Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes => Topic started by: 450sl on August 14, 2017, 10:39:48
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Is there a forum-consensus about the use of high performance brakepads ?
Thanks
Mark
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My first question is, '' Do you think you need them?'' Some brake pads need to be warmed before they'll work properly which is something you probably wouldn't want for your car and driving style.
Since I don't know what all these factors are I'll leave that for others.
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I have high-performance pads and stainless/kevlar brake hoses. The braking difference is very noticeable. As most are aware, too much braking can create excessive front dive on these cars, causing the back end to become unstable, especially in a turn while braking. So there needs to be a balance here, so I upgraded to a 22mm front sway bar from a 230sl that limits the dive. I had a 30mm front sway bar but it was too stiff.
All installed about 15 years ago. I don't recall the sourcing but Gernold installed the brake pads.
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There's absolutely no reason for High Performance brake pads on a Pagoda unless you intend to put it on the track. Otherwise you're just causing rotor wear. If you put the brake pads on only one end of the car you're also ruining the braking front to rear bias which could have other effects that more than offset what many people think is better braking.
Your car will still stop in the same number of feet either way because traction is limited by the tires. High-performance pads will just take longer before they fade and many of them will also take longer to warm up. What's funny is most people that use high-performance pads on the track don't change their brake fluid regularly. Their brake fluid is what boils and causes brake fading.
Put some $15 Centric brake pads on it and you'll be fine.