Brake upgrade for a DC2

[Shinobi]

Anyone upgraded the brakes on a DC2 and had good results? Currently running standard discs with Yellow stuff pads on a 96 JDM DC2.

Was considering Braided lines, DS2500 Pads and Millers High temp brake fluid. Would this lot be adequate for fast road and some track driving or do I need uprated discs aswell?

Loving the car though, had it about a year now and starting to really enjoy it and find the limits.

[ady_GTi]

I had basically the same spec as your proposing, DS2500 are great pads, just ordered a set for my s2000. They can be a bit wooden when cold but I did a full day open pit at brands with no brake issues at all.

I had some HEL braded lines and I can't say I really noticed the difference, decent fluid is always worthwhile thou!

[Shinobi]

O/T but how do You rate the S2000? Seems to be a natural progression and I'm quite tempted although can't imagine it being as grippy round the bends as a DC2.

Current Spec:

5Zigen Proracer Manifold
Cat back exhaust (resembles Feel's but no stamps)
Decat
Greddy Oil Cooler and Sandwich Plate
Clutch Type LSD
Lightweight Flywheel
Larger Capacity Aluminium Radiator
NGK HT Leads
Short Ratio Gearset (3rd and 4th are considerably shorter and match the Spoon ratios, 5th we're not sure about but feels lower)
Pitworks Drive Belts
HKS Speed Limit Defender

Greddy Oil Temp Gauge
Greddy Water Temp Gauge
Momo Course Steering Wheel
Razo Heel/Toe Accelerator Pedal
Sparco 3pt Harness

Rear Tints
Varis Carbon Fibre Bonnet
Zeal Function Coilovers
Replica Cusco BMCS
15" Sprint Hart CPF-Gs
Yoko Parada Spec IIs all round
EBC Yellow Stuff pads on Front

Thinking I'm going to need to do alot to a S2000 to get anywhere near this level of handling.

[stew-S160]

Worth considering Dixcel discs and pads(check over on the DC2 forum for prices). These get nothing but great reviews.
Braided brake lines and decent fluid are a very good idea.

[RS404]

I recently bought Brembo discs and Hawk Racing pads for my UK DC2 from Cambridge Motorsport and changed the fluid to Castrol React Performance DOT4 from OPIE Oils and I'm really pleased with the results. Great feel and no change in performance over a full track day.

Edited to add, I notice your running the same tyres as me, Yoko Parada Spec 2. They are fine on the road but a bit disappointing on the track, once hot they really squirm about in the tight corners. I'd love some proper track day tyres such as A048's but £150ish each!!

Edited by RS404 on Friday 7th October 16:58

[NickDc2]

Aside from getting some better pads I would be inclined to upgrade it to 98 spec up front which uses the slightly bigger 282mm discs.

[havoc]

NickDc2 said:

Aside from getting some better pads I would be inclined to upgrade it to 98 spec up front which uses the slightly bigger 282mm discs.

Agreed - if you're still on the 4-stud hubs with 262mm discs then upgrading to 98-spec (or UKDM - should be a straight fit) front hubs and calipers is a no-brainer, albeit you'll need to change rims, of course.

Braided hoses don't improve braking performance, but do significantly improve pedal feel and make HnT easier - had them on both my 'tegs and also on the NSX.

[Kozy]

NickDc2 said:

Aside from getting some better pads I would be inclined to upgrade it to 98 spec up front which uses the slightly bigger 282mm discs.

I disagree. I have just this weekend changed back to the 262 assembly on my Civic, the 282 conversion made the brakes worse. Granted, you get more force for a given pedal input and they will take a bit more heat on track, however unlike most, I don't consider this 'better', considering I don't go to the track very often. It sent the ABS spastic, made the pedal feel nasty and increased the stopping distances.

The original 262/240 setup with DS2500 front and rear will outperform an unbalanced 282/240 setup with only performance front pads. A full 282/260 setup with matching 1" MC will work properly though, it's all about the balance.

Think of upgrading the fronts only as altering the torque split rearwards on a 4WD car, you're only going to reduce the available traction under acceleration.

[ady_GTi]

Shinobi said:

O/T but how do You rate the S2000? Seems to be a natural progression and I'm quite tempted although can't imagine it being as grippy round the bends as a DC2.

Thinking I'm going to need to do alot to a S2000 to get anywhere near this level of handling.

I had the teg and an mx5 at the same time before the S2000 so it seemed like a natural progression as you said.

I would say it actually has more grip than a standard DC2, just due to the wider tyres and more modern suspension. Actually exploiting it is alot harder than the teg. Its not as bad as some people make out but theres definitely less feedback through the wheel and "seat of the pants"

[nvm]

grooved discs, mintex m1144 and ap dot 5.1 brake fluid is all you need!

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Get the bigger discs on there, some Brembo/EBC blanks and some great pads like the Carbone Lorraine RC5+ etc.

No need for silly grooved, dimpled or ponytailed discs, blanks are more than good enough.