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Old 09-05-2009, 07:14 AM   #1
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Boxster S front brake upgrade for 99 986

Hi Everyone,
Has anyone here gone with the Suncoast Boxster S front brake upgrade kit for a 99 986? They sell the rotors, calipers, pads and even 2l of Super Blue for 1400 bucks. It is listed as a direct add on.
So,
1) Has anyone done this?
2) Will stock 17" rims work? (I think they will as the 996 had 17" available with these same rotors AFAIK).
3) Was the upgrade worth it for the track?

I am considering this as this winter I might do a power upgrade (either Jake Raby or 3.4/3.6 route).

TIA

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Old 09-05-2009, 07:26 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Coochas
Hi Everyone,
Has anyone here gone with the Suncoast Boxster S front brake upgrade kit for a 99 986? They sell the rotors, calipers, pads and even 2l of Super Blue for 1400 bucks. It is listed as a direct add on.
So,
1) Has anyone done this?
2) Will stock 17" rims work? (I think they will as the 996 had 17" available with these same rotors AFAIK).
3) Was the upgrade worth it for the track?

I am considering this as this winter I might do a power upgrade (either Jake Raby or 3.4/3.6 route).

TIA
1) Yes.
2) Depends upon the wheel.
3) Depends upon the driver................
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Old 09-05-2009, 01:17 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by JFP in PA
1) Yes.
2) Depends upon the wheel.
3) Depends upon the driver................
As for (2) I have two sets of the standard 17" 986 twist rims which I believe are 8.5R with 50 offset & 7F with 55 offset.

As for (3) I am an intermediate driver in PCA (White). As my driving has progressed I use less and less brake (like most people's driving progression). I currently have no problems with brakes in this car at the track. However, if I add 60-100 HP to the car, I am questioning whether or not the stock non-S brakes will do well in a track environment.
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Old 09-05-2009, 01:30 PM   #4
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I personally would not consider it unless I was tracking the car a lot (I dont) or found that the stock brakes were not up to my driving style. I am constantly impressd how good the brakes are on my base Boxster, even under very "sporty" driving conditions.

Ed

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Old 09-06-2009, 08:29 AM   #5
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As my dad (aerospace engineer) would say in his most precise technical terms: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." The last thing you want is to spend $1400 and have the car turn slower laps due to higher unsprung weight or brake bias issues. Add displacement and if you find that you are incinerating Pagid race pads it will be time for bigger brakes. It will greatly depend on you the driver and your choice of tracks. Regular fresh brake fluid and high temp pads may be the only upgrade you need.
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Old 09-06-2009, 09:13 AM   #6
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Super Blue racing fluid and new stainless steel braided brake lines made my factory brakes feel like I put in a whole new big red braking system. Amazing firm feel when I hit the brakes hard.

You should definitely try this $120 fix before you spend any more on the car and see what I'm talking about.
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Old 09-06-2009, 11:47 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour
Super Blue racing fluid and new stainless steel braided brake lines made my factory brakes feel like I put in a whole new big red braking system. Amazing firm feel when I hit the brakes hard.

You should definitely try this $120 fix before you spend any more on the car and see what I'm talking about.
I always run Super Blue, flush the brakes frequently, and run PFC pads. The brakes are great right now. I'm only wondering what to do if I add significant HP to the car this off-season. I don't know how much reserve the brakes will have with increased speed at the track.
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Old 09-06-2009, 12:10 PM   #8
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You may need better brakes up front and you may not.

Why spend the money now? Get the added HP and see how it stops for you and then decide...

unless you have a money tree in the back yard :dance:
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Old 09-08-2009, 06:30 PM   #9
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http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20975

Check my thread for updates... going on the track on the 25th and planning to put on the new front brakes after that.
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Old 09-12-2009, 06:24 PM   #10
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I have experienced brake fade on back roads in my 3.6 1998 Boxster with stock brakes.
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Old 09-13-2009, 06:08 AM   #11
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And I've experience brake fade in my 1997 Boxster with a stock 2.5 in it and stock brakes.

A lot depends on how you use your brakes and how often you use your brakes and if you downshift effectively.

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