Baer PBR Track

Price Paid:  $1045.00 from Baer Racing

Year / Model Reviewed:
 2000 Alero

Summary:
GM seems to be notorious in installing brakes that are to small for the weight of it's cars. Most people see it in the F-body; i.e. Camaro's and Firebird's, but it extends to small sedans also. After a few times at a local road course, I found the stock brakes woefully inadequate, even when bolstered with SS lines, better pads, and high-temp brake fluid. So I turned to Baer, and they happened to have a fit for my small Oldsmobile. I opted for plain 13" rotors, but of the two-piece variety for weight-savings. Installation couldn't have been easier; they bolted right on with no modifications. The included PBR pads work well on the street and give good pedal feel, and using track-specific pads (I chose Carbotech's Panther+), there is always plenty of power and no fading even with extreme heat buildup. Two big thumbs up to the Brakemeisters at Baer!

Strengths:
Easy installation, good value, huge pad selection

Weaknesses:
Wish they were a bit lighter....

Similar Products Used:
Changed from stock brakes to Baer

Price Paid:  $1200.00 from Baer Brakes

Year / Model Reviewed:
 1972 Chevelle SS

Summary:
Purchased as a replacement for the stock front power disc brakes, the differance in stopping power is incredible. I road tested the car after the install on Hwy 74 above Palm Desert CA (twisty mountain road) and there was no discernable fade. Of all the upgrades I have done to the SS, this was the most dramatic differance from stock configeration. The install was professionally done, but my mechanic said it was pretty easy all in all.

Strengths:
Stopping power, good value for money, excellent looks.

Weaknesses:
None that I am aware of.

Similar Products Used:
Stock GM 11'' discs

Price Paid:  $900.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
 95 Trans Am

Summary:
I became concerned about the stock brakes on my trans am. GM put a fast, powerful engine under the hood but crummy brakes to slow you down. I purchased the package directly from Baer. I also purchased stainless steel lines to replace the front rubber brake lines. At first I was going to get the cross drilled but a compadre of mine warned me of stress fractures so I opted for the plain old ZR1 rotor sans holes/slots. Install was bear (no pun) on the fbody. You have to basically strip down the wheel, drain the brake lines and of course the brakes. You will need to have a power sawzall to modify the caliper spindle so the new PBR caliper will fit. After all was said and done, the install took a full day. You must follow the rotor/pad seasoning instructions that Baer recommends for break in. All in all a great modification.

Strengths:
Awesome braking power

Weaknesses:
Crossed drilled rotors will stress fracture, unforseen rim/tire costs **you will need at least 17" rims for the track calipers/13" rotors, may need to use wheel spacers for caliper clearance.

Similar Products Used:
Stock brakes