The standard test for vehicle braking is to perform several 60-zero-mph runs and then average the distances to get a number. With the invention of ABS, obtaining repeatable 60-zero runs without huge fluctuations is easy. Unfortunately our econobox Civic wasn't equipped with ABS.
For our 60-zero brake test we used the new G-TECH Pro SS meter. The sampling came back with substantial variances due to the lack of ABS. We recorded a best of 118 ft. and a worst of 129 ft. (due to locking up the brakes). Not bad considering we were in the mid- to high-120-f00t range with the stock setup.
Besides being able to perform 60-zero runs the G-TECH meter has tons of other features. One feature we were astonished with is the shift light and RPM readout. You have to remember the G-TECH only plugs into the cigarette lighter, no additional wiring. The RPM readout is pretty accurate to the factory tach and the shift lights can be set at different rpm levels.
The key features of the G-TECH meter are its capabilities to measure zero-60 mph, 60-foot, eighth- and quarter-mile times.
The Wilwood kit fills in the...
The Wilwood kit fills in the space behind the Rota wheels nicely.
The Wilwood rotors are 11.0...
The Wilwood rotors are 11.0 inches in diameter.
Not everyone has access to a dyno or can afford one. Now you can. Along with the other features the G-TECH meter can measure horsepower and torque. This feature can be used when performing before and after runs when installing performance products on your ride. The best way to utilize this feature is to perform several runs before and after the install, then average the results.
Another feature we used quite a bit is the real-time G-Meter. In this mode, the G-TECH displays a combination of G-Value and G-Arrow. The G-Arrow indicates the direction of the G-force while the G-Value indicates the amount of g-force. The meter will also record the highest value and store it in memory until it is reset.
The G-TECH meter is an extremely neat gadget to have fun with, with a small price tag. For the extreme enthusiasts G-TECH offers a top-of-a-line model, the RR with more features than the SS.
Our Civic was equipped with a brand-new set of 215/45-16 Falken Azenis RT-215 tires. The Falken Azenis is an extremely popular tire among autocross racers and street enthusiasts due to the inexpensive price tag.
Fortunately, the inexpensive price tag does not mean poor performance. The Azenis' rubber is awesome on dry conditions. The 200 tread-wear rating means reduced tread life but the performance benefits can't be dismissed.
Unfortunately for the time being, the Azenis only comes in limited sizes. Word on the street is that Falken will be releasing the next generation Azenis with better dry and wet performance. And the best part of it all is Falken will expand its tire selection to include more sizes.
Although we are part of a society that lives by the "bigger is better" attitude we felt the Civic's handling would be hampered with too large of a wheel-and-tire combination. And our tester Civic only generates 105 hp to the wheels in its current state of tune.
Installing 18-inch wheels would kill all straight-line acceleration and cornering. We opted to equip the Civic with 16-inch Rota Slipstream aluminum wheels because they are probably the lightest wheels on the market that won't break your bank account. Our 16x7-inch Slipstreams weigh only 14.5 pounds each.
Considering other 16-inch aluminum wheels tip the scale at about 17 to 20 lbs the weight savings is substantial. The five-spoke wheel also provide adequate cooling for the brakes during track situations.