Brake help-

[Groundpilot]

Originally Posted by lutfy

Easy. But you need the right tool. The front ring had holes larger than the rears and therefore I needed a different tool.

Before attempting to work on it, make sure you get the right plier for it and it fits. Otherwise a breeze. Remove the HEAT shield from the back too.

I am VERY VERY happy with this setup and no need for a BBK. Pads are hardly wearing now (in the front).

Lutfy

I am glad you are happy with that set up.
I am going with the same set up with the exeption of PFC pads. I still have a set of Pagid RS-19s from last year. Didnt like weird bedding procedure recommended by Pagid. I hear that PFC pads dont really need to be bedded in.

[03///m3]

Originally Posted by lutfy

Bent Tip Snap Ring pliers they are called. I bought mine from amazon and then had to go to Pepboys to get the right size

Front and back. My rears were slight tapered as well when it came to wear.
The greatest benefit is now no more wiggling the caliper for the guides to hook. Press the caliper in, bolt up in a heart beat.

Get them front and rear, you'll be glad you did.

03///M3, did you notice the reduced wear? What was the greatest benefit for you? What fluid are you running?


Lutfy

Lufty
I didn't check the pads as I am leaving them in for at least the next two events. I actually purchased the guide pins for ease of mind after I read your review of them. I was strongly considering a front bbk but thought I would give this setup a try first. So far so good as long as the vibration goes away at my next track day. I am running SRF fluid.

[M3PO]

I run Project Mu pads with SRF (nothing else is changed) and if I use the brakes too much, they will start to shudder. However, the vibration is gone at the beginning of the next session.

[will.c]

I don't have experience with 08 compound with these heavier cars, but I had the exact same issue when I had 06 pads. Even after all kinds of bedding-in & braking techniques, I would always get these vibrations after like 4-5 laps. Then I cool them and the vibrations are gone... rinse and repeat. Be it deposits or whatever, I switched to 01s, and everything now is as smooth as a hot knife on butter, all else being same. I'm even on Centric blank rotors and stock sliding calipers too. Just some food for thought.

[lutfy]

Originally Posted by 03///m3

Lufty
I didn't check the pads as I am leaving them in for at least the next two events. I actually purchased the guide pins for ease of mind after I read your review of them. I was strongly considering a front bbk but thought I would give this setup a try first. So far so good as long as the vibration goes away at my next track day. I am running SRF fluid.

Okay I did six 20 mins session at summit point just now.

Some with students some alone. Brakes NEVER gave up the ghost. No fade no shudder. After 5 hours of track time, total since this install in March, on 08s, guide pins, Pfc rotors and heat shield removed, I can swear this is the bees knees for our cars.

Am very very happy with this setup now with lots of confidence (consistent stop and pedal feel). No nervousness as before.

I intend to run pagid yellow next and leave them as I am tired of pad swaps. But overall happy now with over 500 track miles, in total over month and a half, to report. Rotors look fairly Fresh too. Pf08 just 50 percent worn! Even pad wear front and rear. This is possibly because the cross drilled rear rotors are chewing up pads (in my previous m3 race car it was 2:1 f r wear).

Cheers

Lutfy

[bigjae1976]

I know people here swear by the direct drive rotors...I think they are hot garbage. I had the originals and they've brought V3 to market since. They were on my E46 330 which had a BBK that used the E46M3 front rotors. After 3 events the rotors were cracked to a point where I had to toss them with PF01s. Not to mention my pads were toast too. And then...I was dealing with this pad deposit issue at every event (2 events were a 1 day event). I went to the OEM E46 M3 euro rotor with the slightly better results.

I know I'm the minority here and most people like them but...I have my opinions. You shouldn't consistently be getting pad deposits on the track.

[03///m3]

PFC did recommend cleaning the rear rotors with a Brillo pad to clean the surface due to possible old pad deposits from my prior stoptech pads. Has anyone tried this?

[PrimeBMW]

Originally Posted by lutfy

Okay I did six 20 mins session at summit point just now.

Some with students some alone. Brakes NEVER gave up the ghost. No fade no shudder. After 5 hours of track time, total since this install in March, on 08s, guide pins, Pfc rotors and heat shield removed, I can swear this is the bees knees for our cars.

Am very very happy with this setup now with lots of confidence (consistent stop and pedal feel). No nervousness as before.

I intend to run pagid yellow next and leave them as I am tired of pad swaps. But overall happy now with over 500 track miles, in total over month and a half, to report. Rotors look fairly Fresh too. Pf08 just 50 percent worn! Even pad wear front and rear. This is possibly because the cross drilled rear rotors are chewing up pads (in my previous m3 race car it was 2:1 f r wear).

Cheers

Lutfy

What tires are you running? I am curious if these rotors can hold up to R-comp.

[gan1hck]

Originally Posted by 03///m3

After my second session it's better but not gone. I'm really hoping its gone by mid third session.

I've tried stabbing the brakes however it's not helping.

Yes the guide pins where lubricated.

I called PFC and they think it's due to the previous pad compounds not agreeing with the new PFC pads. They said it should go away after using for some time. If not to use a Brillo pad or scotch pad to clean the rotors from any left over pad material. My front rotors are new PFC direct drive however my rears I did use stoptech street pads on. Maybe that's the issue.

I had exactly the same problem with the same setup minus the guide pins...

Took 4 30 minute sessions on track for it to go away.

[lutfy]

Originally Posted by PrimeBMW

What tires are you running? I am curious if these rotors can hold up to R-comp.

Don't laugh but 400 miles on Michelin pilot as3. One day on ra1.

The as3s were only a second slower compared to balding ra1 (in my case) 1.25.4 vs 1.24.2 at summit main.

Don't over think it. The setup works. PF is well known and I trust Bimmerworld.

Mind you vln 24 hr m3 run on this setup with stock caliper too.

You'll be okay. I will have someone else chime in with appropriate feedback.

Lutfy

[PrimeBMW]

Originally Posted by lutfy

Don't laugh but 400 miles on Michelin pilot as3. One day on ra1.

The as3s were only a second slower compared to balding ra1 (in my case) 1.25.4 vs 1.24.2 at summit main.

Don't over think it. The setup works. PF is well known and I trust Bimmerworld.

Mind you vln 24 hr m3 run on this setup with stock caliper too.

You'll be okay. I will have someone else chime in with appropriate feedback.

Lutfy

How is pad life compared to using the stock rotors? My pads only last 1 to 1.5 days

[lutfy]

Originally Posted by PrimeBMW

How is pad life compared to using the stock rotors? My pads only last 1 to 1.5 days

I went through burning a set of 08s or pagids to the metal (almost) each weekend (circa 200 track miles) to now 500 miles and now pads half worn (as evidenced in pic). This is the greatest savings in $ terms.

Stock Rotors with 500 miles and PF with 500 miles. No more boiling of fluids too (could be a combo of removed backing plate at back with better rotor vanes cannot say which is contributing by how much). Stock cheese grater rotors chew up pads.







Lutfy

[lutfy]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

I know people here swear by the direct drive rotors...I think they are hot garbage. I had the originals and they've brought V3 to market since. They were on my E46 330 which had a BBK that used the E46M3 front rotors. After 3 events the rotors were cracked to a point where I had to toss them with PF01s. Not to mention my pads were toast too. And then...I was dealing with this pad deposit issue at every event (2 events were a 1 day event). I went to the OEM E46 M3 euro rotor with the slightly better results.

I know I'm the minority here and most people like them but...I have my opinions. You shouldn't consistently be getting pad deposits on the track.

Bigjae,

Since this is not a vendor endorsed forum, will share a little secret.

The reason I went with pf is because it was cost effective to get the 2 piece as a whole. In the event these rotors are shot, I will be getting custom rings made. Just blanks with no dimples etc, heat treated to last longer. Circa 125ish each (haven't check recent rates but that was back a few years ago).

Coleman Racing makes it and it's a lil secret in the racing community. Send them your current worn rings and they custom make the rings for pretty much any size specs. Long term even with BBK or these, one shouldn't be paying north of 150 a ring.

Reputable shop, they make rotors for Nascar and also Prodrive. I have had success with them for my Sti Project Mu
Kit (couldn't find rings) and a variety of BMWCCa CMod racers I knew did the same.

There you have it

http://www.colemanracing.com/Custom-...ild-It-W9.aspx


Lutfy

[Groundpilot]

Originally Posted by lutfy

Bigjae,

Since this is not a vendor endorsed forum, will share a little secret.

The reason I went with pf is because it was cost effective to get the 2 piece as a whole. In the event these rotors are shot, I will be getting custom rings made. Just blanks with no dimples etc, heat treated to last longer. Circa 125ish each (haven't check recent rates but that was back a few years ago).

Coleman Racing makes it and it's a lil secret in the racing community. Send them your current worn rings and they custom make the rings for pretty much any size specs. Long term even with BBK or these, one shouldn't be paying north of 150 a ring.

Reputable shop, they make rotors for Nascar and also Prodrive. I have had success with them for my Sti Project Mu
Kit (couldn't find rings) and a variety of BMWCCa CMod racers I knew did the same.

There you have it

http://www.colemanracing.com/Custom-...ild-It-W9.aspx


Lutfy

Hey lufty, this is greatly appreciated

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by lutfy

Bigjae,

Since this is not a vendor endorsed forum, will share a little secret.

The reason I went with pf is because it was cost effective to get the 2 piece as a whole. In the event these rotors are shot, I will be getting custom rings made. Just blanks with no dimples etc, heat treated to last longer. Circa 125ish each (haven't check recent rates but that was back a few years ago).

Coleman Racing makes it and it's a lil secret in the racing community. Send them your current worn rings and they custom make the rings for pretty much any size specs. Long term even with BBK or these, one shouldn't be paying north of 150 a ring.

Reputable shop, they make rotors for Nascar and also Prodrive. I have had success with them for my Sti Project Mu
Kit (couldn't find rings) and a variety of BMWCCa CMod racers I knew did the same.

There you have it

http://www.colemanracing.com/Custom-...ild-It-W9.aspx


Lutfy

Great info! Thanks!!!

Not sure if they can make the patented aerorotor from Stoptech

[ayao]

I contacted Coleman to get a sense of pricing -- I get the sense that they don't really keep records of rotor specs and instead just make them based on what you send in. So for example if you (Lufty) sent in a pair of PFC DD V2 rings, someone else wouldn't be able to order the same ones 3 month later based on the specs you submitted. Is this correct?

Originally Posted by lutfy

Bigjae,

Since this is not a vendor endorsed forum, will share a little secret.

The reason I went with pf is because it was cost effective to get the 2 piece as a whole. In the event these rotors are shot, I will be getting custom rings made. Just blanks with no dimples etc, heat treated to last longer. Circa 125ish each (haven't check recent rates but that was back a few years ago).

Coleman Racing makes it and it's a lil secret in the racing community. Send them your current worn rings and they custom make the rings for pretty much any size specs. Long term even with BBK or these, one shouldn't be paying north of 150 a ring.

Reputable shop, they make rotors for Nascar and also Prodrive. I have had success with them for my Sti Project Mu
Kit (couldn't find rings) and a variety of BMWCCa CMod racers I knew did the same.

There you have it

http://www.colemanracing.com/Custom-...ild-It-W9.aspx


Lutfy

[lutfy]

Originally Posted by ayao

I contacted Coleman to get a sense of pricing -- I get the sense that they don't really keep records of rotor specs and instead just make them based on what you send in. So for example if you (Lufty) sent in a pair of PFC DD V2 rings, someone else wouldn't be able to order the same ones 3 month later based on the specs you submitted. Is this correct?

That is correct. And for future order I call them and they have the spec saved under my order, and another set prepared and dispatched (send original only once). Did you speak with Troy?

I can send you the specs which you then share with them not the other way around.

They do it for proprietory reasons. Since they make rotors for a few known brands, this way there is no conflict.

Bigjae, did they tell you they can't do aero? I'd be surprised as we had excellent result with them in the past (I was a co founder for a known bmw shop in Dubai and would order often).

I am certainly going this route again. Thought I'd share with folks who share the same passion: track junkies

Cheers,

Lutfy

[gan1hck]

Originally Posted by lutfy

That is correct. And for future order I call them and they have the spec saved under my order, and another set prepared and dispatched (send original only once). Did you speak with Troy?

I can send you the specs which you then share with them not the other way around.

They do it for proprietory reasons. Since they make rotors for a few known brands, this way there is no conflict.

Bigjae, did they tell you they can't do aero? I'd be surprised as we had excellent result with them in the past (I was a co founder for a known bmw shop in Dubai and would order often).

I am certainly going this route again. Thought I'd share with folks who share the same passion: track junkies

Cheers,

Lutfy

Do you mind sharing the specs here?

I also use the PFC Direct Drive Rotors for my e90 M3, and would love to buy a lower cost ring replacement alternative now that I have the reusable hat already!!!

[lutfy]

Originally Posted by gan1hck

Do you mind sharing the specs here?

I also use the PFC Direct Drive Rotors for my e90 M3, and would love to buy a lower cost ring replacement alternative now that I have the reusable hat already!!!

I have not worn out my current PFC set. I believe a bunch of us can benefit from this. Do you still have the worn rings? You can mail it to Coleman and I can order a set with you (in advance). Best to email me at alutfeali at g mail
And we can fill the rest of the folks in after (share specs).

Cheers,

Lutfy

[gan1hck]

Originally Posted by lutfy

I have not worn out my current PFC set. I believe a bunch of us can benefit from this. Do you still have the worn rings? You can mail it to Coleman and I can order a set with you (in advance). Best to email me at alutfeali at g mail
And we can fill the rest of the folks in after (share specs).

Cheers,

Lutfy

Ha...I thought yours were worn out!...

No...mine are still good also...was just planning ahead.

[ayao]

Lutfy -

I was in contact with Lary who kind of gave me an idea of how the process works.

Only foreseeable issue in future would be making sure people have the PFC DD rotor version correct ... V1 vs V2 and the upcoming V3. Could get confusing and lead to gnashing of teeth. Nonetheless I'm pretty excited about a relatively low-cost way to keep the track habit going.

I'd be happy to help defray shipping costs when the time comes. As of now my rotors have < 100 miles on them ... so quite a way to go, I think.

I'll point some of the 1M guys running PFCs to this thread as well!

Originally Posted by lutfy

That is correct. And for future order I call them and they have the spec saved under my order, and another set prepared and dispatched (send original only once). Did you speak with Troy?

I can send you the specs which you then share with them not the other way around.

They do it for proprietory reasons. Since they make rotors for a few known brands, this way there is no conflict.

Bigjae, did they tell you they can't do aero? I'd be surprised as we had excellent result with them in the past (I was a co founder for a known bmw shop in Dubai and would order often).

I am certainly going this route again. Thought I'd share with folks who share the same passion: track junkies

Cheers,

Lutfy

[Sebringjetta]

Originally Posted by gan1hck

I had exactly the same problem with the same setup minus the guide pins...

Took 4 30 minute sessions on track for it to go away.

same with me