PuterPro

Hi All!
So I did a bonehead thing and posted my question in the Brake FAQ sticky thread. Duh. SORRY! Not enough caffeine that day ...
I’ve re-posted here, and copied in the original conversation, the new question is at the end, in bold.

Original Post: RX-8 Shinka Brake Question
Hi "Guys"!
My Wife is a long time RX owner (two RX7's and current RX8 2005 Shinka - MANUAL).
She's a "spirited" driver in her heart (actually pretty skilled when she pushes it) but nowadays is pretty much just doin' the commute thing.
Car has about 50K and needs brakes. Time was when I'd do it, but don't have the place or time, so I've got to rely on a shop (much to my GREAT dismay since I'm a bit of a perfectionist!).
The main Q is - there seems to be some confusion at both the shops I got quotes from as to if the Shinka has the Sports package, since that has different brakes than the "standard" RX8.
I'm inclined to say yes, it's the sports brakes as the Shinka was a special top of the line package.

Did it have special brakes, or the same as the Sports package?

The other Q was general advice - One shop quotes ~$500 for all 4 corners with "Ceramic" (yeah, right) pads AND new rotors, 2 yr Warranty. Claims he won't turn 'em "because they will warp again" (my BS indicator started ringing at this point!). Second shop quoted just over $1K to include new rotors claiming Fronts were like $329 and Rears $250 for the rotors, but HE wanted to turn them and said he never has problems doing it. 1 yr Warranty.

The second shop sounds like he's using quality parts (or just gouging!) and I'm concerned the 1st guy isn't, plus the BS about needing new rotors and turning doesn't work (since it's usually deposits ANYWAY!). Comments, thoughts, thrown rocks, all appreciated!

Thanks so much in advance
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Futtupnz Replied:

all 6-speeds are sport suspension. Nothing special with the brakes. Shinka's had different shocks but brakes are the same.

find out what the guy is giving you for rotors and pads at each place. $500 is good if it's Hawk Ceramics (~$150 all 4) and Centric Premium Rotors (about ~$250 shipped all 4). I'm willing to argue that the Centric Premiums are the best all around factory replacement and usually cheaper and better quality than most anything out there.
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NEW QUESTIONS ARE:

Thanks so much! I thought that was the case, but didn't recall.
I just got a re-quote from both places, the one with "ceramic" pads & replace the rotors says the pads are "Wagner Perfect Stops" & the rotors are as well.
The seconds place (turning the rotors) says their pads are (SURPRISE!) "Wagner Perfect Stops"!

~Insert favorite conspiracy theory here~

1st shop says $550 with new Wagner rotors and will change the fluid free, 2yr Warranty. Second says about $600 (but is charging $89 for DOT 3 change in that price). Seems steep for a fluid change.

So ... are these Wagner's worth a damn for a DD or should I just insist on getting my own parts and pay 'em to do it?
Thanks!

ShinkaEvo

iTrader: (3)

Just resurface your rotor at pep boys or local shop, it's about $10~$15 each.
(need to remove the rotor on your own)
And just get pads from autozone, $90 for both front and rear....

If it's your DD, that's all you need. Tracking is another story.
Unless the rotor is too thin or cracked or u wanna upgrade to 2 piece, there's no need to replace rotor.

just my .02

PuterPro

Ahh.. I'd LOVE to. Can't. Don't have a place (or the time) to do it myself!

I've got no problem with turning the rotors, the question really comes down to are the Wagners worth a poop? LOL! Thanks for the .02, much appreciated but not possible for me ...

Wingznut

iTrader: (1)

In your original post... Why would the second shop replace the rotors AND turn them? ("Turning rotors" means machining them to remove wear and minor warpage.) Granted, I have installed new cheap rotors on cars before that weren't true, but I would expect better for my RX-8.

In your second post... It appears as though there is a $50 difference between the two shops for the same service and parts. The determining factor should be more about what you know in regards to the competency and quality of the shop, and less about the $50.

PuterPro

Hi Wingznuts!

My wife says she loves your car! Of course she does, she OWNS it! LOL! Great pic, really shows off that Black Cherry we love.

Sorry for the confusion - re-reading I see I wasn't completely clear. The second shop gave me TWO prices, one for new rotors, one for turning only.

The $50 doesn't really matter, as you say, but after the first reply I was trying to find opinions about the Wagner pads / rotors.

Didn't have time to wait on this, so we went with the 1st shop. The shop was clean as a whistle, and in talking further with the owner both my Wife and I got a very comfortable feeling about him (and she's been in Senior Management for years and can spot a phony a mile off!).

We got the all 4 Wagner Perfect Stop pads and new rotors, including a thrown brake fluid replacement out the door for $540 tax, title, etc.

I'll report back on how they work out once she's got some miles on them. Gotta give back ... !

Thanks to all!