I would have to say the difference is better than mild... but not as good as a disc. I used a "flapper wheel to run inside the brake drum, and set a cross hatch hone in it. The first time I applied the brake on one of my favorite turns, i over did it, and woke my arse right up! The shoes are definitely worth getting there. As for LC... It's not worth the effort in my opinion. You could always find a basket case LC scoot, and swap engines if you really want to go that route. I live in NW FL>, and it is F'ing HOT. My scoot has been here for 9ish years, and so far so good. If you think you are running too hot a Hi Flo fan can be gotten for under 20.00 bucks, and a colder spark plug can be used to lower the combustion temp. if needed.