite mods on this car.
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      04-20-2014, 07:58 PM   #3
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A lot of your initial bite is due to your pad choice as well, and a new car off the lot is going to have very conservative pads compared to what you're probably running.
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      04-20-2014, 08:08 PM   #4
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Don't worry buddy.

I'll spare you the cost and give you my OEM calipers and rotors in exchange for the Stoptechs. Don't worry about paying me...I'll do it out of the kindness of my heart
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      04-27-2014, 05:13 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kgolf31
Don't worry buddy.

I'll spare you the cost and give you my OEM calipers and rotors in exchange for the Stoptechs. Don't worry about paying me...I'll do it out of the kindness of my heart
Haha... What he said!!!
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      04-27-2014, 06:18 PM   #6
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X3
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      04-27-2014, 06:36 PM   #7
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If you think stoptechs (or other pads) have a lot of initial bite........
Try driving an older citroen (DS/CX/BX)
You won't know what hit you (except the windscreen )
Brake systems on those cars are (technically) nothing like the ones on normal cars, completely different design.

(probably not much citroens in the US, but the europeans here will probably know what I mean )
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Last edited by GuidoK; 04-27-2014 at 08:04 PM..
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      04-29-2014, 06:51 PM   #8
a_riddler
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Seriously... sell the M and get an STI...

But don't forget to take your M back to stock and sell your mods...

PM me with prices...

Okay, all seriously now, change pads and see how that goes.
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      04-29-2014, 06:59 PM   #9
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C'mon guys, let a man gloat on his fortune of having his mighty MZ4C come with fixed calipers as opposed to sliders.

And wait until you actually get all 4 corners on fixed calipers...Like ME!
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      05-15-2014, 09:20 AM   #10
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Whoa whoa whoa. I call foul! Unfair comparison between Brembo OEM vs. Brembo aftermarket

In all fairness, I bet StopTech OEM is also inferior to StopTech aftermarket in just the same way
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      08-19-2014, 11:30 PM   #11
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My 2014 WRX brakes have the same issue as the 15 STI you test drove. I used to drive a 2008 Miata and its brakes were excellent. The car stopped on a dime. Then the first time I drove my WRX I thought the car will never stop. Since then I swapped out the stock WRX brakes and put in the StopTech. The Stoptech definitely has more initial bite, but still do not stop like my Miata. Then the WRX is alot heavier.

My newly acquired 2007 3.0SI brakes are decent. Have not really tested them yet.
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