Brake Fade- My time to Vent

[WARATAP@aol.com]

In a message dated 5/29/98 11:35:32 AM Eastern Daylight Time, QSHIPQ@aol.com
writes:

>  Wonder what they are really for?  Can't be fade characteristics...
>  2)  Or take a look at the belly pans of a 90q (sedan or coupe), S4, S6, or 
> the
>  leading bumper edge of a 91 200tq.  No fade?  Look closer.

Or I might add my '90 v8q (also pertains to 90-93), with the built-in Brake
cooling ducts.  Note that my car originally had the inboard caliper with
doughnut/UFO rotors.  Factory changed them to G-60 for the USA due to rotor
warpage problems.  (Too much stop-and-go?)  So for spirited driving these 11"
rotors replaced what were effectively 12" rotors originally equiped for the
car.  Ask me how much fun it is to run on the track after fusing pads to
rotors with a 4,000 lb beast (twice).  

If I would have run it at night it might have made fun "glow-in-the-dark
footage."  So I have Big Reds now.  Biggest Drawback:  Michigan Roads are
tough on 17" wheels/tires and sometimes my spine, but thats Detroit roads for
you.  On the plus side: no fade and improved wear.  Heat dissipation is also
now excellent.  

Numerous sources ( TAP, Hoppen, etc) have their own kits for these cars for
16"/17" wheels for a reason.  

Bottom line:  Try changing Fluid, pads, then rotors. If you still aren't
happy, look into a more serious upgrade.  If you travel on winding and
steeply-sloped roads, look into an upgrade.  Vehicle weight, horsepower, and
useage will tell you which direction you're headed for.  I for one feel much
safer with my current braking setup.

Just my no-so-humble opinion and personal experience.

-Ingo Rautenberg
1990 v8q 196k Bilstein/Eibach/Compomotive/Dunlop
http://members.aol.com/Quattringo/index.html