I don't know about sarcasm. I was going for humor. But yes, the 16" kit is a phenomenal upgrade from stock. Very smooth controlled feeling and very much improved stopping distance. Flawless product.I'm guessing this was sarcasm to show off your new wilwood calipers? Big difference in stopping power from factory size?
If you'd like to make an even more informed decision, water doesn't significantly compress any more than brake fluid. The reason water is a terrible brake fluid is because it BOILS at 212F. You don't hurt anything at all by running HT brake fluid. You just waste your money if you buy a fluid with a boiling point higher than you need. It also becomes completely evident that anyone who would compare some SS lines and a fluid upgrade in context with a big brake kit upgrade has never operated a vehicle with a big brake kit. There is no comparison, period. You don't just shave a few feet off your braking distance, you get consistent braking after repeated aggressive use. You can try and rationalize saving a few bucks all you like, but there is no substitute for 16" rotors for maximum brake torque and huge surface area. It's not just *looks* it's physics.Brake fluid attracts moisture. Even in the air from your reservoir. Start heating up and cooling down the fluid from braking and it will accumulate more moisture. Moisture (water) compresses under force. Brake fluid does not and is the reason it is used. You want the force applied to your brakes' pistons, not water/moisture. This is the single reason why just changing your fluid helps your brake system. It doesn't work magic, just enables the system to work the way it was designed.
I'd google it and see what the general consensus is. I did and went with the 5.1 as it had the longest periods between flushes. Most vehicles *should* be flushed every 2 years, and the 5.1 is good for that under normal DD driving. The others I looked at needed to be done every year or sooner. Not that big a deal, but you need to make an informed decision. Brakes are the most important safety feature on your truck![]()
:bigroll:If you'd like to make an even more informed decision, water doesn't significantly compress any more than brake fluid. The reason water is a terrible brake fluid is because it BOILS at 212F. You don't hurt anything at all by running HT brake fluid. You just waste your money if you buy a fluid with a boiling point higher than you need. It also becomes completely evident that anyone who would compare some SS lines and a fluid upgrade in context with a big brake kit upgrade has never operated a vehicle with a big brake kit. There is no comparison, period. You don't just shave a few feet off your braking distance, you get consistent braking after repeated aggressive use. You can try and rationalize saving a few bucks all you like, but there is no substitute for 16" rotors for maximum brake torque and huge surface area. It's not just *looks* it's physics.
I am deeply humbled by your superior mastery of the physical sciences. I hang my head in shame and defeat. Clearly I was wrong to post such excess in this need-based forum for the Cadillac Escalade where fuel economy and utilitarian aspects of the vehicle are of the utmost importance. I am beyond grateful for your clarification of the record. I bow down and grovel before your racing skills and expert knowledge of performance driving. I apologize to all members of the forum for daring to share a photo of any egregious flaunting of performance parts that add no necessary performance improvements toward travel to the local supermarket or educational facilities for my children. You are right and I am wrong.:bigroll:
Obviously you didn't stop to read my earlier post, #10 where I stated that BBKs are good at reducing brake fade. However on a DD vehicle brake fade should not be an issue. Unless you are doing frequent 100-0 sprints all day BBKs are not needed, and if you have any concern a +1 kit will save a ton of cash and get you where you need to be.
You stated that you just waste money if you buy a fluid with a higher boiling point than you need. Ok, with that same notion, the same can be applied to the cost of a BBK. Spending more than you need.
As I stated, for $2300 you are really only getting a few feet more stopping distance on a DD vehicle. Do you track your truck?
And for the record, I *have* used a few different big brake kits, as I have frequented the road course at VIR. I know exactly what brake fade feels like, and the "oh shit" feeling that comes with it.
As for water/brake fluid - water *is* more compressible than brake fluid. Water has oxygen in it, and that compresses. Not to mention the corrosive properties of water are bad for the lines and calipers.