When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have the Essex Radical 9660 with 355mm Rotor Front and RR kit (not sure of caliper number) on my 2011 Grand Sport.
I run very hard at open track days and compete in Time Attack events. I installed the kit in the spring with DS UNO pads, Castrol SRF and LG brake ducts. I have had ZERO, NADA, none, NO issues at all with brakes in the 15 or so track days I have run this summer.
Besides the price of entry I see zero downfalls with the kits.
Now I could be out of date here, but I spoke to Stillen at SEMA a couple years ago. They told me their calipers are cast, not forged or billet machined and made more for street applications not track duty. I also don't recall if they use aluminum pistons, dust boots etc but something to look into.
I ended up at Essex and never looked back. The guys over there know our cars and what we do with them and support is second to none.
Stillen's site claims to have forged calipers, but might have to reach out to Essex again. I did consider Stoptech also, but have heard rave reviews on the AP Racing BBK's.
Just want bulletproof brakes that install and fit right the first time. Plus something that is easier to swap pads.
Thanks for the votes of confidence gents. A couple of other issues to consider:
1. Our AP Racing Competition calipers weigh a couple of pounds less EACH vs. other systems on the market.
2. Our calipers have every pad compound under the sun available. Some other kits use funky pad shapes that don't have that many pad options...which really limits your choices in the future. Will you even be able to get spare pads when you need them? With our kits, you can get them everywhere or anywhere. People at the track with you probably have them in their trailer!
3. Our spare iron costs are very reasonable, and they're also genuine AP Racing discs.
4. Our calipers have ventilated stainless steel pistons with anti-knockback springs. Other road-focused systems do not.
5. Our calipers don't have dust boots, which just burn up on the track and make a big mess.
6. Our customer service is exceptional, and we offer a caliper rebuild service to our customers.
7. We stock a large quantity of spares, so it's usually very easy to get parts quickly in a pinch.
Just want bulletproof brakes that install and fit right the first time. Plus something that is easier to swap pads.
I say it all the time...Do it once, do it right. That is what we offer. Install the kit, enjoy them, don't worry about your brakes anymore. Done.
Most of our customers tell us that our brake system is one of the best mods they've ever done to make their car more consistent, fun, and track-worthy.
In all honesty, red calipers usually look terrible after they're beat up on the track a bit. How about this one off of our customer's Camaro?
This is even with aftermarket dust boots...
Last edited by JRitt@essex; 10-18-2017 at 03:36 PM.
I would not consider the Stillen AP kits. My experience with them as a distributor was poor. Parts supply is abysmal and they simply are NOT track guys. At the time they could not even supply pad shapes for kits they sold and I had to ask them to stop calling.
I am a dealer for many of the legit BBK manufacturer's including the AP race parts through Essex. They, I and other dealers like Randy at DRM offer support requisite with the product and it's usage. I would strongly encourage you to take advantage of that.
After speaking with Jeff from Essex, I feel much better. Clearly he knows what I'm looking for and was extremely helpful. I'd recommend anyone looking for high performance brakes to reach out to them!
I would not consider the Stillen AP kits. My experience with them as a distributor was poor. Parts supply is abysmal and they simply are NOT track guys. At the time they could not even supply pad shapes for kits they sold and I had to ask them to stop calling.
I am a dealer for many of the legit BBK manufacturer's including the AP race parts through Essex. They, I and other dealers like Randy at DRM offer support requisite with the product and it's usage. I would strongly encourage you to take advantage of that.
I have not had bad service with Stillen but did get the feeling they were not racers. I will go to DRM, or Essex for consumables when possible. My Stillen kit was on the car when I purchased it. Randy at DRM identified the kit as I initially thought it was a DRM kit due to the APs and the DRM master cylinder. Randy is awesome and went above and beyond when it wasn't their parts. I have also talked with Essex and a close friend (our cars have been stored side by side and we work on them together) has an Essex T1 kit on his FRC. He has great things to say about Essex.
just buy the aps and don't think twice about it, they are worth it. I'm actually thinking of disconnecting my brake ducting at some tracks because I went with the bigger 372x34 kit and it takes a bit to get pads up to temp now they are so efficient.
Although mine is a C5Z, I had similar desires for a "duel purpose" car. Was smoking brakes, boiling fluid, losing track time, total frustration. Called Jeff intending to buy the sprint kit. He convinced me (thank God) to go with the endurance kit. No fancy paint, but the problems are all over and the brakes are a joy to use. It stings to buy, but I'd do it over--except sooner for safety's sake. Just make sure you make him throw in a free hat--best fitting, most comfortable hat you will ever own--besides the cool factor.
Thank you very much for the votes of confidence gentlemen! If you could please take a moment to add your wheel fitment information to our official wheel fitment thread, I'd really appreciate it. Pictures are always welcome along with your comments as well. I love seeing where our equipment ends up! Thanks again.
I have a set of the Stillen AP Radical brakes, front and rear. The pads that the kit came with are definitely street pads, but work well enough for the occasional track day. They work as you'd expect, and I'm pleased as far as that goes. They are indeed forged calipers.
The one thing I was not happy about was the back and forth I had to endure with Stillen to ship the kit (took too long) so you know they were ordering the kit pieces from AP, and when I did get the kit, to get the correct length front brake lines. The kit front lines fit the rear but the front lines were too short by about 3 inches. I eventually went to a well known local off road shop and had lines custom made for the front. That said, I was refunded for the lines I got, and kept the lines that were too short from the kit (They are for sale btw). In the end it all worked out, but that one bit threw me a little.
I think they look great, in addition to working VERY well.
10-17-2017, 08:51 AM
AP big brakes for C6Z opinions?
A couple of other issues to consider:
