New StopTech Big Brake Kits Available for Nissan and Infiniti Models

Centric Parts has just announced the availability of a range of front and rear StopTech Big Brake Kits to fit a wide range of Nissan and Infiniti models. StopTech BBKs include stiffer calipers, larger rotors, higher friction pads, stainless steel lines and application-specific mounting brackets and hardware. Like all StopTech high performance BBKs, they offer significantly improved braking performance, feel and modulation over stock systems and are available in a variety of caliper color and rotor finish options.

The front StopTech BBKs for these Nissan and Infiniti models include a pair of drilled or slotted 2-piece AeroRotors and four- or six-piston StopTech ST calipers, as well as mounting brackets, stainless steel lines and StopTech Sport brake pads.

The rear StopTech BBKs for these Nissan and Infiniti models include a pair of drilled or slotted 2-piece AeroRotors and two- or four-piston StopTech ST calipers, as well as mounting brackets, stainless steel lines and StopTech Sport brake pads.

StopTech big brake kits have been developed through years of racing success. These patented brake system upgrades include:

• StopTech ST Calipers – stiffer, forged, differential-bore, opposed-piston calipers with a patented bolt-in bridge that eases 
pad changes while increasing caliper stiffness


• StopTech 2-piece AeroRotors – Pre-assembled, 2-piece iron rotor rings with patented AeroVane fin design and aluminum 
AeroHats for optimal cooling


• StopTech Sport Brake Pads – Kevlar-like, para-aramid composite pads for aggressive street driving and occasional track 
day or autocross use


• StopTech Stainless Steel Brake Lines – braided stainless steel shielded Teflon-like lines for less system compliance and 
greater durability


• Mounting Brackets and Hardware – hard-anodized, billet aluminum mounting brackets with stainless steel studs and all of 
the necessary hardware for easy installation

With stiffer components and patented heat management technology, all StopTech high performance brake kits provide shorter stopping distances, better brake modulation, firmer pedal feel and less brake fade for stronger, more reliable performance both on and off the track.

New StopTech Big Brake Kits Available for Nissan and Infiniti Models

Centric Introduces the All-New StopTech Sport and Street Brake Pads

Centric Parts, North America’s leading manufacturer and supplier of OE and aftermarket brake and chassis components, has announced important changes to its high performance StopTech Brake Pad range. This includes the introduction of a new StopTech Street Brake Pad, in addition to a new name for the former StopTech Street Performance Pads, which are now known as StopTech Sport Brake Pads. While both new StopTech brake pad lines offer high performance braking gains, the street pads are intended for road use only, while sport pads are engineered for occasional track duty as well.

StopTech Sport Brake Pad Features:

• High MOT (Max Operating Temperature) to Eliminate Fade

• Excellent Actuation, Modulation and Release Characteristics

• 100% Positive Molded for Uniform Friction Material Density

• Scorched to Raise Initial Cold Effectiveness and Ease Bed-In

• Para-Aramid Composites Provide Linear Response at All Temps

• Dynamometer Tested for Maximum Performance and Service Life

• Lab-Developed Formulas with Strong Initial Bite

• Ideal for Autocross and Light Track Day Use

Formerly known as the StopTech Street Performance Brake Pad, the Sport Brake Pads are engineered to meet the demands of high performance driving situations while maintaining their ability to work in normal driving conditions. These pads combine the benefits of premium street brake pads with aggressive friction formulas suitable for track day and autocross use. Para-Aramid composites deliver optimum stopping performance over a wide temperature range and are specially formulated to deliver linear response in both cold and hot conditions. All StopTech Sport Brake Pads are 100% positive molded and include OE designed shims to eliminate noise associated with brake pad vibration. In addition, each StopTech pad is scorched to remove any impurities in the friction material. While this does not eliminate the need to bed-in new pads, it does provide improved stopping power right out of the box.

StopTech Street Brake Pad Features:

• Superior Braking Performance for Everyday “Street” Drivers

• Lab-Tested, OE-Style Design, Manufacturing and Features

• Rotor-Friendly, Low-Dust Formula for Cleaner Wheels

• Dyno-Proven, Noise-Isolating Shims for Quiet Operation

• 100% Positive Molded for Life-Long Consistent Performance

• Scorched to Raise Initial Cold Effectiveness and Ease Bed-In

• Includes Premium Hardware for Precision OE Fitment

• Application Specific Brake Hardware included

• Dynamometer Tested for Maximum Performance and Service Life

• Platform Specific Friction Compounds

• Ideal for Daily Driving and Touring

The StopTech Street Brake Pads are a new addition to the StopTech product portfolio. StopTech street pads are engineered to provide superior braking performance for everyday street driven vehicles. The lab-developed and dyno-tested friction formulations provide the perfect combination of performance braking characteristics with the lowest dust and quietest operation available. The advanced friction compound delivers optimum stopping performance over a wide temperature range and is specially formulated to deliver linear response in both cold and hot conditions. All StopTech brake pads are 100% positive molded and include OE style shims to eliminate noise associated with brake pad vibration. In addition, each StopTech brake pad is scorched to remove any impurities in the friction material. While this does not eliminate the need to bed-in new pads it does provide improved stopping power right out of the box.

Centric Introduces the All-New StopTech Sport and Street Brake Pads

New StopTech Big Brake Kits Available for Lexus and Toyota

Centric Parts, North America’s leading manufacturer and supplier of OE and aftermarket brake and chassis components, has today announced the availability of a range of front and rear StopTech Big Brake Kits to fit a wide variety of Lexus and Toyota models. Over 20 new model and trim variations have been added to the StopTech catalog. StopTech Big Brake Kits (BBKs) include stiffer calipers, larger rotors, higher friction pads, stainless steel lines and application-specific mounting brackets and hardware. Like all StopTech High Performance BBKs, they offer significantly improved braking performance, feel and modulation over stock systems and are available in a variety of caliper color/rotor finish options.

The front StopTech Big Brake Kits for these Lexus and Toyota models include a pair of drilled or slotted StopTech 1- or 2-piece AeroRotors and four- or six-piston StopTech ST calipers, as well as mounting brackets, stainless steel lines and StopTech Sport brake pads.

The rear StopTech Big Brake Kits for these Lexus and Toyota models include a pair of drilled or slotted StopTech 1-piece AeroRotors and four-piston StopTech ST41 calipers, as well as mounting brackets, stainless steel lines and StopTech Sport brake pads.

StopTech big brake kits have been developed through years of racing success. These patented brake system upgrades include:

• StopTech ST Calipers – stiffer, forged, differential-bore, opposed-piston calipers with a patented bolt-in bridge that eases 
pad changes while increasing caliper stiffness


• StopTech 1- or 2-piece AeroRotors – Oversized 1-piece performance rotors or pre-assembled, 2-piece iron rotor rings 
with patented AeroVane fin design and aluminum AeroHats for optimal cooling – depending on kit


• StopTech Sport Brake Pads – Kevlar-like, para-aramid composite pads for aggressive street driving and occasional track 
day or autocross use


• StopTech Stainless Steel Brake Lines – braided stainless steel shielded Teflon-like lines for less system compliance and 
greater durability


• Mounting Brackets and Hardware – hard-anodized, billet aluminum mounting brackets with stainless steel studs and all of 
the necessary hardware for easy installation

With stiffer components and patented heat management technology, all StopTech High Performance Brake Kits provide shorter stopping distances, better brake modulation, firmer pedal feel and less brake fade for stronger, as well as more reliable performance on and off the track. These big brake kits are now available for purchase through authorized distributors. Check out all of Vivid Racing’s StopTech products here.

New StopTech Big Brake Kits Available for Lexus and Toyota

New StopTech Big Brake Kits Available for Audi and Volkswagen

Centric Parts, North America’s leading manufacturer and supplier of OE and aftermarket brake and chassis components, has just announced the availability of a range of front StopTech Big Brake Kits to fit a wide variety of Audi and Volkswagen models. More than 50 new VW and Audi model and trim variations have been added to the StopTech catalog. StopTech Big Brake Kits (BBKs) include stiffer calipers, larger rotors, higher friction pads, stainless steel lines and application-specific mounting brackets and hardware. Like all StopTech High Performance BBKs, they offer significantly improved braking performance, feel and modulation over stock systems, and are available in a variety of caliper color/rotor finish options.

The front StopTech Big Brake Kits for these Audi and VW models include a pair of drilled or slotted StopTech 1- or 2-piece AeroRotors and four- or six-piston StopTech ST calipers, as well as mounting brackets, stainless steel lines and StopTech Sport brake pads.

StopTech big brake kits have been developed through years of racing success. These patented brake system upgrades include:

• StopTech ST Calipers – stiffer, forged, differential-bore, opposed-piston calipers with a patented bolt-in bridge that eases 
pad changes while increasing caliper stiffness


• StopTech 1- or 2-piece AeroRotors – Oversized 1-piece performance rotors or pre-assembled, 2-piece iron rotor rings 
with patented AeroVane fin design and aluminum AeroHats for optimal cooling – depending on the kit


• StopTech Sport Brake Pads – Kevlar-like, para-aramid composite pads for aggressive street driving and occasional track 
day or autocross use


• StopTech Stainless Steel Brake Lines – braided stainless steel shielded Teflon-like lines for less system compliance and 
greater durability


• Mounting Brackets and Hardware – hard-anodized, billet aluminum mounting brackets with stainless steel studs and all of 
the necessary hardware for easy installation

With stiffer components and patented heat management technology, all StopTech High Performance Brake Kits provide shorter stopping distances, better brake modulation, firmer pedal feel and less brake fade for stronger, as well as more reliable performance on and off the track. These big brake kits are now available for purchase through authorized distributors. Check out all of Vivid Racing’s StopTech products here.

New StopTech Big Brake Kits Available for Audi and Volkswagen

New StopTech Big Brake Kits Available for Various New BMW Models

Centric Parts, North America’s leading manufacturer and supplier of aftermarket brake components, announced yesterday the availability of a range of front and rear StopTech Big Brake Kits to fit a wide variety of 2012+ BMW 2-, 3- and 4-Series models. More than 50 new BMW model and trim variations have been added to the program. These StopTech Big Brake Kits (BBK) include stiffer calipers, larger rotors, higher friction pads, stainless steel lines and application-specific mounting brackets and hardware. These new kits, like all StopTech High Performance BBKs offer significantly improved braking performance, feel and modulation over stock systems and are available in a variety of caliper color/rotor finish options.

The front StopTech Big Brake Kits for these BMW models include a pair of drilled or slotted StopTech 2-piece AeroRotors® and six-piston StopTech ST-60 calipers, as well as mounting brackets, stainless steel lines and StopTech Street Performance brake pads.

The rear StopTech Big Brake Kits for these BMW models include a pair of drilled or slotted StopTech 2-piece AeroRotors® and four-piston StopTech ST-40 calipers, as well as mounting brackets, stainless steel lines and StopTech Street Performance brake pads.

StopTech big brake kits have been developed through years of racing success. These patented brake system upgrades include:

• ï‚· StopTech ST Calipers – stiffer, forged, differential-bore, opposed-piston calipers with a patented bolt-in bridge that eases pad changes while increasing caliper stiffness

• ï‚· StopTech 2-piece AeroRotors® – pre-assembled, directional iron rotor rings with patented AeroVane® fin design and aluminum AeroHats® for optimal cooling

• ï‚· StopTech Street Performance Brake Pads – Kevlar®-like, para-aramid composite pads for aggressive street driving and occasional track day or autocross use

• ï‚· StopTech Stainless Steel Brake Lines – braided stainless steel shielded Teflon®-like lines for less system compliance and greater durability

• ï‚· Mounting Brackets & Hardware – hard-anodized, billet aluminum mounting brackets with stainless steel studs and all of the necessary hardware for easy installation

With stiffer components and patented heat management technology, all StopTech High Performance Brake Kits provide shorter stopping distances, better brake modulation, firmer pedal feel and less brake fade for stronger, more reliable performance on and off the track. These big brake kits are now available for purchase through authorized distributors. Check out all of Vivid Racing’s StopTech products here.

 

New StopTech Big Brake Kits Available for Various New BMW Models

Should We Upgrade to 2 Piece AP Racing Braking Rotors

When it comes to braking systems there are a couple of names that always come to mind.  Brembo, StopTech, Alcon, and AP Racing.  Brembo is most commonly associated with big brake kits or OEM as almost every high performance vehicle now comes with them from the factory.  Beyond these 4, there are several other big brake kit upgrades from companies not associated directly with motorsports.   But once you cut away the bling and how many pistons you don’t really need, you have brake technology engineering.  AP Racing is one of those that is synonomous with racing.  They are involved in Formula 1, Rally,  Stock Car Racing, street cars, and more.  Engineered and built in the United Kingdom, AP Racing’s aftermarket components are extremely popular worldwide and starting to gain steam here in the USA.

Recently AP Racing sent us a set of their J Hook style rotors to test fit on to our Project SRT Viper.  From the factory, the Viper comes with a Brembo caliper setup using a StopTech 2piece rotor.  Personally I think this is very weird as if someone were to put a Mustang engine in a Camaro.  Beyond opinions, there is probably some serious testing from SRT on this setup.  No shortage of braking performance on the SRT Viper, this AP Racing upgrade is purely for that next level of stopping or replacing the OEM when needed.  For reference, the stock brakes are a 4 piston caliper front and rear with 14 inch (355mm) slotted rotors.

So what is the difference or why change them out?  Lets go over the basics…  The rotors are both 2 piece with aluminum hats.  The AP Racing features their unique J Hook design where the StopTech is a standard slotted rotor.  In the racing world, both of these are “technically” better than drilled.  Drilled rotors look better, but under extreme braking use continuously, they can develop cracks.  Rotor grooves and cross drilling are used to better allow gases produced to escape.  This is also known as heat dissipation.  When the face of the rotor is modified, the friction characteristics are changed.  Different grooves or patterns will help the braking performance so theorhetically, this really depends on the application or needs.  The J Hook design is suppose to give improved bite over slotted.  Obviously braking is via friction and brake pad material is used up and can adhere to the rotor surface.  The J Hook design is also suppose to give more clearance for debris and reduce vibration or distortion that can commonly happen from over used rotors.  These features are enhanced because the J Hook design does not run out towards the rotor end.

In addition to the rotor type, another major determining factor is the rotor hardware.  This determines if the rotor is a true floating rotor or not.  Brembo uses the patented McLaren hardware which features a bearing with a spring to keep a true center line of braking.  If you have ever heard a Brembo GTR kit, you will notice that it rattles.  This is because in the racing applications, they do not use the bearing but the spring only.  Because of this patented application, other companies must use a different design that is up for debate on its longevity.  StopTech uses a Belleville Iconel washer and bolt setup.  The washers were originally just designed to be a high-heat lock washer. They have a very high spring rate so once they are torqued down they don’t allow the disk to move.   Thus making it not a true true floating rotor.  When a disk isn’t allowed to expand the hat may crack around the bolt hole area.  With a 2 piece rotor, the hat should not become a consumable item.  AP Racing uses a common bobbin pin design.  The bobbin pin design uses a spring clip that when the hat is bolted to the rotor, gives it resistance to “float” under braking pressure.  When you talk about a floating rotor, it is meant that the rotor truely “floats” on the hat.  When you brake, the pads are clamping equally on both sides of the rotor to help with pad wear, rotor wear, heat dissipation, and clamping ability.

So the end question would be, which would you prefer and why?

 

Should We Upgrade to 2 Piece AP Racing Braking Rotors

Part Paramedic, Part Race Car Driver

This is a fan of ours that we came across, after a couple emails back-and-forth, this guy shared some pics of his awesome custom creation. It started with him emailing us admiring what we do and seeing if there were any possibilities of collaborations.  As he saw the quality of products and customer service in us, we saw the potential and appreciated the work he’d put into his Nissan 370Z. He lives a double life. He’s part Paramedic and part race car driver. Saving lives by day and demolishing dreams on the track by night. Here are a few mods he’s had done, along with pictures at the bottom. If you want to pimp out your ride, email us at sales@vividracing.com and we will get you setup with the best quality parts at the most competitive prices.

•  Stillen CAI
• Fast Intentions long tube headers
• Custom 3” single exhaust by DragNflyy Performance
• Custom widebody exterior by A&L autobody using stillen front end and amuse rear full carbon fiber bumper
• Tuned using UpRev
• 34 row oil cooler
• Stainless steel brake and clutch lines with Motul high temp fluids
• StopTech racing trophy brake kit, 6 pot front 4 pot rear with two piece slotted rotors and StopTech racing brake pads
• Enkei PF01 front- 18×9.5+15  rear- 18×10.5+15
• Toyo Proxes R888 tires front- 275/35/18  rear 315/30/18
• Swift Spec R springs
• AMS oil 5w30
• Nissan genuine NISMO titanium shift knob
• Custom carbon fiber/alcantera steering wheel, and interior trim

Part Paramedic, Part Race Car Driver

Sexy Ferrari 360 Modena Super Modded in Puerto Rico

This Ferrari 360 is damn right sexy!  Sporting its beautiful Italian self in Puerto Rico, this Ferrari has been equipped with all top of the line products.  First, if you want to own a Ferrari, its a must to have it be red.  With this 360 Modena is a set of HRE P45SC monoblok wheels.  The wheels were finished in a satin silver which give the 1piece monoblok construction a fender filling look for the 20 inch setup.  Wrapping the lightweight forged wheels is a set of Hankook Ventus V12 tires in a 235/30/20 and a 305/25/20.  The car has been lowered on a set of Moton double adjustable coilovers featuring Eibach ERS springs.  With 150lb helper springs, the front uses a 450lb spring and the rear a 700lb spring.  Like our very own Project Ferrari 360, he is sporting a StopTech upgraded front 6 piston big brake kit with 380mm 2piece floating rotors.  Inside the car is a custom DCT Ferrari steering wheel with red 12 o’clock racing stripe on a carbon fiber accented top with lower preforated leather wrapped hand grips.  With some exterior accents including the Italian racing stripe, the car has also been equipped with the Agency Power carbon fiber Scud style spoiler, a carbon fiber diffuser, and Challenge Stradale style mirrors.  Performance of this V8 machine is enhanced by a carbon fiber GruppeM cold air intake kit and the latest titanium exhaust system from Agency Power.  No expenses spared, this Ferrari 360 is just as aggressive as any of its older brothers on the block.

Check out more Ferrari 360 Upgrades Here.

Sexy Ferrari 360 Modena Super Modded in Puerto Rico

One-Piece vs. Two-Piece Rotors, What do you Prefer?

StopTech and Centric Parts are introducing a new set of Two-Piece Rotor Upgrades for the 09-13 Nissan GT-R. This line of StopTech AeroRotor Replacement Kits (ARKs) allow for increased directional AeroVane design which results in increased endurance. StopTech ARKs are able to handle a larger amount of workload because of the technology of the front axle. Due to the increased efforts of the front axle the rear axle is able to be more effective while adding superior weight distribution decreasing the overall weight. Due to the balancing act of the front and rear there is an increase in air gaps that allows for massive airflow and enhanced performance. These rotors can save you time on the track and save you money by not having to constantly replace the factory rotors.

The StopTech Two-Piece Upgrade ARKs include, pre-assembled StopTech two-piece, floating, directional AeroRotors with iron friction rings and aluminum AeroHats. They are can include drilled or slotted form and they can come with zinc coating, to reduce rust, or not. StopTech brakes are known to provide shorter stopping distances, better brake modulation, firmer pedal feel and less brake fade for stronger, more reliable performance on and off the track.

Do you prefer one or two-piece rotors on your performance vehicle? Leave us a comment here or tell us what you think on Facebook or Twitter.

This is a clients GT-R that we put some HRE wheels on. Check out more pictures and details about this GT-R here.

 

One-Piece vs. Two-Piece Rotors, What do you Prefer?