AP Racing "Factory" Big Brake Kit
 

Happy Easter Everyone! Just thought I'd share my (very limited) experience with the Essex AP Racing Factory Big Brake Kit so far.

The kit was very well packaged. Everything there, no problems. Installation instructions were provided and seemed pretty comprehensive - didn't use them much. I'm no pro but pretty much "winged" the installation between their simple one page diagrams and the BRZ Factory Service Manual that I obtained elsewhere on this website (thanks for supporting and providing btw!). Install was pretty smooth. Only pain was pushing back the rear brake shields to clear the rotors. The return flange caused approximately 1/4" interference. The flanges themselves could have been cut off, with the remaining shield filed and touched up with paint as well. I chose what I thought was the path of least resistance for me (your situation may vary).

They look great (IMO), and for the couple miles I put on them to take some photos (below), seem to work pretty good as well. I don't drive the car much (less than 400 miles in 8 months so far) but I'll try to update this thread with any significant developments as they happen.

Peace!


http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/x...X7A6928_1a.jpg

http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/x...X7A6931_1a.jpg

http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/x...X7A6981_1a.jpg

what's the difference between factory and their race/sprint kit? does it keep the dust seals?

those brakes fill up the wheel pretty nice. what's your wheel specs?

Looking nice buddy. Like your wheels, too!
I'm assuming the factory kit is for daily drivers, correct?

Considering I'm living in north eastern state... I'd probably need factory kit instead of sprint/endurance ones. lol

Thanks for the kind words guys!

Yes, the "Factory" kit is intended more for street (vs. track) use. The caliper pistons come with "dust" boots (vs. the "Competition" version which come without). More information can be found on the Essex website:

http://www.essexparts.com/shop/compl...e-systems.html

The wheels are SSR GTV03, 18x8.5, +44. I didn't measure any clearances but there was plenty. Yes, ryoma, you're very right, the new brakes fill up the wheels much nicer than stock (you can see "before" photos on my wheel thread, link below).

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77567

Have a good one!

Thanks for the purchase! The brakes look bad@ss on the car, and definitely fill those wheels up beautifully.

Just an FYI to those considering the AP Racing Factory Kit. They aren't just a pretty face. They have the performance to back up the good looks. I have a number of customers thrashing them on the racetrack, and they are holding up great.:cheers:

ps Nice photography!

Thanks JRitt and thanks for Essex support of our forum! And also, you're welcome! Good to know about their track performance should I decide to get the car out there one day. :thumbup:

Take care...

is there a kit for 17" wheels for the street, or just the sprint/endurance kit that would fit 17's?

The four piston AP Racing Factory Big Brake Kit shown in this thread fits behind the OEM 17's without a spacer, front and rear. They also fit many other popular 17" wheels of course. Please see the links below:

Front AP Racing Factory BBK

Rear AP Racing Factory BBK

Jeff, I am quite interested in the 330mm kit, how does this compare against the sprint kit as far as thermal capacity and durability? What are the cost of spare rotor rings for this kit? Are there as many pad options for this as the sprint kit? What pads are included with the kit?

I need something bigger and have ruled out the sprint and endurance kits due to the lack of dust seals and not fitting behind stock wheels. I drive my car in the winter.

The 330 mm kit looks very close to the Stoptech kit but is priced a bit higher ($2,495 vs $1,800). I would really prefer the AP racing kit as I had great luck with a similar Ap Racing HSV kit on my GTO, and I got great support from Essex, but I don't know that I see that great of a difference for the extra $700.

Do you ever have sales on these?

Also, is there a rear stock sized rotor with the j-hooks that would match the front?

Thanks!

Pat

Happy Indy 500 / Memorial Day weekend y'all. Got an update for anyone curious about trying to fit a spare over this big brake kit.

This is definitely not what I'd consider an ideal set up as it requires a 30mm Spacer but I think it'll save me from having to call for / wait for a tow and having to "roll the dice" with some stranger handling my car in the event of a flat. Yes, I've had the worst luck with my cars. :iono:

Anyways, on to the details, here are the parts I used...

Tire: Continental, CST 17, 125/70-18
Wheel: VW / Audi Spare, 1J0601027M03C, 18 x 3.5
Spacer: H&R, DRM, 6025561, 30mm

Photos...

Close up with spacer:

http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/x...X7A9582_1a.jpg

Before spare:

http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/x...X7A9581_1a.jpg

With spare:

http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/x...X7A9580_1a.jpg

those look badass

Does the BBK fit Volk TE37 16x7 offset 46 , CE28N 17x7.5 offset 50 ?

I highly doubt the 350mm, 6 Piston Kit (Fronts) will fit either of those wheels. You can download, print, and test fit, templates available on the Essex website (www.essexparts.com) to confirm this.

Link to 350mm Kit template here: http://www.apracing.com/Drawings/P16.318.pdf

You might get their smaller 4 Piston Kits to fit. Links to kits in JRitt's post above and shortcut to templates here:

Front: http://www.apracing.com/Drawings/P16.315.pdf

Rear: http://www.apracing.com/Drawings/P16.316.pdf

Make sure you print "full size" or "100%" and verify the reference dimensions in both directions.

Good Luck!

Man, you keep your brakes clean. Mine are all faded and caked in brake dust, haha.