KVR rotors and pads reviewed - 10/10!!!
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Yes, it's an Acura EL
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: 416-905, Ontario, Canada
Rep Power: 368 
KVR rotors and pads reviewed - 10/10!!!
First off let me say that when I bought these suckers pigeon was very patient with my questions, and he was very nice to wait in the cold mall parking lot for me while I hauled *** down to Hamilton to pick up the gear.
I finally got a chance to install the rotors and pads last Sunday, with Shifty's help. Again save for a seized slider pin on the lower front driver's caliper, install was a snap. Thanks for teaching me by the way dude, with a little practice perhaps I can help out the GTA guys with this soon enough.
I followed the break-in procedure listed on the rotors' box as well as taking into account the various experiences and writeups other members have had. When I first started cruising around in Hamilton, I actually drove right through a few stop signs and my parking brake needed to self-adjust, the coating on the rotors had to be rubbed off. Also I noticed the rear right pad was dragging a bit, squeaking on every stop. I figured this was normal and was told to take it easy for 300km or so.
I passed that mark Monday morning so I opened up on the way to work and deliberately went faster into corners so I'd have to work the brakes more aggressively to make the turns. All I have to say is WOW. These things bit hard, not unlike Shifty (my *** is still sore dude!). And I'm told they're only going to keep biting harder for a while until they're fully seated and broken in! Crap, there'll be tooth marks in my steering wheel leather soon. The squeaking has been gone since Tuesday, and either dead-cold or after a few 60-0 stops, there is NO noise whatsoever. No grind, no squeak, nothing. Also these things were advertised as having NO warmup time. I dunno about that, I had a long stop as late as yesterday morning when I left for work, but let's see how she does in a couple of weeks, as every stop after that first one was shockingly quick. I guess I was really getting used to the craptastical stock brakes. Honestly I have to totally relearn how to brake cause these things have me stopping 15-20 feet before the line now, a little embarrassing cause I look like a driving n00b.
Thursday night I had to run back to work cause of a huge emergency, had to get from Kennedy Commons to Yonge & Eglinton pronto, I actually hit ridiculous speeds heading south on Yonge when uh-oh, a cop car came up in the distance, and the upcoming light was already yellow. Slammed the brakes, got hit behind my seat by all the debris in my back seat. These brakes saved my license, I actually stopped dead right at that intersection. The cop just gave me this look like "You're lucky I have something better to do".
Appearance-wise they look pimp, for a brake rotor that's still stock size, the black-coated hats (looking more grey then black really) are nice, and a marked improvement from the stock RUSTED hats I had before. Of course the coating on the rotor surface itself is gone, it's shiny silver now except for inside the vent slots. The pads, what can you say, they're carbon fibre, and TeLLy likes his CF. NO you can't tell they're CF, they're just black all over. After the initial ruboff of the coating (and probably a bit of the pads) these things are not dusting at all, at least not from yesterday's spirited drive. I'm a big fan of minimal brake dust, as all of you with silver or bronze rims should be. I have yet to really rip it up on crazy stops and heel-toe fantasticness, I'll give them a little while longer while I get used to them. Next up, stainless lines and Motul 5.1 fluid! Shifty, I'm looking in your direction!
I finally got a chance to install the rotors and pads last Sunday, with Shifty's help. Again save for a seized slider pin on the lower front driver's caliper, install was a snap. Thanks for teaching me by the way dude, with a little practice perhaps I can help out the GTA guys with this soon enough.
I followed the break-in procedure listed on the rotors' box as well as taking into account the various experiences and writeups other members have had. When I first started cruising around in Hamilton, I actually drove right through a few stop signs and my parking brake needed to self-adjust, the coating on the rotors had to be rubbed off. Also I noticed the rear right pad was dragging a bit, squeaking on every stop. I figured this was normal and was told to take it easy for 300km or so.
I passed that mark Monday morning so I opened up on the way to work and deliberately went faster into corners so I'd have to work the brakes more aggressively to make the turns. All I have to say is WOW. These things bit hard, not unlike Shifty (my *** is still sore dude!). And I'm told they're only going to keep biting harder for a while until they're fully seated and broken in! Crap, there'll be tooth marks in my steering wheel leather soon. The squeaking has been gone since Tuesday, and either dead-cold or after a few 60-0 stops, there is NO noise whatsoever. No grind, no squeak, nothing. Also these things were advertised as having NO warmup time. I dunno about that, I had a long stop as late as yesterday morning when I left for work, but let's see how she does in a couple of weeks, as every stop after that first one was shockingly quick. I guess I was really getting used to the craptastical stock brakes. Honestly I have to totally relearn how to brake cause these things have me stopping 15-20 feet before the line now, a little embarrassing cause I look like a driving n00b.
Thursday night I had to run back to work cause of a huge emergency, had to get from Kennedy Commons to Yonge & Eglinton pronto, I actually hit ridiculous speeds heading south on Yonge when uh-oh, a cop car came up in the distance, and the upcoming light was already yellow. Slammed the brakes, got hit behind my seat by all the debris in my back seat. These brakes saved my license, I actually stopped dead right at that intersection. The cop just gave me this look like "You're lucky I have something better to do".
Appearance-wise they look pimp, for a brake rotor that's still stock size, the black-coated hats (looking more grey then black really) are nice, and a marked improvement from the stock RUSTED hats I had before. Of course the coating on the rotor surface itself is gone, it's shiny silver now except for inside the vent slots. The pads, what can you say, they're carbon fibre, and TeLLy likes his CF. NO you can't tell they're CF, they're just black all over. After the initial ruboff of the coating (and probably a bit of the pads) these things are not dusting at all, at least not from yesterday's spirited drive. I'm a big fan of minimal brake dust, as all of you with silver or bronze rims should be. I have yet to really rip it up on crazy stops and heel-toe fantasticness, I'll give them a little while longer while I get used to them. Next up, stainless lines and Motul 5.1 fluid! Shifty, I'm looking in your direction!
Well i have the same rotors and pads (front only however)
Here is what I think
First of all Pidgeon is a fantastic seller. This guy will go out of his way to make you happy.
Second, contrary to tell I didn't notice that much difference from stock for normal breaking. Under harder braking, I notice quite a difference. I almost like the light to turn orange actually.
Third, to confirm what Telly said this pad and rotor combination does not squeak as some performance pads do. I am very happy about this.
Overall, recommended, especially if you need brakes.
Here is what I think
First of all Pidgeon is a fantastic seller. This guy will go out of his way to make you happy.
Second, contrary to tell I didn't notice that much difference from stock for normal breaking. Under harder braking, I notice quite a difference. I almost like the light to turn orange actually.
Third, to confirm what Telly said this pad and rotor combination does not squeak as some performance pads do. I am very happy about this.
Overall, recommended, especially if you need brakes.
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,525
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From: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Rep Power: 294 I just got the front rotors (slotted + plated) .. I laughed after the mechanic came back from a road test and was impressed himself with the stopping power (changed my pads as they were done too with the ones I have under warranty). They noticed the plating wearing off and the slight squeak, but honestly, if I want to stop I will stop. I honestly hate it at times as well I have too much loose objects in my car 
Excellent write up Telly, and thanks for the kind words guys! Its much appreciated.
Im glad you guys are enjoying it, I myself will be putting on another set on my car in one week!
I am also glad to hear that you guys followed the proper break in procedure, that is definitely required for optimal performance and drivability.... and it shows you guys did it properly because its biting nice and hard. Basically the break in procedure is simply bringing the vehicle up to speed, and slowing down with progressive pedal pressure. This needs to be done a few times, and then the rotors need to be cooled down to the touch.
What this does is it heat cycles the rotors, meaning it gradually brings the temperatures up and then back down.... and it transfers a small film of pad material over the entire rotor surface. This does two things, it prevents thermal shock from happening which can crack or deform a new rotor (like dropping an ice cube in a cup of coffee)... and it conditions the face of the rotor, to allow it to function consistently.
As Telly said, KVR advertises these pads as requiring no warm up period, however, when you actually put it in real world testing, the braking power does increase as you use these pads, they do need a minimal amount of heat in them before you really start bringing the performance out. Usually the first stop is enough to get them going.
I myself am a fan of these, and they work great for street driving, autox, or lapping days if you have a sport compact car. I am happy that you guys are happy!
If anyone needs a set, you can send me a PM or an email to info@stagefourmotorsports.com
I have almost all setups in stock for the civics, and they're still at the same price till the end of april.
$150 tax in for the rotors (plated any color and either slotted or drilled)
$55 tax in for the pads
Heres a link with some more info on everything:
http://www.7thgencivic.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=237596
Thanks again guys!
Im glad you guys are enjoying it, I myself will be putting on another set on my car in one week!
I am also glad to hear that you guys followed the proper break in procedure, that is definitely required for optimal performance and drivability.... and it shows you guys did it properly because its biting nice and hard. Basically the break in procedure is simply bringing the vehicle up to speed, and slowing down with progressive pedal pressure. This needs to be done a few times, and then the rotors need to be cooled down to the touch.
What this does is it heat cycles the rotors, meaning it gradually brings the temperatures up and then back down.... and it transfers a small film of pad material over the entire rotor surface. This does two things, it prevents thermal shock from happening which can crack or deform a new rotor (like dropping an ice cube in a cup of coffee)... and it conditions the face of the rotor, to allow it to function consistently.
As Telly said, KVR advertises these pads as requiring no warm up period, however, when you actually put it in real world testing, the braking power does increase as you use these pads, they do need a minimal amount of heat in them before you really start bringing the performance out. Usually the first stop is enough to get them going.
I myself am a fan of these, and they work great for street driving, autox, or lapping days if you have a sport compact car. I am happy that you guys are happy!
If anyone needs a set, you can send me a PM or an email to info@stagefourmotorsports.com
I have almost all setups in stock for the civics, and they're still at the same price till the end of april.
$150 tax in for the rotors (plated any color and either slotted or drilled)
$55 tax in for the pads
Heres a link with some more info on everything:
http://www.7thgencivic.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=237596
Thanks again guys!
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