ESSEX BRAKES - AP RACING J-HOOK ROTOR INSTALL PICS AND PROCESS REVIEW

[Jeff_Jeske]

I've been tracking various cars for about 20 years and one thing I learned the hard way was to always upgrade brakes before you add power. I have had my fair share of unexpected events such as pedal loss, brake fade resulting in an off and even busted a brake line! Additionally at nearly every track event I've witnessed major crashes stemming from lack of matching brake performance with overall vehicle performance. THIS VIDEO shows how brake issues can unexpectedly catch up to you. (I was working grid at this event when this happened)

That being said brake upgrades are also great for those of you suffering from brake rotor noise, brake shake and filthy dirty OEM pad deposits.

It doesn't make sense to skimp on brakes. As a result I knew in advance I wanted the best product that I could afford. Now I don't have money to burn so when I shop for parts I do my homework and I try to always shop "twice and buy once". Honestly in this case it didn't take long to identify what to buy. Here are a handful of reasons I chose Essex Brakes.:
1. They have track proven results from my previous platform (EVO9) but most recently on our actual platform with the TTRS (One Lap of America champion).
2. They are active on this forum and when you call their number you actually get thru to a knowledgeable person.
3. They have quite a few educational videos available online (Know Brakes) that are more than BS marketing.
4. Just looking at the parts you can clearly see the difference in quality.
5. Replacement rings are less expensive than some competitors
6. You can grow into this by starting with pads, then rotors and lastly calipers.

In my case I went with DS2500 pads for daily driving and autox. I also purchased DS1.11 pads for high speed events. The DS2500 perform better, are significantly cleaner than OEM pads and have not made any noise.
The entire upgrade process performed on jack stands in my garage with hand tools took less than one hour. Our front pads are super easy to replace and rotor replacement requires removing only two additional bolts.

Here are some pics I thought would be interesting to see:










Feel free to hit me up with any questions you may have about the parts or process.

Cheers,
Jeff

[BeTTo RS]

Congrats Jeff,

They look simply amazing! Congrats and thanks for your write up!

[Cale262]

Thanks for sharing and I may follow your lead here as this has certainly been on my to do list of upgrades. I was thinking of going with the Giro rotors but these look very nice...

[BeTTo RS]

Thanks for sharing and I may follow your lead here as this has certainly been on my to do list of upgrades. I was thinking of going with the Giro rotors but these look very nice...

I’ve read that the AP Racing rotors outlast the Giro Rotors by far.

[sanman23]

This is great.

Did you happen to change out the brake lines to S/S?

[Jeff_Jeske]

I have Spiegler SS lines (PN 13.02.08700) in my possession but I haven't upgraded them yet. I may do this during the next brake bleed.

[HHughes1]

Which part numbers are the 2500 and which are the 1.11 ?

[Jeff_Jeske]

1664W and 4947W are the DS1.11
1664H and 4947H are the DS2500

You need two boxes of fronts as there are a total of 8 pads required (4 pads per caliper).

[kalch]

i just want red calipers.

[Dr Bill]

I had those rotors on a GT3 and a GT4. Great choice!

[BeTTo RS]

I had those rotors on a GT3 and a GT4. Great choice!

And great choice on cars for you!

[JRitt@Essex]

Jeff...thanks so much for the thorough review! We really appreciate your business, and hope you're enjoying your discs!

[sanman23]

Is there anything for the rear brakes as well? I only see options for the front.

Jeff...thanks so much for the thorough review! We really appreciate your business, and hope you're enjoying your discs!

[Jeff_Jeske]

I continue to run the factory rear brakes and they perform as well as needed. The fronts do the majority of the work but I run the same pads version pad front and rear.

[HHughes1]

My stuff pile is growing daily can't wait to get everything installed and put to work !