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Lotus in the Peak
26th - 28th June 2026

Brake Disc And Pad Upgrade / Replacement


Ian C

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Posted

So, now I've got my Exige S, my thoughts are turning to tuning. It's fitted with standard discs and pads. The discs are pretty worn and corroded and I think need replacing. I will be doing a fair amount of track days and road driving.

 

So what should I replace them with? Your disc and pad recommendations please.

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Posted

Unsure about discs.

 

But I'd recommend the pagid rs42 pads. I think everyone has their favourites tbh. CL's are well liked also. Although folks have had problems with them, me included, if you let them run a tad low before replacing.... But they do have a cracking initial bite.....my pagids have been good though and I'd have again...

 

I had good advice from dave at seriously lotus. Again, always worth a call.

 

Bugger, just realised I'm in technical again!!!!! Stop leaving the door unlocked ian!! :-)

Posted

It's all here.....

 

http://www.seriouslylotus.com/index.php/braking/brake-upgrade-kits/seriously-lotus-4-pot-308mm-brake-upgrade-kit-all-s2.html

 

That's the big jump most make and from a top bloke. Performance Friction are the track best IMO and for most LOT drivers (very dusty tho). Or go with Pagids but the squeak after a while..... I wouldn't touch CL's with a barge pole.

Posted

Depends what you want to spend from the top end big brake kit. Or ebc disks and mintex pads

 

I have pagid 42s and eliseparts aluminium belled disks good compromise between track and road

 

 

Posted

It's all here.....

 

http://www.seriously...kit-all-s2.html

 

That's the big jump most make and from a top bloke. Performance Friction are the track best IMO and for most LOT drivers (very dusty tho). Or go with Pagids but the squeak after a while..... I wouldn't touch CL's with a barge pole.

 

Jonny you dont have to spend all that to get four pot front brakes!

Use a one piece disc like in this kit and the price comes down

http://www.seriouslylotus.com/index.php/braking/brake-upgrade-kits/lotus-sport-308mm-brake-upgrade-kit.html

 

Or have a look here,

http://www.seriouslylotus.com/index.php/braking/brake-upgrade-kits/s2-308mm-4-pot-road-series-big-brake-kit.html

One piece disc and Caparo 4 pot caliper. Really good cost effective upgrade for under £750 + vat. You can upgrade to alloy belled discs later when funds allow....

Best of all these will fit inside a standard Elise 16 narrow front wheel, so no need to by bigger wheels at the same time!

 

Here is the same caliper but in a kit with AP Racing 308 alloy belled discs

http://www.seriouslylotus.com/index.php/braking/brake-upgrade-kits/308mm-caparo-ap-brake-upgrade-kit.html

Posted

'twas a quicky link Dave, one which having seen those alternatives I'd probably still go for lol.

Posted

Not sure I need to change the callipers? Although it is tempting to move up to 4 potters.

Posted

I would try some pads first and see how you get on. But I am now an honorary Yorkshireman (thanks Rich).

Posted

IMO if you put anything decent on the front from 295's and CL or RS pads, then you need to look at the rear too, as you upset the F/R bias. 4 pots on 308's will surely leave the rear brakes wanting, and a softer longer pedal (so a MS master cylinder may be required and probably a bias valve too). Its not so easy to put 2 pots on the rear and keep the handbrake, so better pads and ali belled discs may be your only option - it just depends what you want to achieve.

 

I've 295 ali bells & CL5+ on the front and EBC ultimax & CL5+ on the rear, and (other than the annoying droaning of the ebc slotted discs under hard braking), I still want a bit more bite on the rear, the fronts are ok as they can lock all too easy. I like the CL5 pads, but some people have had problems with the pads breaking up when run low - although I haven't had this. But their cold, wet inital first bite is so much better than oem/mintex IMO - I've not tried RS pads.

 

Some ppl say that EBC discs and RS or CL pads all round is good enough for TD/racing, (maybe ali belled 295 fronts and 288 rears). From my experiance EBC discs and CL pads are a big improvement on OEM, (I like the CL5's). I'm tempted to try the new ebc sports discs on the rear as they have more carbon in the discs (better friction rate) and are quieter slots, so when I need new pads (might try CL6 rears), I'll get some new rear discs too.

 

Some of the discs Dave has pointed out may be lots better and have better bite, but then again you may get better value for money on ali belled new discs all round, new pads, and new brake fluid, rather than just doing the front. Have a look at your rear disks (are they worn too), decide your approx budget and give him a call to discuss your options.

 

I guess it depends on what you have to spend and what you want? TD's, Fast Road, normal road?

 

See if there is anyone that has a similar set up to what you are thinking of getting and ask them for a demo.

Posted

Right then. I've decided to go for a middle ground of new fluid, braided hoses, alu belled discs and Pagid 42s.

 

So next question is which alu belled discs can people recommend, and where should I have it done? My nearest place seems to be Mike at Sports Car services, can anyone recommend him? And do you normally buy all the bits and take them to the garage or get the garage to order? (sorry for noob questions!)

Posted

Hi Ian

 

I am pretty sure new hoses for an Exige will require the removal of the front clam. I have the same set up with Eliseparts alu belled disks and pagid 42s.

 

http://www.eliseparts.com/products/show/21/1232/aluminium-belled-discs-s2/

 

If I had my time over again I think I would be buying the seriously lotus ones. they are cheaper than the eliseparts ones and they are left and right handed and have the correct cooling vane orientation for each side of the car.

 

http://www.seriouslylotus.com/index.php/braking/s2-alloy-belled-brake-discs.html

 

both sell pagids

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