S2 Exige Brakes

Author
Discussion

Gad-Westy

Original Poster:

15,088 posts

220 months

Wednesday 29th July 2020
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My S2 Exige S brakes don't inspire confidence at all. They seem to lack bite and ultimate stopping power isn't brilliant either having tested it a little on quiet roads.

Discs look healthy. Pads are Brembos and seem to have plenty of meat on them.

I'm thinking of changing pads and would probably do a fluid change at same time.

So couple of questions, is fluid replacement easy on an Exige? I've run into problems on cars with ABS before so thought I ought to check.

Pads? Almost 100% road use so I don't want something that squeals or need heat cycles to work. Just want something with confidence inspiring bite that will work in most normal conditions. Any particular obvious choices?

Coriander

17 posts

133 months

Thursday 30th July 2020
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I find my standard S2 Exige brakes (standard AP 4 pot front, Brembo single piston rear) excellent on road and track. Great stopping power, no fade and very precise.

I use Pagid Blue RS-42 pads which are great on road and track with no squeal. Brake fluid change is straightforward, I use ATE 200 fluid which is inexpensive and had no issues.

kiethton

14,071 posts

187 months

Thursday 30th July 2020
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The brakes on my S2 (basic calipers all round) are epic now that I've upgraded the pads.

RS14 pads and I think marginally different disc's (but nothing fancy) - they do squeal to buggery though

Gad-Westy

Original Poster:

15,088 posts

220 months

Thursday 30th July 2020
quotequote all
Cheers folks. RS42's might be a good option. RS14 squealing isn't going to work for me. Been there with yellowstuffs on my old Elise and it drive me insane.

400SE Dave

1,300 posts

178 months

Thursday 6th August 2020
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I went Mintex 1144's all round, felt a massive improvement over stock pads, did not need to change the discs.

They do dust a fair bit though

Gad-Westy

Original Poster:

15,088 posts

220 months

Thursday 6th August 2020
quotequote all
400SE Dave said:
I went Mintex 1144's all round, felt a massive improvement over stock pads, did not need to change the discs.

They do dust a fair bit though
Mintex are on the radar. I think I'll wait until winter now to do this so got time to procrastinate a bit.

Anyone experiences CL pads on Elise/Exige? Expensive but seem like they might offer a bit of everything.

Arun_D

2,305 posts

202 months

Thursday 6th August 2020
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I used RS42s then CL5+ when I had an S2. Both are a fine option, Pagids may be a bit better for your road use as I had some noise from the CLs from time to time.

I'm sure this and a fluid change will get your braking performance absolutely tip-top. Rarely do you hear of Exige brakes being sub-standard. Only when standard pads are cold or when new Lotus drivers aren't used to the lower servo assistance (i.e press harder).

lj04

372 posts

198 months

Friday 7th August 2020
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I'm on my third Elise and the Toyota servo ones seem the weakest. Check the inner service of the discs for corrosion.

Mike-tf3n0

573 posts

89 months

Saturday 8th August 2020
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Have a look on the VX220.org website, this is a regular topic and you will find massive amounts of info there.

Gad-Westy

Original Poster:

15,088 posts

220 months

Thursday 27th May 2021
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Well, like many things this one has been put on the back burner for longer than I intended.

I think I'm settled on going with Mintex 1144 pads all round.

Reading lots of of info, they seem to be a good option for road use. I'll put some ATE 200 in while I'm at it.

Anyway, question is, where is best to buy Mintex pads at present?

£185 from Elise parts which would normally be my go-to option.