Ceramic brakes or standard brakes?

[Rich911E]

Well, I have decided that I have had enough wrenching on my old '69 and it is time to upgrade, so I am going to get a new GT3. To answer the first question, yes pennies from heaven did show up on my doorstep -- it certainly isn't based on my salary or my underwater stock options!

The question is whether or not to get the PCCB ceramic brakes or just stick with the standard brakes? I know both are fantastic but I have been wanting a new 911 for 30 years and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I want to make sure I get it right and I value you guys' opinions. I can get a car with the standard brakes immediately, but I have to order one to get the ceramic brakes.

Thanks for your advice -- needless to say pictures will be forthcoming when it finally arrives (probably in about six months if I order one).

Rich

PS-- I'll probably still keep the '69 -- I have spent way too many hours on it and otherwise I would have to get rid of the two spare engines, spare gearbox, etc. that is in the garage. Maybe my wife's agreement is merely a secret plot to get me to clean out the garage?

[Steve@Rennsport]

Rich:

Hands down and without a doubt, I'd advise you to get the steel brakes if plan on any DE events.

Trust me on this,....

[beepbeep]

I heard that, apart from their superior wear-resistance in moderate driving, PCB brakes aren't so good on track as people believe.

[Doog]

Ive heard stories of ceramic brakes cracking.

Id go standard..

[Bill Verburg]

Steel!

[Elombard]

I would be tempted to go ceramic with an extended warranty - they are just so damn coool!!! But I could not wait 6 months :-))

[chrisp]

Since you have the money (congrats on that by the way) perhaps you get ceramic, take 'em off, and put steel on. That way you have the originals stashed away for whatever reason.

I don't have any personal experience whether ceramic or steel are better but I have certainly read of all the other owner's input and they sound sketchy. Wonder what happened at Porsche that they decided to bring a substandard part to market? Especially a high profile part like that.

[Noel]

Just look on Rennlist and you will see many complaints about people eating PCCB brakes at the track. Go with Steel.

[Randy Webb]

Talk to Todd Serota - who posts on Rennlist.

[RickM]

Steve Weiner's advice would be enough for me.

Oh, what about Bill V? I'm sure he has a word or two.

[GenX Porsche]

I think its the either this months or last months European Car they put a set of ceramic brakes on one of their Porsche's. The results were quite disapointing. I believe the braking with the ceramic turned out worse than the stock brakes. Check it out. Its worth looking at prior to a 15k upgrade.
David

[Bill Verburg]

Just keep is this in mind, you will never feel the difference is weight of even 12# D in rotor weights.

Amazing but true, I can easily feel the difference of 12# in bumpers, tails, etc but not rotors.

[ttweed]

Originally posted by Rich911E
Well, I have decided that I have had enough wrenching on my old '69 and it is time to upgrade, so I am going to get a new GT3.

AAAARRRRGGGGGHHH! Another early 911 guy succumbs to the lure of technology. Omigod, where will it all end?

Can't say as I wouldn't do the exact same thing if I had an extra $100K laying around, Rich. Good on ya mate! I want a ride.

Your wife is most understanding. I'm sure she'll let you keep the other stuff.

Oh yeah, the brakes. You've gotten all the advice you need above from everyone else. If you are ever going to track the car (and you know you will), don't go with the ceramics. Search the Rennlist Turbo/GT2/GT3 discussion forums.

TT

[Emission]

Steel.

Congrats! Lots of pics so I can live my dream through you...

[Rich911E]

Thanks so much for the advice. I think that the overwhelming opinion is to shy away from the ceramic brakes. I was just so "way cooled" by the technological hype that I thought I must be missing out on something great.

Steve W -- I would like to use the car for some track events (once I finally learn to drive 380HP) and based on the depth of your experience, your advice is well heeded.

Tom, As for an another early 911 guy succumbing to technology -- I will probably keep the old beast around. I like the kind of primitive appeal of my old car. I can even do the "I need to save it for Richie when he gets old enough to drive. You can't take his Porsche away from him now" Pulls at the heartstrings always work. Plus, I do have to get greasy every once in a while and the GT3 will make a great parts chaser! I really like the 1969 car, but, as I said earlier, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I have always wanted a new 911 and since the stars have aligned to permit the purchase while there is a great car to buy, I am not going to miss it.

Thanks again everyone for your advice. It puts my mind at ease that I will not be making a mistake by not getting the ceramics.

I will certainly post pictures when it arrives.

Rich

[Randy Webb]

Todd has worked out the pricing etc. It may be wise to buy it with ceramic, then take them off and store them while using steel, then put them back on to sell the car. He has this all worked out (based on projected deprc. rates).

[Jeff Alton]

I have a friend who has a new GT3. He has the standard brakes while abuddy of his has the ceramic. Both cars see a lot of track time. The ceramic ones have already been replaced while my friend with the steel ones could not be happier. Ya I know, ceramic is sexy. So what.

Jeff