Help me choose brake rotors, pads and a engine radiator

[Infinitiguy19]

I need some front rotors and pads. I have searched and have come to three options for pads OEM (Akebono?), Metal Masters or Hawk HPS. Wes has Hawks but I am doing mostly highway driving with occasional idiots on the road. I have no idea on rotors but I remember reading from Brian (Maxnix) saying OEM rotors suck.

My radiator has started leaking at the end tanks and I need a replacement. Wes has this: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/GRI-1-26242-XS/. But this seems better: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BCI-35008/ But I say better because of the size. OEM is $500 and who knows if its still available.

[mcrews]

I just got a radiator for my 02F50 from the internet, delivered the next day, $125.

[BadQ45t]

that is a bit vague, "from the internet" what site? What brand? That is a very cheap radiator so you either got a rocking deal or a POS in the making. What are the details?

[SanCarlosQ45]

I like the Axxis metal masters I have now combined with slotted rotors. I got them from rock auto for a total cost of about $40 front and rear under a wholesale closeout. They are listed as Beck-Arnley which is just the importer as the pads are made in Australia; they are in the original Axxis packaging when you get them.

As for rotors many people recommend the centric that are coated on the hub and edge surfaces to prevent rusting. Total cost of mm pads, centric rotors and shipping to bay area CA for me is $270 from rock auto. That is for both front and rear as you might as well do both for that cost. They are probably going to run out of the rear pads soon.

[maxnix]

Black hat Centric rotors are meant to be good. I love the Brembo Stillen ones that are drilled and plated. Porterfield makes cryogenically treated rotors which are the kind Q45tech uses (Power Stop?). The OEM sized Brembo rotors from TR are great, but with no coating, they rust like crazy.

I recommend OEM pads and shim kits without reservation for street use. Nothing else will give you as good initial cold bite for when those idiots pull into your lane going 10 mph. Mountains and track will require something more resistant to temperature gains like the Hawks.

I recommend DOT4, my favorite being ATE Blau, but the Castrol Syntec is easier to find and almost as good for less money. Change every two years or more often if in wet climate.

Radiator? Custom Griffin like Q45tech has. http://www.griffinrad.com/ I am not a fan of non aluminum radiators but others have had success with brass after market ones. Be sure to check the lower metal pipe and thermostat cover as they act as sacrificial anodes.

The Stillen Brembo are now sold as the Stillen Sport Rotors by Brake Pros, a division of Stillen. Occasionally, Joe will run a special, but I know he is too busy now. Maybe in a few months.

http://www.brake-pros.com/product.asp?i ... &model=Q45

[qship96]

Rotors,pads, and radiators have all been frequently discussed on this board, with many opinions and recommendations from long term users- I will say Paul, you may be heading down the wrong track with the 2 radiators you linked to in your first post, as these are UNIVERSAL fit radiators, which means the sizes, and more importantly location of hose connections and mounting tabs will most likely NOT match the Qs and custom fabrication will be needed to fit the radiator into the slot provided.........why reinvent the wheel, when there are plenty of companys marketing radiators that are designed specifically for your exact model car and are a simple drop in fit with no modifications needed. My $150 aluminum core/plastic end tank CSF is now over 4 years old and 90K and working perfectly....why spend more?

[Q451990]

My vote is for OEM brake pads. Get something harder (like most aftermarket pads) and cold breaking will suffer - and that's a very big concern in your neck of the woods.

Heath

[szh]

I am now using the Black Hat Centric rotors (available at Tire Rack) with excellent results on my 2003 M45. I am sure they make the for the Q45 too.

No rust, clean stops and inexpensive.

With OEM pads, of course.

Z

[qship96]

I am now using the Black Hat Centric rotors (available at Tire Rack) with excellent results on my 2003 M45. I am sure they make the for the Q45 too.

No rust, clean stops and inexpensive.

With OEM pads, of course.

Z

Exactly the same combo I am using on my 96Q.....almost 50K on the front rotors now with zero warping issues so far- highly recommended

[elwesso]

If you can get them anymore the brembo blanks are good, although the ones others mentioned I'm sure are good too. I would still consider the hawk pads, I'm on my second set and I like them. If they aren't much more expensive than OEM, go with it you won't regret it.

Check for my post about the radiator. I replaced mine about a year ago. I would not bother with the extra money on a custom radiator unless your gonna race, which I doubt you will be.

[Infinitiguy19]

Rotors,pads, and radiators have all been frequently discussed on this board, with many opinions and recommendations from long term users- I will say Paul, you may be heading down the wrong track with the 2 radiators you linked to in your first post, as these are UNIVERSAL fit radiators, which means the sizes, and more importantly location of hose connections and mounting tabs will most likely NOT match the Qs and custom fabrication will be needed to fit the radiator into the slot provided.........why reinvent the wheel, when there are plenty of companys marketing radiators that are designed specifically for your exact model car and are a simple drop in fit with no modifications needed. My $150 aluminum core/plastic end tank CSF is now over 4 years old and 90K and working perfectly....why spend more?

I forgot I would have to drill a hole for the coolant temperature sensor/switch that triggers the Auxiliary electric fan. Then of course make mounting brackets.

Where did you get yours Qship?

If you can get them anymore the brembo blanks are good, although the ones others mentioned I'm sure are good too. I would still consider the hawk pads, I'm on my second set and I like them. If they aren't much more expensive than OEM, go with it you won't regret it.

Check for my post about the radiator. I replaced mine about a year ago. I would not bother with the extra money on a custom radiator unless your gonna race, which I doubt you will be.

Wes how are those Hawks in the cold? Did you get that radiator off their website or did you have to call them? They have two options Single or Duel row, which one do you have?

Hate to ask this but its been killing me...What does CSF stand for?

[mcrews]

that is a bit vague, "from the internet" what site? What brand? That is a very cheap radiator so you either got a rocking deal or a POS in the making. What are the details?

go to google
type in radiator
try the first three

ok, it's the second one Radiator express.
I'm traveling and didnt have the invoice in front of me.
oh, and I lied...it's 129 shipped next day.

And jeff, it's not a pos.....your welcome to come over and take a look.

http://www.radiatorexpress.com/part_lookup.asp

I guess I'm wondering why someone can't just use google to get started......
I have certainly learned not to come here first.

[elwesso]

CSF is just the brand name. Look at the post on my radiator install about a year ago shows you where you can find it.

I use my Q in the winter with the hawk pads and they are fine. I am never concerned they aren't gonna perform right. They do have a little less bite on the very first stop of the day but after one light stop they are warm enough to act 100% normally