HPDE Driver Enjoys Easier Maintenance and Reduced Weight with AP Racing by Essex Radi-CAL Brake Kits

At the heart of everything we do at Essex is a simple truth: we are automotive enthusiasts who build high-performance upgrades for our fellow enthusiasts to enjoy. So whether you're chasing a personal best lap time, carving through canyons, or just enjoying a spirited weekend cruise, we want to hear from you! Understanding how our products have transformed your driving experience—from improved brake feel and confidence to outright performance—is truly one of the highlights of the job.

One of our Porsche clients recently sent us the images below, along with some feedback after running HPDE events with our Radi-CAL Competition Brake Kits. Clearly a fan of the 718 platform, he's chosen two fabulous 6-cylinder examples: a stunning Boxster Spyder finished in Racing Yellow and a Carmine Red Cayman GTS 4.0, also equipped with Apex EC-7RS wheels.

Your experience level & driving history

2-1/2 years HPDE experience. Some autocross.

How have our brakes changed your driving experience?

Brake durability is improved, requiring less maintenance. Changing pads is much easier than on OEM Porsche brakes. Brakes reduced unsprung weight improving suspension performance.

Problems that the brake kit solved

Porsche OEM brakes perform fine, but durability and maintainability is much improved with the AP Racing brakes.

Favorite product feature

Ease of brake pad changes.

Comparison to other products you’ve tried in the past

These are the only aftermarket brake kits I've ever used. The Porsche OEM brakes were the highest performance brakes I used prior to upgrading to the AP Racing brakes.

Customer service by Essex before and after initial sale

Essex customer service has been fantastic. They are always quick to communicate and have caught when I was ordering the wrong pads for a brake kit. I was ordering pads that would have fit the OEM brakes, not the AP race kit I was using.

Documentation and ease of install

Installation was performed at a local performance shop, so I don't have a comment on this.

Would you buy it again, and would you recommend it to a friend?

I would purchase again for any car I planned to track on a regular basis. It is an expensive purchase. I would recommend it in cases where the money wasn't an issue.

Enjoy the pics below, along with a breakdown of AP Racing by Essex Competition Brake Kits on each:

• AP Racing by Essex Radi-CAL Competition Brake Kit (Front CP9661/394mm)- Porsche 981/718 GT4
• AP Racing by Essex Radi-CAL Competition Brake Kit (Front CP9449/380mm)- Porsche 981/718 GT4