Where to buy auto parts online? (pads/rotors)

**Wiredwrx** · 06-08-2005, 01:40 PM

Originally Posted by XxAndyxX

Does anyone know where I can get a decent set of rotors, brake pads, and shocks at a good price online?

I hate to say it, but, your question is just way too vague and ambiguous. First, for what kind of car are you shopping for. Some places will specialize in certain vehicles, and therefore, you may get a better price. A company that only sells Yugo parts might be able to get a better price because of his volume, and he will pass it on.

Next, what is your definition of "decent" What is crappy for me, might be totally decent for you. What I call decent, might be way more then you need or want. Look at some of the responses. Dimpled, Slotted, Drilled, Vented? That is probably allot more then decent for your needs. I might be able to get what I consider a great deal on what I consider a decent brake setup, but that price might be WAY MORE then you expected to pay.

Also, do some research on a brand. It is allot easier to find a store/shop that sells the brand you desire, then to search EVERY PLACE for the cheapest price. You gotta compare granny smith apples, to granny smith apples. You can't compare all apples to find a "decent" apple at a good price.

Also, what is your application. Is it street driving alone. How about an occassional track day, or even street racing. Perhaps you need a little more brake. Maybe you have a show car, that is trailered to and fro. That has some special requirements.

don't even get me started on Suspension. If you think there are allot of brake options, suspensions can be just as many. Performance, Comfort, Quality. Geez, it goes on an on.

Definitely more information is needed.

Michael

**XxAndyxX** · 06-08-2005, 02:07 PM

My car is a 01' Firebird.

For my suspension, I want a smooth ride over race performance and just a step above OEM shocks/struts.

As for my rotors and pads, I'm just looking for something that will last me another year or 2 (~40k miles).

I think I found everything I want (except I'm still looking for some brake pads). This is what I'm thinking about getting:

KYB GR-2 Suspension

I was going to go with THESE rotors at first because I can get them in black, and they looked higher quality, but I think I'm going to go with THESE instead because they are still slotted, and I would be getting them for about $50 cheaper.

**Wiredwrx** · 06-08-2005, 02:23 PM

Originally Posted by XxAndyxX

My car is a 01' Firebird.

For my suspension, I want a smooth ride over race performance and just a step above OEM shocks/struts.

As for my rotors and pads, I'm just looking for something that will last me another year or 2 (~40k miles).

I think I found everything I want (except I'm still looking for some brake pads). This is what I'm thinking about getting:

KYB GR-2 Suspension

I was going to go with THESE rotors at first because I can get them in black, and they looked higher quality, but I think I'm going to go with THESE instead because they are still slotted, and I would be getting them for about $50 cheaper.

Me Personally, I would avoid no name brand products. Especially brake products. SO, your first choice I think is a poor choice. For your second choice, I did a search on HAWKS Brakes, and found nothing. What I found interesting though, is that there is a company called Hawk Brakes (Notice the S missing from the second name)

While it is quite possible that the brakes are of a good quality, I am always leary of the company that tried to mimic another well known companies name. Also, I can;t find the Haws Brakes available anywhere except Ebay.

Stay with something brand name. There are so many that you could choose from. You can go into almost any National auto parts store and get "decent" brake products, and they are not that expensive.

EBC, Raybestos, Hawk, Axxis, Rotora, Bendix. There are just so many.

As for your suspension, KYB is a good choice.

Michael

**XxAndyxX** · 06-08-2005, 02:29 PM

Thanks for your input michael. Do you think it's a possibility that they accidently put an s at the end, and it really is Hawk rotors (not saying it's a typo, but more like they just thought it was Hawks instead of Hawk)?

**Wiredwrx** · 06-08-2005, 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by XxAndyxX

Thanks for your input michael. Do you think it's a possibility that they accidently put an s at the end, and it really is Hawk rotors (not saying it's a typo, but more like they just thought it was Hawks instead of Hawk)?

You can always e-mail them and ask.

It's POSSIBLE, almost anything is possible. I don't think it is likely though.

Michael

**FiReBReTHa** · 06-08-2005, 02:41 PM

well some places actually use, "HAWK" rotors, so they then take a blank disk, customize it, then resell it.

Some better places zinc coat it, then resell it.
so it could be, Hawk's Rotors

See if you can find some feedback about the company online though.

but I agree with him, call em up and find out to be positive.

**Wiredwrx** · 06-08-2005, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by FiReBReTHa

well some places actually use, "HAWK" rotors, so they then take a blank disk, customize it, then resell it.

Some better places zinc coat it, then resell it.
so it could be, Hawk's Rotors

See if you can find some feedback about the company online though.

but I agree with him, call em up and find out to be positive.

I agree. Many companies that sell Rotors, use the same blanks. They could be the same blanks as Hawk. But, that is not what they claim in the auction. They call them "Hawks Racing" products. Just a little too shady for my liking. I have no experience with this company, thier products, or with HAWKS brakes, so it is very possible they are of a high quality. I would rather go with something with a better name. In my opinion, no one can call these "decent"

And while searching the companies EBay feedback is great, it will not reveal long term problems. Feedback is generally left soon after the auction is completed, and the item is received, and feedback CANNOT BE CHANGED Perhaps it is even left as late as when the items are installed. However, brakes, even bad brakes, may not have issues for some time. I doubt that if they are prone to crack, they will crack the first day. It will most likely take some time. By the time they crack, the feedback has been left, and it can't be changed.

I guess the best thing to say is CAVEAT EMPTOR. BUYER BEWARE.

Michael

**DarquePervert** · 06-08-2005, 03:21 PM

Originally Posted by XxAndyxX

Are you that stupid to think that you can always find the best deals on the net?

Of course not.

I just find it amazing that in this day and age, you can't find a reputable online retailer to comparison shop at.
****, anyone sells online these days.

**FiReBReTHa** · 06-08-2005, 03:42 PM

http://www.3si.org/forum/showthread.php?p=2954943

[edit]

keep in mind these guys are running cars that way 3800+ pounds so stopping these beasts are VERY important.

I then got into an accident. Sold these on ebay used, And the guy who bought them still loves them!

**XxAndyxX** · 06-08-2005, 04:21 PM

I called that guy at RaceConcepts and the coversation went something like this:

Me: Hi, I'm looking for a few parts on my Firebird, what kind of deal can you get me on a set of Gas-A-Just KYB GR2 shocks/struts?

RC: The GR2's are not adjustable.

Me: I thought they were because all the resources I've researched said the was Gas-A-Just.

RC: Let me call the vender to make sure, and I'll call you write back.

...3hrs and he hasn't called back.

I'll give him a call again in a little bit, I still didn't get a chance to talk about getting some rotors.