VZ Executive V6 - Better braking?

[dingdong555]

So, I'm pretty disappointed in my VZ's braking performance, while it's only a V6, I find the brakes very weak (have to push the peddle in a long way to slow down) and it's got me worried if I ever have to brake really hard...

What's my best option without spending a lot? (yes my pads are around 60% and rotors are OK....all stock)

Slotted RDA Rotors
Braided Lines
Drilled and Slotted Rotors

[shane_3800]

flush your brake system with good fluid i would recomend pbr red or gold dot

and if you want even better brakes go dba 4000 series rotors with either bendix ultimate's or ebc redstuff's

[VYMAD]

My VY should have the same brakes as yours. I found the factory ones, which I think are AC Delco pads not too bad. But recently I replaced them with Bendix GCT's all round for $140 and the difference is quite noticable. If you are worried about having to perform a sudden stop, then there may be a problem somewhere, as I said my factory pads/rotors weren't too bad.
Pushing the pedal in a long way just to slow down doesn't sound good. Maybe there's air in the system and as stated above, a full flush would be advisable. Recomended to flush fluid every two years minimum.

[wortus]

The calipers and rotors are the same VY to VZ however the master cylinder is different and the VZ will sense an emergency stop and apply max brake pressure. A VZ will pull up quicker than a VY.
I'd just get a new set of slotted rotors, RDA are OK and cheaper than DBA and a good set of pads, change the fluid.

Electronic Brake Assist and Brake Assist
Electronic Brake Assist is specified on all ESP-equipped VZ and WL sedans. Commodore SS, SV8, SV6 and Executive, Berlina and wagon models receive a Brake Assist feature.

Both brake assist systems sense how hard and fast a driver hits the brake pedal and determine whether additional braking assistance is required. Both have a dual reaction ratio in the booster that assists the driver to reach ABS braking threshold more easily in emergency situations. In addition, Electronic Brake Assist ensures maximum brake pressure is maintained if pressure is inadvertently reduced by the driver. EBA disengages once pedal pressure is reduced below its threshold.

EBA utilises an extra software module that comes with ESP, while the Brake Assist mechanism is housed within the brake vacuum booster valve body. Both systems will activate on a brake pedal feel above .5g to .6 g deceleration.

[bgcarter1]

i put some slotted and drilled rotors off ebay on my vz v6, cost me $270 for the lot and then put on police spec pads, it pulls up fine now :-D

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

I can do a full set of curve slotted rotors with dimples and RDX performance pads for $435 shipped to your door.

These are the rotors

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...&type=1&ref=nf

[dingdong555]

I can do a full set of curve slotted rotors with dimples and RDX performance pads for $435 shipped to your door.

These are the rotors

Fan photos from Southwest Performance Exhaust | Facebook

So how much better are they than the RDA ones?

What are the pads like (in terms of brake dust and noise?)

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

They are RDA, I get that custom pattern machined into them. We use these rotors and pads on our Senator, no noise because the slots are curved, not a huge amount of dust. But with every brake pad, if you don't wash the car very often you will notice the dust, especially on the front.

[dingdong555]

They are RDA, I get that custom pattern machined into them. We use these rotors and pads on our Senator, no noise because the slots are curved, not a huge amount of dust. But with every brake pad, if you don't wash the car very often you will notice the dust, especially on the front.

So it should be much better than standard right? No mods to fit correct? Just unbolt/bolt?

[wortus]

they just pull off the hub after you remove the caliper, the only thing you have to ensure is the hub surface is clean of any rust, scale or dirt which will cause the new rotor to run out. Best way to ensure this is to get a battery drill with a wire wheel and clean up the hub surface until it is nice and shinny.

[Torquative]

hey Not an abba fan, Ive just picked up a set of DBA slotted because Ive had a set on the car for 2 years and been happy with them, plus they were cheap as he's running them out before a new slotted design comes in.

Anyway, Ive got new discs all round to put on the car, so either way Im stuck with DBA slotted, but umming and aahhhing about pads. Ive been running Ultimates without any real issues, apart from some squeal lately.

Do you have anything that would marry up to DBA slotted and perform that you would suggest for daily driving, but the occaisonal fang on the windies with the car club?

I was thinking EBC Greenstuff after driving a mates VZ calais with them fitted, they were outstanding and almost snapped my neck when I jammed them on hard, but I think he chewed through them pretty quick and he does no where near the amount of driving as me.

But while we're on this topic I thought I'd ask for your suggestion!

Cheers

[bgcarter1]

QFM makes some pads that have similar heat rating to ebc green stuff pads but are cheaper, maybe worth looking further into...

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

I run the RDX performance pad on our Senator with my custom rotors, still going strong after 18 months and about 40 000kms. $60 a set. I could get them sent out of the Sydney warehouse straight to you for $10. So $130 to your door for both sets.

I have sold a few sets of EBC Green and have had the same comments, brilliant pad, but they don't last long. You could go to Red Stuff, but they are a lot more expensive and don't bite that well when cold.

[Torquative]

if I was switched on earlier I wouldve actually asked you about a package.

I'll definately keep it in mind and more then likely take you up on the offer in the next few weeks, if not sooner for the pads.

Cheers for the response!

[Mikepc]

DBA 4000 series wiper slot discs and bendix heavy duty pads, or ultimate if you dont mind the squealing

[Bravotwozero]

QFM makes some pads that have similar heat rating to ebc green stuff pads but are cheaper, maybe worth looking further into...

I used these on my VY SS and found these pads to be excellent. Have as much bite as Bendix ultimate at half the price and half the dust! Personally I think there is more gain from the pad change than slotted rotors. I went from slotted rotors back to non slotted rotors with no difference in braking performance. In my experience unless you're going for the 4000 series, slots are a wank.

[db_notso]

rule of thumb,

slotted front rotors
bendix front pads
machine rear rotors
genuine rear pads

flush brake fluid AND abs system (by holden)

and never have problems with your brakes again..... just an opinion...

[torana355]

I have some RDA Gold Passivated Turbo Grooved Sports Rotors on the front only with Bendix pads all round and it pulls up very nicely. They are a little noisy due to the dimples but its not to bad.

[dingdong555]

So leave the rear rotors and replace the fronts? (RDA 4000 series?)

And get some better brake pads all round...

Is that my best option?

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

You can do all 4 for the price of just DBA 4000's on the front. I think the DBA's are way over priced for what they are. The RDA's are a very good rotor as well, the curve slot design are always quieter than straight slot. With custom pattern that I use, I think the RDA's and RDX pads perform just as well as the DBA 4000's with Bendix Ultimates. And you will get all four including pads cheaper than just front DBA rotors.

[heyitsEnricoPallazzo]

rule of thumb,

slotted front rotors
bendix front pads
machine rear rotors
genuine rear pads

flush brake fluid AND abs system (by holden)
and never have problems with your brakes again..... just an opinion...

Gotta ask why you recommend Holden. Do cycle the ABS whilst flushing?

[dingdong555]

You can do all 4 for the price of just DBA 4000's on the front. I think the DBA's are way over priced for what they are. The RDA's are a very good rotor as well, the curve slot design are always quieter than straight slot. With custom pattern that I use, I think the RDA's and RDX pads perform just as well as the DBA 4000's with Bendix Ultimates. And you will get all four including pads cheaper than just front DBA rotors.

Sounds good, I'll be getting them through you.

Has the middle of the rotor (hub bit) rusted yet? Personally that's my pet hate!

[Torquative]

Ive seen people use the engine high temp spray (like youd use for calipers) to spray that area to stop it ... silver actually looks good!

Also I may be wrong but I believe its to flush out old fluid in the ABS module and lines?

Any mechanic with a decent scan tool will have the ability to switch the module on to let it pump out.

[dingdong555]

Ok guys.

If I were to grab these - NVU, Genuine Holden parts to suit Holden Commodore VR,VS,VT,VX,VY,VZ,Monaro,Statesman,Utes and HSV

Not sure if the link works, but the description...

PART NO. FCLH / FCRH
GENUINE HBD C-6 FRONT CALIPERS INC PADS & BRAKE LINES THESE CALIPERS WERE THE UPGRADE CALIPERS CALIPERS WILL ONLY SUIT 320MM DISCS DISC ROTORS NOT INCLUDED SOLD AS PAIR BRAND NEW NEVER BEEN FITED ALL GENUINE PARTS

Picture - http://www.motorfield.com.au/NVU_ima...mages/1113.jpg

Would they be an improvement over the stock callipers? I would need 320mm rotors for the front too, so that should be an improvement? Or is it not worth it?

[Brenah]

Have you had a look at your Bushes?
My brakes never felt the best, a little soft.
Upgraded my Bushes, because the stocks were cracked and now it pulls up really nice.