AEM big brake kit, NSX calipers... - Honda Prelude Forum

Jordan_4WS · 06-11-2002, 07:43 PM

Can this combination work? Will the NSX/legend calipers bolt on the AEM big brake kit?

Also are the AEM big brake kit worthwhile? How do the perform? When they go bad to you have to replace them, or buy a new kit? Also do they come with pads? Also what is the smallest wheel the brakes will claer - 16s or 17s?

This is for a 4th gen, but 5th gen should be same situation.

Thanks, Jordan

JDM Lude · 06-11-2002, 07:52 PM

the AEM kit would help reduce brake fade, and also increase the 'feel' of the brakes. The actual distance your car will stop won't change.

with stock calipers, they will fit inside some 16" wheels, depending on the back spacing of the spokes. I'm not sure about the legend calipers + AEM + 16" rims.

either way - the caliper moves out about .7", so if you have .7" clearance away from your caliper to your rim... then you should be ok

Jordan_4WS · 07-16-2002, 11:24 PM

BUMP

D R E W · 07-16-2002, 11:58 PM

17s or higher are recommended for the AEM Big Brake upgrade. The Big Brake upgrade kit only comes with the necessary hardware to relocate the stock caliper to a higher mounting position. Brake pads, lines, and fluids are NOT included. You will have to buy those separately and it also recommended you upgrade your pads, lines, and fluids when you upgrade to the Big Brake kit by AEM.

I am not sure if the Legend calipers and AEM Big Brake kit will work because of the caliper clearance. AEM only made the caliper relocation mount for the stock 4th./5th. Gen. Honda Prelude stock caliper and not for the Legend caliper.

As for quality, AEM is known for their intakes, cam gears, etc. so I'm pretty sure your getting quality. Also, AEM has a warranty on their products.

Performance? Hopefully for what I've spent alone on the AEM Big Brake Kit for both front and rear I'll get better then stock braking performance. I won't know until I have the kit installed on my 5th. Gen. Honda Prelude. Also I'm upgrading the pads to the AEM/Nissin pads, Goodridge SS brake lines, and most likely Valvoline DOT3/4 brake fluid.

Another thing, I'm also going for the BLING-BLING factor as well. I'm upgrading both front and rear rotors. Cost me $968 just for the AEM Big Brake front and rear kit. It'll be another $100 for AEM/Nissin front and rear pads, $130 for Goodridge SS brake lines, probably $14 for the brake fluids and yes, labor/install is another $200 to $250. Hopefully I'll have it all done by the end of this month and will definitely post pics for all your little hearts who desire to see this mod that is a balance between performance and looks done.

D R E W · 07-17-2002, 12:01 AM

I forgot to mention, I know the AEM Big Brake upgrade kit will not give me better braking so that is why I'm also upgrading the pads, brake lines, and fluids as well.

Jordan_4WS

Check out the topic I posted in the General Forum. There are also some other things I mentioned that would be really important to know.

PreludeOnline.Com - Need more INFO on brakes!

jko · 07-17-2002, 01:22 AM

That's a lot of money for what I think is little/unecessary improvement (except for the afformentioned "bling" factor). I believe, and I think many would agree, that the Prelude's stock brakes are good as is.

Buckwild · 07-17-2002, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jko
That's a lot of money for what I think is little/unecessary improvement (except for the afformentioned "bling" factor). I believe, and I think many would agree, that the Prelude's stock brakes are good as is.

It's true you're spending alot of money for the brake kit. But if you did any road racing or hit the canyon runs often, then you'll definately notice the benefits.

Stock brakes are pretty good for day to day driving, but work them hard and they start fading like crazy. Especially if you have an automatic. Ask Raman (soniclude) after our mountain run. Imagine my surprise when he came up to me asking "hey what's that smoke coming out of the front of my car." His rotors were smoking and he was noticing ALOT of fade.

bb6flier · 07-17-2002, 05:25 AM

You will need some better tires to see the true benifit of an upgraded brake system, your car will only stop as fast as the tires allow. The most noticable advantage to larger rotors is better heat soaking and fade resistance, which is also helped by buying better pads.

marcucci · 07-17-2002, 05:58 AM

Jordan, will you corroborate what I sent via PM and/or post it?

gills · 07-17-2002, 07:46 AM

I have the front kit installed on my car and their most definitely is a noticeable improvement on braking performance. I'm not really sure about actual distance but every other factor of braking has been improved and it much more enjoyable to drive now. Stopping from triple digit speeds comes with ease and a good bite without any fade.
As for the distance part, in the last Sport Compact Car magazine they set a 60-0 braking record with their project celica that was equipped with the AEM big brake kit with EBC green stuff pads i believe they were. The car was also epuiped with 17" Falken Azenis tires also. Regardless, the car had the big brake kit on and they praised the kit very much and were suprised at how well the car was stopping. It's not just a bling-bling upgrade. If you want better braking performance, i highly recommend getting this kit for it is a cheap way out and works wonderfully.

Jordan_4WS · 07-17-2002, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by marcucci
Jordan, will you corroborate what I sent via PM and/or post it?

Here's what I sent billy which incorporates your comments (Subject title Legend/NSX Calipers).

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi, I had spoken to Todd about these and had sent him this PM.

Quote:

Jordan_4WS wrote on 07-17-2002 07:55 AM:
I saw on a thread you stated that the Legend caliper upgrade is no good, but the NSX is good. Why is this? I thought the legend calipers were the same as the NSX only with slightly larger pistons (which I think would be better if anything). Can you please elaborate.

Thanks, Jordan

He responded by saying

Quote:

marcucci wrote on 07-17-2002 04:57 AM:
Search for posts by 71dsp for the "exact" details (or PM him), he's the one who I've based all my knowledge on. Here's what I remember, though:

- Legend calipers I believe have the same swept area under the piston as the Prelude rotors. The area is spread out more evenly along the pad (instead of concentrated), but I believe the NSX does have more area under the pistons.
- The Legend calipers are NOT finned as the NSX ones are for better cooling.
- Legend calipers are mounted on the opposite side resulting in the bleeder being upside down. The caliper needs to be swung up and a block of wood inserted for proper bleeding. I do not believe the NSX has this problem.

The important one- Billy couldn't tell a difference when he did his. I couldn't tell a difference when I drove it, either. He went through a ****LOAD of work to get them on and was pretty dissappointed. Not to mention you pretty much need to rebuild any junkyard caliper and once you figure in the cost... the Legend ones weren't much cheaper than the NSX.

For the money I think the AEM upgrade is more cost efficient for performance vs. cost. If you have the money to spend, the Spoon would be even better. I would also consider something no one else has yet- the S2000 has larger rotors and calipers than the Prelude. When I measured them they were at least .1 or .2" bigger in dia as well as about .1" bigger in width (rotors). The drawback is that a Kosei K1 15" wheel will NOT fit over them. I don't recall that Billy test fit the Legend calipers with them, so you might want to check on that, too.

You might want to start a new thread in the General section on "braking upgrades" and reference whatever old threads you find. Billy would certainly contribute a lot to that. You might want to be specific about the calipers or something so you weed out the "drilled and slotted" debates!

Todd

So can you please expand on what Todd was saying as to why the Legend Calipers are no good? I am contemplating doing a brake upgrade of either Legend or NSX calipers coupled with either stock rotors or the AEM Big brake rotors (custom install). Please provide your input, or reffer me to your threads.

Cordially, Jordan
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Paelude · 07-17-2002, 10:31 AM

I have a better, and slightly more expensive option for those of you who are interested.

KVR make a 4 piston caliper now that wil fit in the stock wheel size and uses the stock rotors. NO ADAPTER BRACKETS. This is not a kit. IT only comes with the 2 front calipers and pads. But it is cheap -> $495.00 US on sale until August some time. Here is the link: KVR Python Calipers for Prelude Because they require no adapter bracket and can work with the stock rotors, it would make sense that the AEM rotor upgrade should work with these calipers. (I can not guarentee this will work because I have not done this upgrade or even looked into very much, too poor, too busy) If anyone is willing to attempt this my friend is willing to put together a kit with goodridge stainless lines, AEM rotors, and the calipers.

BoYgUaN · 07-17-2002, 12:41 PM

i think its not really worth it....i got new pads and its amazing

marcucci · 07-17-2002, 12:44 PM

To back up the last two comments: pads will make all the difference in the world. The only drawback is that the most aggressive pads need to be warmed up, and running them hard may result in reduced caliper life (frying the seals) and possibly cracking drilled or slotted rotors.

I'm not sure why in the other thread the KVR's got dogged- they do good work, at least with respect to rotors and plating. I can't imagine that their calipers would be bad. I think it would be an excellent alternative to what else is out there, ESPECIALLY at that price and considering you don't need brackets (and can use the AEM upgrade).

Jordan_4WS · 07-17-2002, 01:58 PM

Very interesting about the KVR calipers. Does anyone else make calipers or big rotors that will work on a 4th gen lude? Whats the deal with the AEM calipers? What about Baer systems? I just want to get all my options together before I make any decisions.

Jordan

jko · 07-17-2002, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Buckwild

It's true you're spending alot of money for the brake kit. But if you did any road racing or hit the canyon runs often, then you'll definately notice the benefits.

If DREW were doing any road racing or doing canyon runs, he wouldn't be using those huge rims... It just seemed to me that our friend DREW here was going more for the show factor, which I wouldn't do but have nothing against.

Quote:

Stock brakes are pretty good for day to day driving, but work them hard and they start fading like crazy. Especially if you have an automatic. Ask Raman (soniclude) after our mountain run. Imagine my surprise when he came up to me asking "hey what's that smoke coming out of the front of my car." His rotors were smoking and he was noticing ALOT of fade.

As afformentioned by other members, pads and tires are your answer. I'm really a non believer in the AEM big brake kit. It just seems so much like a gimmicky modification that magazines uses to promote AEM. And are the AEM big brake kit rotors cross-drilled? I hate to bring everyone back to that argument, but cross-drilled rotors are baaaaad.

Mugenlude · 07-17-2002, 06:36 PM

Is there anyone out there running the KVR's yet?

D R E W · 07-17-2002, 07:02 PM

Quote:

If DREW were doing any road racing or doing canyon runs, he wouldn't be using those huge rims... It just seemed to me that our friend DREW here was going more for the show factor, which I wouldn't do but have nothing against.

Yes, IMO the AEM Big Brake Upgrade kit is mainly for the BLING-BLING part but however I am also upgrading the pads, brake lines, and fluids for better than stock braking. So I've satified both the performance and looks while accomplishing both at a reasonable price.

The AEM Big Brake Upgrade kit is also slotted.

BTW, the majority of this forum member's opinion is do what you want, it's your money. My next upgrade will definitely be force induction. With the add on of a supercharger or turbo the most over looked part on any modified car is it's brake system.

Buckwild · 07-18-2002, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jko

If DREW were doing any road racing or doing canyon runs, he wouldn't be using those huge rims... It just seemed to me that our friend DREW here was going more for the show factor, which I wouldn't do but have nothing against.

As afformentioned by other members, pads and tires are your answer. I'm really a non believer in the AEM big brake kit. It just seems so much like a gimmicky modification that magazines uses to promote AEM. And are the AEM big brake kit rotors cross-drilled? I hate to bring everyone back to that argument, but cross-drilled rotors are baaaaad.

My original comment wasn't in regards to DREW at all. I was commenting on something you said "I believe, and I think many would agree, that the Prelude's stock brakes are good as is." I agree with you however that better pads are a good solution. But your original comment mentioned "stock brakes" and said nothing about pads and that was what i was commenting on.

Can you elaborate when you said "As afformentioned by other members, pads and tires are your answer." I don't see how your tires play a role in terms of eliminating brake fade, traction to aid in stopping yes, but not fade.

And I also agree that x-drilled are bad if you're going to be doing any type of road racing.

marcucci · 07-18-2002, 06:32 AM

It's all about application.

There's nothing wrong with the AEM kit other than with aggressive pads and aggressive driving, you may develop hairline cracks in the rotors. For the street, they will be fine.

Pads and tires will do wonders with the stock system.

Jordan, are you looking for street, track, show, or what? BTW, ever get your front end fixed?