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- #21
Thanks for the info! Yet another testament to the cost-effectiveness of the s550 calipers. I've heard the the stock boss booster/master paired with the s550 calipers gives slightly more modulation than stock. I'm a big fan of the stock brake feel (with ss lines, good pads) so a similar feel is a positive in my book. One worry I have with the s550 calipers is the reports of knockback, which doesn't seem to be entirely cured by a 2pc rotor, which also could drive up the cost of the s550 option. I could go for those calipers and cheapo 1pc rotors if the knockback isn't too bad.I have the Brembo Pro Grand Am brake kit. I go through a 25mm pad in 4 -5 track days. I run Pagid RST-1s. If I switched to something like an RSL-1, I would probably get better pad life, but lower initial bit a level of friction.
The people I know running the S550 brakes tend to get about the same pad life. The S550 pad has a much larger area than the Grand Am pad but isn't as thick.
I believe @captdistraction is running the Kohr brake booster and master. Comparing a couple of different S197s with the Kohr booster and the factory booster and master, my observations is that the Kohr has a longer, softer, and more progressive pedal vs. the factory S197 booster and master. If you make the swap, I would try the factory booster setup first and then decide if you want a more progressive pedal.
Replacement rotor costs should also be part of your assessment. With the S550 calipers, you can run factory rotors which are about $120 each. In comparison, a set of rotors and mounting hardware for the Grand Am kit (380mm x 35mm) will run you about $1,200. I go through one to two sets of rotors each year.
That's hilarious and awesome that your "take-off" pads are still good. Another point for race brakes. Feels like I'm ping-ponging back and forth between these brake options.To elaborate further, My Brembo set up came from @JAJ.
He ran them on his GT-500 on the street and some track days, then passed them to me and I have about 5 track days on them and I'm ready to start the SCCA season on:
(drum roll please)
The same pads.
Yes, I am still on the stock pads that came in the kit and they still have about 70% left. I believe it's a ST42 compound. The brakes are deep annulus, so they are not only long pads but very wide and thick. 20mm thick. Very happy with these brakes.