Topic: TCE Big Brake Kits - 14" Front & 13" Rears w/ stock rims?

[e-sarge]

OK, I've decided that I want to do a big brake kit. Although the BBK in the subject line is huge bucks, it will get used (lapping days at Mosport), so let's stay away from that whole discussion, please.

My criteria was as follows:

• I like Wilwood, but would consider other proven brands.
• I still use the stock rims, and I would like to do my brake upgrade before new rims, if possible. If new rims are necessary and within budget, then must retain 18" tire size as I already have purchased my next set of tires.
• My Sky is a street car used for 3-4 track days per year at Mosport (a high-speed road course). The car needs to remain streetable, but I really want a significant increase in braking performance from this upgrade.
• As my skills improve (and future wheels and tires are purchased), I like having options for rotors and pads if I get more serious.
• I want to retain the parking brake, ABS, TCS, etc.
• Due to the track requirements, I prefer the 6-pot front setup for more even pad wear.

So, now the questions:

• Does anyone else have the 14" front kit and 13" back kit?
• Any fitment issues with stock rims?
• Any opinions on how it will affect the brake bias (assume BP-10 pads that come with the kit)? As the first set of pads wear out, I will be considering different pads front and rear to tune the brake bias.
• Any issues with ABS / TCS / any other TLAs (three letter acronyms)?
• Are there other alternatives I need to consider?

 

[DragonSolGXP]

I have this kit on my 08 gxp. I love them and they fit well with my stock wheels

[Sly Bob]

SSBC brakes are highly regarded and they have both front and rear brakes for our cars. The fronts are only a 13" rotor though.

http://www.ssbrakes.com/commerce/brakefinder/index.cfm?year=2008&make=Pontiac&model=Solstice

There is the Brembo kit too. The cost is good on that kit.

http://www.crateenginedepot.com/Brembo-Brake-Upgrade-Kit-for-Solstice-SBBK-P18269C973.aspx

[elff]

E-sarge

First up, Todd at TCE is awesome and provides top notch Custmer Service.  He returns every phone call and can really help you match your needs to a kit.  These kits are not cheap but they are excellent and worth every penny

I have The following kits on my Sky
Front: Plus 1: The 13" Street kit- $1419
And
Rear: Plus 1: The 12.3" Parking Brake kit- $1319
BP10 pads and slotted rotors

It's an amazing combo that has the car very balanced under braking  As these pads heat up, they actually grab more.  Todd actually recommends them for street and would probably tell you to swap to the BP20 on your track days as they Improve even more at higher temps

The rear uses the same caliper for both the 12 and 13 and will clear the stock rim. 

There is a .3" difference in the front 13" vs 14" kit.  I am pretty sure the stock rim had just enough clearance when I measured for Kagem, but I sold my stock rims and can't verify. 
If you go to the TCE website, click on Tools and select Wheel Fit, measurement A needs to be = or > Than 1.1" .   If you remove one wheel you can verify that pretty easy.

With the BP20 pads, I actually think the combo I have will be more than adequate for your track day needs and have zero clearance issues and save you some cash.

Quick edit add, the TC and ABS work fine

[elff]

In another thread someone linked to a picture of the stock rims.  The 14" kit will easily fit

[Craig]

I've been dreaming of a sweet brake set.
I love Wilwood parts.
Have dealt with them a few times and have nothing but good things to say.

I know nothing other that what's been said on the forums 'bout TCE.
I've never heard a sour word though and the guy that works the forum wins my confidence for what it's worth.
I have thier website bookmarked:)

Thier largest kit does seem to be over the top.
Massively oversized brakes can be problematic on the street.
Especially paired with a pad selected to work at the track.
I'm not exagerating when I say that I have experienced huge brakes on a light car do nothing when cold.
 
For a street/track set, you must consider the Cobalt's Brembos.
Maybe the vented disks for the rear.
Getting parts in a pinch, especialy in Canada, will be so much easier.
I'm positive the combo is adequate for Mosport becasue I've seen several bone stock SS's there doing laps.
Above that I'd add some decent brake fluid and new lines.

Since you are in Oshawa, you might as well give Powel a call to see what they might do.
I hear they have been doing tons of brake sets for the Delta car guys.
Last I spoke with them, they welcome the Kappa.
They prep cars for Mosport all the time.

[SKY888]

I know nothing other that what's been said on the forums 'bout TCE.
I've never heard a sour word though and the guy that works the forum wins my confidence for what it's worth.
I have thier website bookmarked:)

the reason why you've never heard of a sour word about TCE is because Todd is a very honest and helpful vendor.

top quality products.

I'm one of the very satisfied customers

[elff]

Me Too

Craig,
The Cobalt brembo's are not an option for E-Sarge because of his current requirement of retaining the stock rims.
Without spacers, the brembo's simply will not fit.
http://www.skyroadster.com/forums/f25/brembo-brakes-ss-cobalt-34657/

I agree with your assessment on the size and after speaking with Todd, he steered me to the kit I have which actually lost him money.  It's the smallest 13" one.

The Cool thing with the TCE kits is the ease of switching pads.  Get BP10's for the street, BP20's for the track days.

[Craig]

I don't like the idea of spacers.
But if he's serious about tracking the car, new wheels that don't weigh a ton should be on the list for him.
Powel may have options as well.

[CASam]

I have the f/r set with 14/13 roters.   They are superb and fit with all rims as best as I can see.   They really get better as they get hot.   You will never be sorry for this kit.

CA Sam

[e-sarge]

Just a post-upgrade follow up after almost a full season with this kit installed:

I really enjoy this TCE kit. There were no fitment issues with the stock wheels (it's a pretty tight fit). With the kit itself, TCE actually shipped the wrong front adapter brackets originally, but when I posted pics to Todd he recognized the error and shipped the correct brackets. I had to use every single shim washer in the kit (including the extra shims from the rear kits) to get enough clearance for the rotors -- I did wish for a few extra shims. Installation went pretty smoothly except that I needed a hub puller to remove the dust shield on the rears, so that introduced a delay while I hunted one down. The kit did not come with Sky/Solstice instructions, so a few things required some head-scratching.

Brake performance is fantastic. With the track pads installed, removal of loose fillings is as simple as a stomp of the stop pedal. At Todd's recommendation, I went with the BP10s for the street, and for the track I have PolyMatrix E on the front and BP20 on the rear. Balance is very good.

I'm getting pretty good at swapping the pads -- fronts are a breeze to change, the rears a little less so because a wind-back tool is required and the caliper design prevents the use of any through-style wind-back tools. I have been using a cube adapter on my socket wrench and a pry bar which works, but is a little awkward.

[Sly Bob]

Great information, thanks for the update.

[Omiotek]

check out our line of rotora brakes.... break stuff.

the cobalt brakes work great on and off the track. they are cheap too if you ever need a replacement. a small spacer wont do you any harm.

[elff]

Nice to see other people are really liking the TCE Kits.
Todd @TCE  is an awesome guy and very helpful.