R1 Front brake mod questions..

[Persistant]

I have been burning time searching for some in depth answers or pics on how guys have installed the R1 front brake system on a FJ.  Specifically a late model (93).  I understand the callipers bolt directly on but I'm curious if I should be using the R1 stock brake lines (not stainless) that run a single line directly to the calliper or use my existing single stainless from the master to the splitter and then a single for each calliper.  I do believe I did read that it was better to use the R1 master and I also found a picture showing how someone mounted the urine cup.  Anyone know of any threads that would be of use or advice?

[movenon]

I have been burning time searching for some in depth answers or pics on how guys have installed the R1 front brake system on a FJ.  Specifically a late model (93).  I understand the callipers bolt directly on but I'm curious if I should be using the R1 stock brake lines (not stainless) that run a single line directly to the calliper or use my existing single stainless from the master to the splitter and then a single for each calliper.  I do believe I did read that it was better to use the R1 master and I also found a picture showing how someone mounted the urine cup.  Anyone know of any threads that would be of use or advice?

A question, I can see where upgrading the caliper's on early FJ's is an improvement but on the later FJ's is there really that much of an improvement ? They do look good I admit....
George

[yamaha fj rider]

Persistant 93 is yours an ABS model? Front break line, most use two lines from master cylinder one going to caliper. The R1 calipers and master cylinder give better performance, other than smaller rotors you now have the same brakes as the early model R1. Hope this helps.

Kurt

     

[Pat Conlon]

A question, I can see where upgrading the caliper's on early FJ's is an improvement but on the later FJ's is there really that much of an improvement ? They do look good I admit....
George

Yes, there is a noticeable improvement with replacing even the late model 2 piece calipers with the 1 piece monoblock R-1 calipers.
They are flat out more powerful, they absorb more force from the rotor without case deflection, and with the accompanying 14mm m/c the modulation is more precise.

True, the difference with the early FJ conversions is more dramatic, than the late model FJ's, but there is still no comparison between the oem calipers and the R-1 monoblocks. They are that good.

[movenon]

OK, I'll buy that ! . Now I just need to buy the rest !
I thought my list was getting shorter,.......NOT.....  
George

[FJmonkey]

OK, I'll buy that ! . Now I just need to buy the rest !
I thought my list was getting shorter,.......NOT.....  
George

Love the A-10 Warthog avatar George.....

[yamaha fj rider]

OK, I'll buy that ! . Now I just need to buy the rest !
I thought my list was getting shorter,.......NOT.....  
George

Is the A-10 a clue to your next mod? Did you pick up a surplus cannon? No wonder you were concerned about overloading the suspension.  

Kurt

[movenon]

No but I have some empty shell's on the shelf from the sand box.   They are impressive to see fire. They get a few of them together and orbit in what they call a "wheel" , one rolls in on a target and when he (or she) pulls out off the run the next one in rolling in, and then the next.... A continuous stream of depleted uranium bullets.
I can tell you this "if you know anybody that drives or operates in a tank, then for god's sake tell them to get another job"... These things don't miss and cut through a tank like its a peace of cheese.

On the FJ, yes its a bit over weight but she will do fine. Probably better than me  . They are calling for a 60% of rain on Tuesday so that might slow me down a little but my plan is push through it. Wish you were going Kurt...
George

[Persistant]

Persistant 93 is yours an ABS model? Front break line, most use two lines from master cylinder one going to caliper. The R1 calipers and master cylinder give better performance, other than smaller rotors you now have the same brakes as the early model R1. Hope this helps.

Kurt

     

Hi Kurt, No mine is not a ABS model.  On mine there is a single brake line running to the steering head where a joint is located that has 2 single lines leaving it to each of the callipers. 

[Derek Young]

Hi Andrew. The blue/gold spot calipers are very nice. Make sure you don't get the radial mount models though. The stock R1 brake lines will most likely be too short. Individual brake lines to each caliper gives less chance for leaks but stainless lines using the splitter work well also. 

Derek

[ribbert]

A question, I can see where upgrading the caliper's on early FJ's is an improvement but on the later FJ's is there really that much of an improvement ? They do look good I admit....
George

No and yes.

No, there isn't much, if any, difference and yes, they look good.

I think many people here do the brake upgrade all at once. This makes it difficult to tell just what, made how much difference.

The advantages of monoblock over split calipers is true in theory but in the real world makes very little, if any difference. If there was any difference it would only be noticeable under extreme conditions, ones unlikely to be experienced with an FJ on the road.

If you had the 14mm adjustable M/C, braided SS lines (2 or 3 line setup, doesn't matter) and EBC HH pads with your stock late model calipers and then switched over to the R1 blue spots, I doubt you would find any difference.
Of all the components in the brake upgrade, the calipers themselves offer the least improvement.

They seem to have taken on a life of their own here as the magic bullet for better brakes, it is all the bits that go with them that make the improvement. (assuming you have late model calipers)

The EBC HH pads are a must. If you do the upgrade and don't use these you are getting nowhere near the best from your brakes.

Many will disagree with me on this but it is my experience from having done it one bit at a time, the calipers being the last item to install. I initially installed them with standard pads and found them worse than the old ones with the EBC pads.

Noel

[movenon]

Noel, that's what I am leading up to. I am not saying that that they are not any better, only that you might not gain to much in the real world with a newer FJ (if things are in good shape). If you were upgrading a newer FJ on a budget then that money might be better spent initially in another area. Just thowing out priority's and "bang for the buck". Now if the stock FJ front brakes are in bad condition it might not be worth while to dump money into them, blue spots do come up at inexpensive prices at times.

All that said I will probably install some blue/gold spots on my bike bike because I do need to get new pads (mine are crappy) and they do look good.....  Besides why should Pat get all the chicks with his USD forks... Maybe some Blue spots will attract a few of his throw offs 

George

[yamaha fj rider]

I think we look at brakes in the wrong way. What happens in that O SHIT moment, when you need to stop really fast. Just a few feet could mean the difference between, that was close or a ride in a red and white. I think brakes are a super important upgrade for this reason. Also remember my FJ was an ABS model and those brakes were a joke. Never worker well even when it was new. Just a different perspective for what it's worth.

Kurt

[movenon]

I think we look at brakes in the wrong way. What happens in that O SHIT moment, when you need to stop really fast. Just a few feet could mean the difference between, that was close or a ride in a red and white. I think brakes are a super important upgrade for this reason. Also remember my FJ was an ABS model and those brakes were a joke. Never worker well even when it was new. Just a different perspective for what it's worth.

Kurt

I keep forgetting about the ABS deal  . My brakes have some unknown pads in them from the PO and they are most likely cheap ones... They work OK for normal riding but I would definitely upgrade the pads to the HH's if I was an aggressive rider.

I do plan on new pads shortly so I am considering the blue spots because while its apart and I am dumping money into them its a good time to step it up a little with better looking units since the calipers don't seem to be that expensive. More work on the horizon...... When will it end ??    

George

[ribbert]

They work OK for normal riding but I would definitely upgrade the pads to the HH's if I was an aggressive rider.


George

George, good brakes are not a performance accessory, they're a safety item.
The time you are most likely to need maximum braking is to avoid an accident, not braking late into a corner at speed.

Also, all HH pads are not created equal as some of the members have posted previously.

Noel