When I bought my MCS 26 months ago, I told myself it wasn't going to be a hobby that I would spend lots of money on. Other than a shorty antenna, glovebox organizer, Aux input, auto-up circuit, and a debadged boot, it's stock.

Well, you know what they say about good intentions. After reading about pulleys and springs, I am convinced that they are not just about extraneous performance and/or looks, and will make my car better.

Since my car is a daily driver (almost 40K miles now), I don't want to do anything crazy. Here's my plan for an Improved Daily Driver. What do you think? Anything missing? Anything I should skip?

1. Get my Panasports/Goodyear GS-D3 (205/50/16) tires installed. The tires will be a big upgrade over my stock runflats. The wheels will look cool, but weight more than my stock V-spokes, so it's a push.

2. EBC Green Stuff brake pads (when it's time to replace stock pads). Seems like the best choice for improved street performance and reduced dust.

3. Powerslot rotors (when new pads go on). I'll need new rotors, so I may as well upgrade them, too. Are Powerslots overkill for street driving? Maybe the Brembo OE replacements would suffice?

4. Whalen shift **** (hopefully an Xmas present).

5. 15% pulley (around my MCS's 3rd birthday next year). More power, sure, but also smoother delivery and no lugging from a stop with the AC on.

6. H-Sport springs (another 3rd birthday present). Lowering is cool, but will also help to smooth the ride on my commute.

Somewhere down the line: Helix short-shift (if the Whalen doesn't improve feel enough) and JCW intake.

 

i'd suggest a 15% pulley, a rear swaybar and the whalen before you do anything else. Then get the springs.

I wouldn't bother with the powerslot rotors unless you want the looks Personally wouldn't get the EBC pads either, but its your choice.

 

Agree - rear sway before springs!

 

Interesting...My impression of the rear sway bar is that it enhances cornering, whereas the springs will help the ride. For a daily driver, I'm putting the emphasis on the ride first and handling second. Does that make sense?

 

My thoughts behind the EBC were (1) price, (2) does not increase rotor wear.

What would you recommend instead?

 

I did the spring and the rear sway at the same time (along with adjustable lower control arms and the 15% pulley). Saved on labor by doing it all at once.

 

I've heard nothing but bad reports on EBC products. I'd stick with OEM unless you're worried about the brake dust. To save money, a good idea would be to learn how to install pads yourself. Very easy job, and can save you a fair bit. OEM pads are no more than $100 a pair, whereas labour will double that price, if not more.

 

Interesting comment on the EBC pads. I've used them (Green) on two different cars with good results. I don't do track days though, and there are no mountains around here. Indiana doesn't ask for too much in the way of brake heat capacity either.

I do autocross alot. Again, this tends to reward cold braking performance since the runs are short and the brake use limited in duration.

Someone that lives where there are long grades or lots of hills, or spends time on track road racing or at HPDE's or open track days would probably have very different results.

Scott
90SM

 

Well there you go The people i've talked to give their brakes a beating

Main concerns are with the rotors/disks, as i've heard a few of them just basically disintegrating.

The pads are cheaper, and have less brake dust, but hey, i run Ferodos, which are the exact opposite.

I guess it all depends on the driving you want to do.

 

pads drove me nuts. I think Green Stuff pads are one of the best value upgrades I've made. However, I've read that several prefer Hawk pads. I have not tried them, but am planning to the next set I need, though I personally have no reason to be unhappy with the EBC Greenstuffs (so far). Also, spend a few more bucks for a really good fluid that won't boil easily.

I agree about rotors. I probably would not spend the money if I had it to do over again. But, I am convinced that the metal caliper bushings and SS lines were a good investment, too.

Also, if you are spending money for wheels anyway, I strongly recommend going for much lighter. You will be REALLY impressed how much better they perform. I know it seems expensive, but to actually get heavier seems a shame if you can find a style you like that sheds pounds instead of gaining.

Since you have spent a lot of time researching, you'll probably enjoy whatever changes you make, so happy motoring!!

 

I run the Hawk HPS pads in the front. Less dust but longer warm up. The usual compromise. I'm happy with them but you have to be aware you'll need to get used to applying a bit more pedal when cold. Once warmed up they do very well.

 

It was a tough decision. I did consider the 5-spoke Gram Lights as well as the Panasport, but finally decided I'd rather have the wheels I really want than have lighter wheels that I don't like as much (plus the 5-spokes would make my brakes look really small!). If I could start over, the wheels would have come last on the list, since they are more style than substance, and for the same money I could have gotten the pulley and springs. Live and learn.

The warm-up time worries me. I spend most of my time driving on the freeway, so I'm afraid my "upgrade" to a pad like the Hawk would end up making my braking worse rather than better. True?

 

The best thing I have done to upgrade the ride is switch from the stock 17" runflats to a set of 15" rims and tires. The most comfortable springs I have tried are the ones from M7. The Whalen is an absolute MUST!

 

"6. H-Sport springs (another 3rd birthday present). Lowering is cool, but will also help to smooth the ride on my commute."

I don't think any springs will make your ride smoother than the stock ones.
I have the H-sports with Koni adjustable shocks, they handle great but the ride is not smooth.

 

The freeway is less of an issue than first thing in the morning cold brakes.
But yes, if you want the immediate grab like the OEM brakes go with something else. Getting that with less dust is the hard part.

I run Mintex red box on the back and they are as bad as my fronts used to be for dust. Helped the brake balance though.

 

I'd recommend Axxis Ultimate pads, or if you want almost no dust at all, Axxis Deluxe Plus. The latter have a lot less initial bite than stock pads though.

 

I'll check 'em out. Thanks for the recommendation.