Best performance brake options?

964 Views 18 Replies 7 Participants Last post by MalibuPre2020, 7 d ago

MalibuPre2020

Discussion Starter · 3 mo ago (Edited)

Hi,

Malibu 2020 Premier 2.0T, Trifecta tune, 19" Continental Extreme Contact 245s

I have an opportunity to lap my car at the track this summer while working with my race team. They have 3 lapping events during race day. It's a good way to learn, get a feel of it, belong and have fun.

We all know the 9th Gen Malibu Premiere 2.0T is not a "race car". However my front brakes are due to be changed and I was looking at performance options to make the best out of my lap day. I don't care about the dust, noise and wear. It's irrelevant. I drive the car hard and won't keep it for more than 1-2 years... if I don't blow it up in the meantime.

I can't find anything except EBC yellow stuff. But even, EBC now says yellow stuff is not for track as the bedding process takes too much time. So, I am left with the ~~red stuff~~ blue stuff. Problem is, EBC is very hard to get right now. All special order and it takes months.

I looked at Power Stop Z23 but the reviews are that there is not much improvement over stock. Strangely, Power Stop does not make Z26 (performance) available for 9th Gen Malibu. However, they have Z36 available. Z36 is for trucks and SUV (towing)!!!

Anyone has any input? Should I try Z36?

Not interested in caliper swaps and hacking. Has to be bolt on.

Just want a bit more resistance to fade while lapping.

Thanks

1 - 19 of 19 Posts

Indy

· #2 · 3 mo ago

I can't speak to their stopping power, just have seen someone else refer to Akebono and their available at Rock Auto. You may know more about the company.

ProACT Ultra Premium Ceramic;

2020 CHEVROLET MALIBU 2.0L L4 Turbocharged Brake Pad | RockAuto

RockAuto ships auto parts and body parts from over 300 manufacturers to customers' doors worldwide, all at warehouse prices. Easy to use parts catalog.

www.rockauto.com

akebonobrakes.com

Akebono ProACT® Ultra-Premium Brake Pads

Akebono ProACT® Ultra-Premium Brake Pads restore braking to like-new OEM performance for domestic and Asian vehicles available in the aftermarket.

akebonobrakes.com

Reactions: 1

DrivenDaily

· #3 · 3 mo ago

MalibuPre2020 said:
Hi,

Malibu 2020 Premier 2.0T, Trifecta tune, 19" Continental Extreme Contact 245s

I have an opportunity to lap my car at the track this summer while working with my race team. They have 3 lapping events during race day. It's a good way to learn, get a feel of it, belong and have fun.

We all know the 9th Gen Malibu Premiere 2.0T is not a "race car". However my front brakes are due to be changed and I was looking at performance options to make the best out of my lap day. I don't care about the dust, noise and wear. It's irrelevant. I drive the car hard and won't keep it for more than 1-2 years... if I don't blow it up in the meantime.

I can't find anything except EBC yellow stuff. But even, EBC now says yellow stuff is not for track as the bedding process takes too much time. So, I am left with the red stuff. Problem is, EBC is very hard to get right now. All special order and it takes months.

I looked at Power Stop Z23 but the reviews are that there is not much improvement over stock. Strangely, Power Stop does not make Z26 (performance) available for 9th Gen Malibu. However, they have Z36 available. Z36 is for trucks and SUV (towing)!!!

Anyone has any input? Should I try Z36?

Not interested in caliper swaps and hacking. Has to be bolt on.

Just want a bit more resistance to fade while lapping.

Thanks

Check out this member's experience at VIR:

www.chevymalibuforum.com

VIR track day with Malibu

Instead of resurrecting my old VIR (Virginia International Raceway) thread with dead links from 2012 I'm starting a new post. Old one can be found here. http://www.chevymalibuforum.com/forums/56-general-discussion-generations-5-6/11014-racing-vir-virginia-international-raceway.html Took my...

www.chevymalibuforum.com

www.chevymalibuforum.com

Reactions: 1

cp-the-nerd

· #4 · 3 mo ago

4 piston brembos from other GM cars like the most recent Regal GS will fit the Malibu.

Reactions: 1

MalibuPre2020

Discussion Starter · #5 · 3 mo ago

cp-the-nerd said:
4 piston brembos from other GM cars like the most recent Regal GS will fit the Malibu.

Thanks. Just reading this.

www.chevymalibuforum.com

My New Brakes

I just have a 1.5T LT, and these have to be the biggest waste of Brembos on a car ever. But still.....wanted to see if I could do it, and I did. Success! Factory 18" RS wheels are shown, but I also tried the standard 17" LT wheels on it and they fit fine. Pretty sure there is enough radial...

www.chevymalibuforum.com

www.chevymalibuforum.com

Reactions: 1

cp-the-nerd

· #6 · 3 mo ago

MalibuPre2020 said:
Thanks. Just reading this.

My New Brakes

I just have a 1.5T LT, and these have to be the biggest waste of Brembos on a car ever. But still.....wanted to see if I could do it, and I did. Success! Factory 18" RS wheels are shown, but I also tried the standard 17" LT wheels on it and they fit fine. Pretty sure there is enough radial...

www.chevymalibuforum.com

Just skip the drilled and slotted rotors. Those are a stupid gimmick for anything driven on the street. Thermocycling of the rotor material will actually cause cracks across the drilled holes over time and you can't resurface them.

Reactions: 2

MalibuStang

· #7 · 2 mo ago

MalibuPre2020 said:
Hi,

Malibu 2020 Premier 2.0T, Trifecta tune, 19" Continental Extreme Contact 245s

I have an opportunity to lap my car at the track this summer while working with my race team. They have 3 lapping events during race day. It's a good way to learn, get a feel of it, belong and have fun.

We all know the 9th Gen Malibu Premiere 2.0T is not a "race car". However my front brakes are due to be changed and I was looking at performance options to make the best out of my lap day. I don't care about the dust, noise and wear. It's irrelevant. I drive the car hard and won't keep it for more than 1-2 years... if I don't blow it up in the meantime.

I can't find anything except EBC yellow stuff. But even, EBC now says yellow stuff is not for track as the bedding process takes too much time. So, I am left with the red stuff. Problem is, EBC is very hard to get right now. All special order and it takes months.

I looked at Power Stop Z23 but the reviews are that there is not much improvement over stock. Strangely, Power Stop does not make Z26 (performance) available for 9th Gen Malibu. However, they have Z36 available. Z36 is for trucks and SUV (towing)!!!

Anyone has any input? Should I try Z36?

Not interested in caliper swaps and hacking. Has to be bolt on.

Just want a bit more resistance to fade while lapping.

Thanks

I almost always go for Akebono ceramics and some type of slotted rotor. Not drilled and slotted. As mentioned, drilled rotors are usually a gimmick for the average car and definitely not good for a DD car. The only company I found that makes slotted rotors for the Malibu is EBC, PN USR7625. They also have rears but I didn't order them.

Slotted rotors have an advantage over standard rotors in allowing hot gasses to escape from between the pad/rotor surface. This improves contact and reduces brake fade. I live in AZ valley (Phoenix) so during the summer especially, the combo works well. Only draw backs to ceramics are if you have four seasons (specifically snow), they do have a warm up cycle so, your first few braking events may take longer to stop than after warm up.

EBC Brakes USR7625 USR Sport Slotted Coated Disc Brake Rotors, 2-Wheel Set

EBC-USR7625

Reactions: 1

MalibuPre2020

Discussion Starter · #8 · 8 d ago

MalibuStang said:
I almost always go for Akebono ceramics and some type of slotted rotor. Not drilled and slotted. As mentioned, drilled rotors are usually a gimmick for the average car and definitely not good for a DD car. The only company I found that makes slotted rotors for the Malibu is EBC, PN USR7625. They also have rears but I didn't order them.

Slotted rotors have an advantage over standard rotors in allowing hot gasses to escape from between the pad/rotor surface. This improves contact and reduces brake fade. I live in AZ valley (Phoenix) so during the summer especially, the combo works well. Only draw backs to ceramics are if you have four seasons (specifically snow), they do have a warm up cycle so, your first few braking events may take longer to stop than after warm up.

EBC Brakes USR7625 USR Sport Slotted Coated Disc Brake Rotors, 2-Wheel Set
EBC-USR7625

Great info thanks!

Yes EBC was my first choice. But it was back ordered for months, so I gave up. The yellow stuff was available but now it's changed for none track use. The blue stuff is the only other option for street/track, but it appears non is available for Malibu 9th gen.

In Akebono I can only get the ProAct Ultra-Premium which is an OE replacement. Not really track friendly.

MalibuPre2020

Discussion Starter · #9 · 8 d ago (Edited)

UPDATE:

Did over an hour (5 sessions) of hard track driving (1.6mile course) with 11 corners and only 2 quick stretches. On the back stretch, I was reaching 100mph coming into corner 7. Instructor pushed my car more than I was capable. Lots of fun.

I had Power Stop Z36 in front and Z23 in back. Nothing else available besides run of the mill after market rotor/pads. Performance rotors are available but not pads (I am talking about Hawks DTC60 type). With the Z36 pads, at least, I was hoping for a bit more fad resistance. Also changed brake fluid for ATE TYP200.

Results: It actually held up pretty good. I eventually ran into brake fluid boiling and we cooked the poor Z36 pads. The Z23 pads in the back are still decent. No warped rotor!!!!! No brake fading other than fluid boiling at some point. I backed off on the brakes a bit and it came back. The Power Stop Rotors looked decent. Barely any wear. No overheated spots. They were packed with brake pad material but that was easy to clean. I am waiting on new Z36 pads to see if I can regain good pedal feel by just changing the pads and rebedding. Most driving is on street. I also changed the brake fluid to Motul RBF 600. On the street, the Power Stop combo is excellent for occasional hard braking.

Engine and tires held up very good. The handling was actually pretty good for a grocery getter. Tires are Continental Extreme Contact DW06, an UHPAS. I might try the summer version of it (UHP). I think it's called Extreme Contact Sport.

I left the traction control on as required by the instructor (not my choice). I believe it contributed to brake wear, specially on corner exit when coming back on the throttle.

So next round, we'll see how the Motul RBF 600 holds up. Might have to ease back on the braking. IMO, the braking system is too small to handle the HP and size of vehicle (weighted at 3600lbs, full tank + driver). It's excellent on street but gets taxed on the track. Only bigger caliper, rotor and pads can solve this.

To be continued

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MalibuPre2020

Discussion Starter · #10 · 8 d ago (Edited)

cp-the-nerd said:
4 piston brembos from other GM cars like the most recent Regal GS will fit the Malibu.

Thanks for info again

I can't find a real life and documented swap online. It's all half documented or theoretical. Be nice to have a real life documented Brembo brake swap from a Regal GS '18-20 (Sportsback) to a Malibu Premiere 2.0T 9th generation with 19in wheels.

What I know is Brembo brakes came as RPO: JQ5 on Buick Regals GS from '18 to '20 (Regal). They used 345mm rotors. The spindle knuckle, wheel bearing assembly and ABS sensor are identical part numbers for Malibu Premiere '16-'22 (Malibu). So the bigger rotor should fit no problem onto the spindle.

I also know that the brake line, dust shield are different as well as the master cylinder.

What I don't know and still researching is:
-Does the Brembo caliper directly fit on the OEM Malibu spindle knuckle? One would think "yes", since it's the same part number.
-Does the Malibu brake line fit on the Buick Brembo caliper?
-Is the Malibu's master cylinder capacity enough to operate the bigger Brembo calipers?
-Can the Malibu ABS and traction control handle the Buick's Brembo brakes?

Lastly, the Malibu's wheel are 19X8 with 40mm off set. The Buick are 19X8.5 with 45mm+ offset (could not get an exact answer). So the Buick's wheel is a bit wider and sits further in. So in "theory" the Buick Brembo caliper should clear the Malibu's 19" wheel.

Voila!

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MalibuStang

· #11 · 7 d ago

MalibuPre2020 said:
UPDATE:

Did over an hour (5 sessions) of hard track driving (1.6mile course) with 11 corners and only 2 quick stretches. On the back stretch, I was reaching 100mph coming into corner 7. Instructor pushed my car more than I was capable. Lots of fun.

I had Power Stop Z36 in front and Z23 in back. Nothing else available besides run of the mill after market rotor/pads. Performance rotors are available but not pads (I am talking about Hawks DTC60 type). With the Z36 pads, at least, I was hoping for a bit more fad resistance. Also changed brake fluid for ATE TYP200.

Results: It actually held up pretty good. I eventually ran into brake fluid boiling and we cooked the poor Z36 pads. The Z23 pads in the back are still decent. No warped rotor!!!!! No brake fading other than fluid boiling at some point. I backed off on the brakes a bit and it came back. The Power Stop Rotors looked decent. Barely any wear. No overheated spots. They were packed with brake pad material but that was easy to clean. I am waiting on new Z36 pads to see if I can regain good pedal feel by just changing the pads and rebedding. Most driving is on street. I also changed the brake fluid to Motul RBF 600. On the street, the Power Stop combo is excellent for occasional hard braking.

Engine and tires held up very good. The handling was actually pretty good for a grocery getter. Tires are Continental Extreme Contact DW06, an UHPAS. I might try the summer version of it (UHP). I think it's called Extreme Contact Sport.

I left the traction control on as required by the instructor (not my choice). I believe it contributed to brake wear, specially on corner exit when coming back on the throttle.

So next round, we'll see how the Motul RBF 600 holds up. Might have to ease back on the braking. IMO, the braking system is too small to handle the HP and size of vehicle (weighted at 3600lbs, full tank + driver). It's excellent on street but gets taxed on the track. Only bigger caliper, rotor and pads can solve this.

To be continued

Sounds like a lot of fun! Thanks for the update and keep us posted!

Reactions: 1

MalibuStang

· #12 · 7 d ago

MalibuPre2020 said:
Great info thanks!

Yes EBC was my first choice. But it was back ordered for months, so I gave up. The yellow stuff was available but now it's changed for none track use. The blue stuff is the only other option for street/track, but it appears non is available for Malibu 9th gen.

In Akebono I can only get the ProAct Ultra-Premium which is an OE replacement. Not really track friendly.

I haven't pushed the OEM brake pads at all but it appears they are Ceramic from the factory? If that is the case, you'd be correct on the OE replacement status of the Akebono. Ceramics are a great choice for track though. It's the formulation that makes the difference. When I had by 08 Mustang GT i went from the OE semi-metallic to slotted rotors and Akebono ceramic pads and the difference was night-and-day with respect to stopping power and brake fade resistance. It helped to have DOT4 brake fluid too. That include a little bit of track time.

MalibuPre2020

Discussion Starter · #13 · 7 d ago (Edited)

MalibuStang said:
I haven't pushed the OEM brake pads at all but it appears they are Ceramic from the factory? If that is the case, you'd be correct on the OE replacement status of the Akebono. Ceramics are a great choice for track though. It's the formulation that makes the difference. When I had by 08 Mustang GT i went from the OE semi-metallic to slotted rotors and Akebono ceramic pads and the difference was night-and-day with respect to stopping power and brake fade resistance. It helped to have DOT4 brake fluid too. That include a little bit of track time.

Absolutely

The PowerStop Z36 are Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Pads. They made quite the difference compare to OEM. Problem is, IMO, the stock brake system on 9th gen Malibus cannot handle the rate of energy transfer (heat) experienced while on the track. It gets overwhelmed from lack of friction surface. Too much heat accumulates and eventually things melt. Great on the street for a few hard braking here and there but not on a track for 15-20 minutes.

I am very close to attempt Buick Brembo 345mm rotor and caliper swap. That would increase rotor size by 30% overall but brake surface would increase by close to 75%. So, way more heat transfer capacity. Also, there are track pads available for this system in different brands.

Also, I noticed that on the Buick, the rear rotors are ventilated and 27mm more diameter (315mm instead of 288mm). Malibu's are not ventilated.

Reactions: 1

campb292

· #14 · 7 d ago

Re: the Brembo stuff on a gen9 Malibu, I believe only one owner has done it and documented it to this forum. Ironically it was a 1.5T owner with the 18" wheels. This here: My New Brakes

Reactions: 1

MalibuPre2020

Discussion Starter · #15 · 7 d ago (Edited)

campb292 said:
Re: the Brembo stuff on a gen9 Malibu, I believe only one owner has done it and documented it to this forum. Ironically it was a 1.5T owner with the 18" wheels. This here: My New Brakes

Thank you
I read it
He talks about 320mm rotor. He also says 345mm won't fit but I don't really understand why. I believe he has not swapped the dust shields for the Buick's bigger ones. That might be why he went for the 320mm. I don't see how the 320mm rotor would fit with the Buick Brembo caliper. They were design to fit the 345mm. But I also noticed he does not know from what car the Brembo calipers came from. Cadillac used 321mm rotor with their Brembo calipers. Camaros were 355mm.

campb292

· #16 · 7 d ago

Could ask but he hasn't logged on in a couple years so might not have the car anymore. He mentioned something about the hub but I don't see what that would be. I believe he did several upgrades but nothing you don't already have in your 2020 Premier. Other than the brembos of course.

Reactions: 1

MalibuPre2020

Discussion Starter · #17 · 7 d ago

I can't promise but I will try to figure it out. From what I see on parts list, it's just a matter of swapping the following from a Buick Regal GS '18 to '20.

Dust shield R-L (bigger than Malibu)
Brake line R-L (Need different banjo bolt for Brembo)
345mm rotor R-L
Brembo caliper R-L
Proper pads for Brembo caliper

Master cylinder is different but it is the same for all Buick Regal including the ones with 300mm rotors. So the Malibu master should be sufficient.

repairman54

· #18 · 7 d ago

Caliper bracket may need to be changed also for the bigger diameter rotors and possible different mounting bolts/ hole size or placement. Most kits supply a different caliper bracket to get clearance so I'm thinking you will need the Buick brackets also.

MalibuPre2020

Discussion Starter · #19 · 7 d ago (Edited)

repairman54 said:
Caliper bracket may need to be changed also for the bigger diameter rotors and possible different mounting bolts/ hole size or placement. Most kits supply a different caliper bracket to get clearance so I'm thinking you will need the Buick brackets also.

Thanks for your input

Thought of that, but the Brembo caliper has no bracket! It bolts straight to the spindle knuckle. The spindle knuckle is the same part numbers for the Buick and Malibu as well as the the bearing hub assembly. At the rear, yes, one needs to change the bracket, caliper and dust shield if one wants to have a 315mm Buick rotor. Problem is, the electric parking brake in my case. Caliper design are different. But I can live with the 288mm rotor in the back.

That's why on the other thread: My New Brakes , the OP could not fit a 345mm rotor. He had a Brembo caliper made for a 321mm rotor, possibly Cadillac. It, by chance, fitted. It also bolted straight to the spindle knuckle.

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