Re: Alternative part supliers

[ejfluhr@austin.ibm.com (Fluhr)]

I do not think this thread is what the original poster had in mind, but it 
is interesting, so I will add my 2 cents in: 

>You can do better than OE brake pads & shoes (manufacturer=?, but who 
>needs the dust!?)-- I've had good luck with Autospecialty "Superlux" and 
>Jurid pads, and very bad luck with most American, Australian, Canadian
>brands.  You UK Audi fanatics can probably get good deals on Ferodo and
>Mintex pads-- the best???  (Metallic performance, LESS rotor wear than
>organic, no noise.)  Much room for debate here.

I really like the Raybestos "Super Stop" (front) and "Pro Stop Plus" (rear)
pads that I use on my Coupe GT.  They provide excellent grip when either
cold or hot, and I used them during a track event at Texas World Speedway
without experiencing any fade (although they smelled pretty ferocious toward
the end of each session ;-).  The Super Stop are semi-metallic; I don't know
what the Pro Stop/Pro Stop Plus are.  Also, they are inexpensive ($30?) and 
guaranteed for the life of the car...that is several sets of pads, for me.  :)
On the downside, the Super Stops do produce some dust, but every pad I have
ever used has produced some, so it doesn't bother me.

>FAG bearings are OE and debatably the best.  SKF bearings are world
>class.  IRB bearings (Spain) are acceptable quality, but won't last
>nearly as long.   Chinese bearings are to be avoided like the plague.

My Father and I have used Chicago Rawhide rear-wheel bearings (FWD cars)
for several years now without problems.  I think he put at least 60+K miles
on the Chicago Rawhide bearings on the back of his '82 Coupe.  They are
made in Mexico and are pretty inexpensive (Pep Boys).  For front wheel
bearings, we only use FAG.

Later,
Eric
'85 Coupe GT, Raybestos pads all-around, Chicago Rawhide rear-wheel bearings
---
Eric J. Fluhr                                Email:  ejfluhr@austin.ibm.com
630FP Logic/Circuit Design                   Phone:  (512) 838-7589
IBM Microelectronics Div.                    Austin, TX