VXR 500 - A CONCERN
Discussion
I've been watching the hysteria surrounding the all singing n all dancing Monaro that VX have now released and warranted (hurrah), albeit only through Greens (deservedly so Caspy if what is written on the forum is anything to go by). Well done Vauxhall (and Caspy)....but.....
I have a concern - Brakes. The mush mascarading as brake pad material is hardly enough to stop the VXR in standard trim (370fwhp by the way - had my standard one dynoed with Surrey Rolling Road the other week), so what the hell are VX doing backing something that's gonna make them go quicker and hence put an even greater strain on the already weak part of the car? How many threads are on here asking for "Brake upgrade advice, How to stop fade etc etc???" Surely if they're gonna offer this car they should whack on some AP's that everyone seems to rate? How many other cars with circa 500 ponies sport "Standard" brakes? I hazard a guess they're all Brembo's, AP racing or otherwise.
So, why not make the VXR £40000, throw in the AP's and a Cat back system and everyone's a winner!!!??? Still amazing value for money, but an awful safer and the sound the V8 should have???? I really don't want this awesome car being ripped to bits by car journo's coz they can't stop the beast!!! That would be a crying shame....
I'm sure I'm gonna get shot down in flames, but isn't that what these forums are all about???
I have a concern - Brakes. The mush mascarading as brake pad material is hardly enough to stop the VXR in standard trim (370fwhp by the way - had my standard one dynoed with Surrey Rolling Road the other week), so what the hell are VX doing backing something that's gonna make them go quicker and hence put an even greater strain on the already weak part of the car? How many threads are on here asking for "Brake upgrade advice, How to stop fade etc etc???" Surely if they're gonna offer this car they should whack on some AP's that everyone seems to rate? How many other cars with circa 500 ponies sport "Standard" brakes? I hazard a guess they're all Brembo's, AP racing or otherwise.
So, why not make the VXR £40000, throw in the AP's and a Cat back system and everyone's a winner!!!??? Still amazing value for money, but an awful safer and the sound the V8 should have???? I really don't want this awesome car being ripped to bits by car journo's coz they can't stop the beast!!! That would be a crying shame....
I'm sure I'm gonna get shot down in flames, but isn't that what these forums are all about???
It's a good point. However, most of you chaps on here have your heads screwed on and will upgrade the brakes at the same time. I'd suggest any demonstrator cars (should the press get them) will also have the modded brakes.
Oh, and the Monaro brochure states the exhaust isn't fit for road use. Guess it doesn't pass some stooopid law or other and can only be retro fitted.
Oh, and the Monaro brochure states the exhaust isn't fit for road use. Guess it doesn't pass some stooopid law or other and can only be retro fitted.
Edited by Twin Turbo on Thursday 14th September 22:11
biglump said:
I've been watching the hysteria surrounding the all singing n all dancing Monaro that VX have now released and warranted (hurrah), albeit only through Greens (deservedly so Caspy if what is written on the forum is anything to go by). Well done Vauxhall (and Caspy)....but.....
I have a concern - Brakes. The mush mascarading as brake pad material is hardly enough to stop the VXR in standard trim (370fwhp by the way - had my standard one dynoed with Surrey Rolling Road the other week), so what the hell are VX doing backing something that's gonna make them go quicker and hence put an even greater strain on the already weak part of the car? How many threads are on here asking for "Brake upgrade advice, How to stop fade etc etc???" Surely if they're gonna offer this car they should whack on some AP's that everyone seems to rate? How many other cars with circa 500 ponies sport "Standard" brakes? I hazard a guess they're all Brembo's, AP racing or otherwise.
So, why not make the VXR £40000, throw in the AP's and a Cat back system and everyone's a winner!!!??? Still amazing value for money, but an awful safer and the sound the V8 should have???? I really don't want this awesome car being ripped to bits by car journo's coz they can't stop the beast!!! That would be a crying shame....
I'm sure I'm gonna get shot down in flames, but isn't that what these forums are all about???
I have a concern - Brakes. The mush mascarading as brake pad material is hardly enough to stop the VXR in standard trim (370fwhp by the way - had my standard one dynoed with Surrey Rolling Road the other week), so what the hell are VX doing backing something that's gonna make them go quicker and hence put an even greater strain on the already weak part of the car? How many threads are on here asking for "Brake upgrade advice, How to stop fade etc etc???" Surely if they're gonna offer this car they should whack on some AP's that everyone seems to rate? How many other cars with circa 500 ponies sport "Standard" brakes? I hazard a guess they're all Brembo's, AP racing or otherwise.
So, why not make the VXR £40000, throw in the AP's and a Cat back system and everyone's a winner!!!??? Still amazing value for money, but an awful safer and the sound the V8 should have???? I really don't want this awesome car being ripped to bits by car journo's coz they can't stop the beast!!! That would be a crying shame....
I'm sure I'm gonna get shot down in flames, but isn't that what these forums are all about???
The brakes are great on my 2004 VXR and i believe them to be even bigger on the 2005 VXR.
The hysteria about upgrading the brakes is daft as few of the cars thus equipped make it anywhere near to a track where the benefit would be evident unlike 99.99% of the time on the road.
Ive owned M3, M5, AMG, 996, 456 etc and the Monaro breaks are fine IMHO for fast road use.
Bennno
well seeing its a 2004 VXR you drive - try the standard cv8 model on an 04 and try stopping first time its a bit damp. Standard brakes on that model should be getting retrofitted under warranty to the same as the 05 model for safety reasons - seeing as they're being that pernickity about earthing the seats on the million to one chance static might trigger an air bag. I know I for one would not want to sit in a 500bhp on standard brakes. If you've got that much power in that size of a car you need substantial brakes to stop the damn thing in a hurry.
i owned the standard v8 model on an 04 prior to my vxr.
On my old CV8 the brakes lived up to 4 trips round the nurburgring without major amounts of fade given the weight of the car.
The braking in the rain comment doesnt make sense? There is only so much grip on the tyre which the abs regulates this wouldnt be improved with a change of brakes.
The only benefit they offer is in terms of fade resistance to continued heavy use which as per my post above most of these cars dont suffer as they are not tracked.
Bennno
Chaps, if you want your brakes to instantly feel 1000% better, come and have a drive in my old Capri 2.8i. Despite the fact it's been upgraded with a rear disc conversion, it's still startling to think what rubbish we used to put up with (and this is my 3rd 2.8, so I know they all do that Sir).
One sharp braking session in that, and you'd never complain about your Monaros again
One sharp braking session in that, and you'd never complain about your Monaros again
Interesting - Some say the brakes are fine, some don't...maybe it's a personal thing but of all the 30+ cars I've had in my driving life from Mk2 escorts to TVR's, the VXR's are simply awful. I just think it would be the "responsible" thing for Vauxhall/Greens (sorry Caspy) to bang on some decent stoppers to save buyers having to upgrade them at a later date...If a car is capable of doing these craaaazy speeds, it should be capable of stopping too. You know it makes sense!
biglump said:
I just think it would be the "responsible" thing for Vauxhall/Greens (sorry Caspy) to bang on some decent stoppers to save buyers having to upgrade them at a later date...If a car is capable of doing these craaaazy speeds, it should be capable of stopping too. You know it makes sense!
The customer has the choice of any option on the VXR500 (brakes, suspension, etc) so let them make there own responsible choice..........
I drove a Volvo S80 to my house and back for a valeting customer. I nearly went out through the windscreen the brakes were that good! Never known my CV8 to pull up like that but the tension on a certain part of my anatomy has equalled the brake force on the Volvo 
when trying to pull up behind someone in front slamming on the anchors 
when trying to pull up behind someone in front slamming on the anchors uk hsv said:
biglump said:
I just think it would be the "responsible" thing for Vauxhall/Greens (sorry Caspy) to bang on some decent stoppers to save buyers having to upgrade them at a later date...If a car is capable of doing these craaaazy speeds, it should be capable of stopping too. You know it makes sense!
The customer has the choice of any option on the VXR500 (brakes, suspension, etc) so let them make there own responsible choice..........
Not sure I follow Paul.
Does that mean the customer can specify (say) AP's and not pay extra or they do pay extra if so specced?
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