What's the verdict on on brake seals on the 2nd Gen Rx-7s? Are they indestructible or should I replace them. I haven't seen any leakage, but I'm going to autocross the car so I;m wondering how I should proceed with this.
Also looking at replacement rotors. Brembos are $50 a piece. Where as a generic option "Prontos" are like $20 anyone know the quailty difference between the two?
http://www.racepages.com/products/?N=6854+1667+11064+4294963355+11921+142&refine=Location%3AFront
Also should I replace the master cylinder too?
If it ain't broke don't fix?
Calipers: Depending on how old the calipers are, I would consider a rebuild, esp. if you are planning on track time. Rebuild kits are about $20-25 and rebuilding the caliper yourself isn't hard to do. The Haynes manual for the 2nd gen RX-7s goes over the procedures. However, you will need access to an air compressor and you will need to watch your fingers!
Rotors: Of all the rotors on that page, I would either stick with the Brembos or the Centrics. IIRC, Centric is a division of Stop Tech brakes. I've heard NAPA rotors are made by Brembo, but I can't find any confirmation on this.
Brake Master Cylinder: Check the brake booster and everything directly below the BMC. If it feels slick, then your BMC is leaking. Rust on the brake booster or on the frame rail directly below the BMC is also a sign of leaking. You're better off buying a rebuilt BMC as rebuilding a BMC is more of a PITA than the calipers.
You should also consider getting some stainless steel braided brake lines to replace the rubber brake lines and clutch fluid line (provided the rules allow for these mods). The brake and clutch pedals will feel stiffer and easier to modulate.
Gracias!!!
You guys heard anything about a rotor company called Pronto? they seem very cheap... I'm wondering if it's too good to be true...
I agree with Rex.
Centric is indeed a division of Stop Tech (or vice versa). Their rotors are excellent. Definitely worth a couple of extra $.
If you plan on autocrossing more than twice a year get yourself setup with Mazda Motorsports aka MazdaSpeed: http://mazdamotorsports.com/
I've never heard of Pronto, so I would avoid them. RX-7 turbos are fast cars, so brakes aren't the place to scrimp.
I think the Centric rotors look like a good option- reputable company, decent price. The Premium ones have a special coating that keeps rust from forming on them. I am looking at them as an option to replace my turbo FC's no-name cross-drilled rotors
If you're talking about the 4-pot front calipers for an FC, you should seriously look into just getting reman'd ones from your local parts store. I paid $32ea for them when I did that. You can't rebuild them that cheap unless you don't value your own time. If you're talking rears, they're worthwhile to rebuild as the remans aren't as cheap as the fronts.
(Just looked at Rock Auto...Bendix reman front 4-pots are $42ea + $50 core)
Oh, and just get the cheap Beck/Arnley or Centric rotors. They work just fine and you're under $100 for all four corners.
I have yet to see 4-pots in the field that didn't have at least one siezed piston.
Then again, I only seem to get two or three years out of the single-pots before THEY sieze. The caliper rusts between the boot and the seal, locking the piston in place. Can be fixed fairly expediently but still a pain in the ass.
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