Brakes, rotors and under-lining.

Well, I finally broke down and ordered some new brake stuff for the rear wheels. They've had the same old random pads and rotors on since it was a mustang so I figured it was time for some fresh kicks. I went pretty simple, standard rotors (w/ powdercoated hubs woot) and akebono street performance ceramic pads. I have these on the front and really like them. They make no noise, no dust, and have a decent stopping force. I really need better tires before I need to be concerned about better brakes. They seem pretty resistant to heat too, which makes sense being ceramic.
Brandon came over after work one day and we got to work on it. We popped the eBrake off the caliper for the first one. We did NOT make that mistake again. All the extra thickness of the pads and rotors made it almost impossible to compress the spring back in far enough. Worse than that though, was the surprise piston. On some models, the rear pistons can't be forced back in with a clamp - the method I am used to. But rather, they have to have a special tool to rotate the piston clockwise. Not having a special tool we made do with a blade changing tool for the grinder. It took several busted knuckled and manly grunts before we decided to internet it up and found the rotation requirement.

While we worked on the brakes on one side, I sprayed the rubber undercarriage stuff in the wheel wells. It looks a lot better than the bare aluminum panel and hopefully will be an added layer of protection.

NEXT

The next Cobra upgrade will most likely be a final gear ratio change, but for now I'm looking into what tires to replace the current tires with when the time comes.

The tires are have are Kumho ecsta SPTs. They are 'ultra high summer performance' tires. They have excellent ratings as well. They come with a share of problems though. First off they have a treadwear of 320. This is pretty high for a performance tire, and in a car that weighs 2100 lbs they are just too hard. I've had them on for a few months now of pretty aggressive driving and I can still read the brand imprinted in the center tread. They handle well up to the limit, but as soon as they start sliding they lose all grip. Which means that it handles great until it doesn't and then you are screwed.

So looking at replacement rear tires. I will leave the ecstas on the front until I start to lose traction there - right now oversteer is by far my biggest problem. So I'm looking for something that has better adhesion while sliding. So far I've REALLY considered the following 2 tires: Nitto NT01 and Nitto NT05. The NT01 has a treadlife of 100 and is really a track tire. The NT05 is 200 and has lower dry handling.

What do you guys think?

One other thing. UTQG - this is a retarded rating for performance cars. The "Traction" rating only rates stopping distance on a wet track. Does not take into account dry braking, acceleration, handling or lateral grip. What good does that do for a summer tire?