Project V8 RX-7: Wheel, Brake and Tire 3 PART MEGAPOST! Part 2 – Stoptech Big Brake Kit

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installing stoptech trophy big brake kit fd rx-7

Before we can install the rotors we wash them with an emory cloth and soap to remove the sticky anti-rust coating.  Failure to read the instructions and do this step can result in reduced performance of the brakes.

installing stoptech trophy big brake kit fd rx-7

Comparing the stock rear rotor (top) to the Stoptech rotor beneath it:  larger rotor width, diameter, mass and directional orientation of the vanes result in improved cooling and ability to distribute air over the larger sweep area.

installing stoptech trophy big brake kit fd rx-7

The stock steel calipers are smaller in appearance but actually outweigh the Stoptech calipers by 3 pounds.  They do have one big thing though that the Stoptech rear calipers lack—a parking brake mechanism.  It’s the sprung doohickey on the back of the caliper pictured above.  When you pull up on the parking brake lever it manually drives the rear brake caliper piston independent of the hydraulic system to stop the car or prevent it from rolling—it’s like a brake for emergencies!  We don’t have any solution for this yet but may mess with it sometime down the road depending how annoying it is to live without a parking brake.

installing stoptech trophy big brake kit fd rx-7

Loading and servicing the rear caliper brake pads is easy with just two pins locating the pads in the caliper.

installing stoptech trophy big brake kit fd rx-7

Pad pins are grooved and held in place by the tension in the pad spring.

installing stoptech trophy big brake kit fd rx-7

The directional rotors mounted on the rear.  (Left side of the photo is forward)

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