Disc replacements

[rossmc]

Anyone have views/experience on replacement discs for a 991.2 C4S? Mine are all about 55% worn and I'm thinking about swapping them for non-Porsche discs and then putting the originals back on when I eventually sell the car (so anyone getting a 111-point check wont have to factor in an expensive brake job). I already have Pagid RSL29 pads ready to go on (will box up the genuine ones - about 50% left on them too) and want discs that will stand up to regular track days but wont break the bank. Zimmermann look ok but there was a lot of noise on here (quite a long time ago, to be fair) about them warping. I'm only 5 months in to Porsche ownership so looking for more informed opinions.

 

[Lancerlot]

Sounds like a lot of work just to remain in the same place unless you're planning on fitting larger rotors and callipers for track use - (rim size is your limiting factor). Personally, I would just stick with the current rotors, then fit proper Porsche replacements when the time comes. They're not overly expensive and you have the benefit of 10% discount as a Club member. Brakes are consumable and consequently replacement will not adversely affect the vehicle's residual value.
Regards,

Clive

 

[595triple]

I cannot vouch for a .2 but I went through the process for a .1

First thing to say is that changing the brake discs for non Porsche in no way affects the warranty or a 111 point check. My GTS went through this with 380mm upgraded discs (up from 340/330) with no issue. Discs and calipers are not covered under the warranty, only the braking system. Basically the master cylinder.

Upgrades for the brakes are few and far between. To retain standard calipers, the common upgrade is Girodisc.

The basic upgrades don't require the calipers to be spaced. When I did mine I wanted a proper upgrade and moved to 380mm allround. This was a kit from a company called RB Brakes in the US. The kit included machined, assymetric caliper spacers and longer bolts. They also provided an oversized pad to fit the standard caliper. In addition I fitted braided lines. Overall, although a much bigger disc, the better construction only added 3kg in total (4 discs). As I ran GT wheels I only had a net gain of 2kg overall.

Overall a massive improvement on what I considered a pretty poor standard braking system. I tried another car to confirm that.

After the oversize pads in the front wore through I went back to standard pads. Although smaller, the loss is on the inside of the rotor, not the outside where the increased size makes the difference. Generally I found the standard pads to be excellent. Plenty of bite on track without mountains of dust.

When I sold my car, dealers all wanted to sell it on standard brakes. To revert back would have been about £2K. In the end the dealer who bought my car took it as was. I really don't know why anyone would want to

 

[rossmc]

Both ends of the spectrum in two replies!
I guess the place I'll be in will be new discs and (better) pads for my track days and not having to worry about being negotiated down when I come to sell because it doesn't have genuine Porsche brakes. I heard enough anecdotes while I was finding mine that having non-standard or near-the-limit brakes was a Bad Thing that I don't want to be in that position.

If the answer is that non of the aftermarket standard size discs are up to the task then I'll need to rethink - I think that only applies to the two-piece front rotors too as there's absolutely nothing special about the rears that I can see. The work is easy and my time is free, but the difference in cost of a set of genuine discs and aftermarket ones would buy me a set of Pilot Sport Cup tyres!

I did look at an upgrade kit - PFC do a lovely 380mm upgrade and even a 405mm setup using their own callipers - but sanity set in and I thought of other things I could do with the money (and I recognise that the standard 350/330 brakes are good enough for my risk tolerance on the track)

 

[595triple]

If you are happy with the brakes then leave alone. Personally I highly recommend a braided line upgrade and preferabley manually bled as you will have a lot more feel. Unless you drive on track to the point where you are really on the limit (and that sounds unlikley), I would not bother with better pads. You are just wearing the disc faster and getting less braking / more dust etc on the road.

As I mentioned there is absolutely no need to change calipers, only spacers if you go up in size.

Decent aftermarket discs can save you a bit of money but a fussy dealer will want OE. Do whatever you want with the car now and enjoy it!