Usually, there are two reasons to purchase a big brake kit. The first is for looks and the other is for performance. Big brake kits can be about more than aesthetics, under the right conditions and with a balanced big brake kit, the stopping distance will be the same as or better than stock.
The performance benefits of a big brake system can be seen in the increase in caliper rigidity and calipers with a larger piston area. The technology utilized in the braking system decreases heat build-up and allows for better heat flow throughout the brake system. Using larger rotor surfaces, for example, allows for the absorption of more heat energy, and the design of the rotor allows for better cooling.
An important consideration when buying a big brake kit is ensuring that the brake pads that come with the kit are the right type of compound for the type of driving the vehicle is going to be subjected to. A race compound will not do well on the street, since it might take several continuous stops for the pad material to heat up enough for the brakes to bite. On the opposite end, a street pad can melt on the track, causing brake failure. A major benefit to most big brake kits is the ability to easily change brake pads, giving the vehicle's brake system a dual purpose: a street pad for daily driving conditions and a race pad for track.
The key to making a big brake kit work is making sure that there is no increase in the overall fluid volume. An increase in the amount of brake fluid will decrease the vehicle's ability to stop. This is due to the master cylinder's inability to move the required fluid. Also, the performance of the bigger brakes partially relies on the tires used. The brake system can be perfectly dialed in, but if the tires are bald, the vehicle is still not going to stop.
Still, the visual appeal of a larger caliper behind the rim is not to be ignored. When you look at a Porsche in side profile, your eyes are automatically drawn to the big, colorful calipers. There is no mistaking that the brakes make the vehicle. So whether you're buying it for looks or for performance, a big brake kit can be the finishing touch for any vehicle.
AP Racing+44 (0) 24 7663 9595www.apracing.com
AP Racing brake upgrades kits have been developed with technology gained from more than 30 years of working with championship race teams. Every AP Racing brake upgrade consists of either a four- or six-piston caliper, two-piece vented rotors with directionally curved vanes, stainless-steel brake lines and Ferodo DS2500 pads. Brake calipers are available in black or red.Price: $1,695-$3,695
ApplicationsAudi: A3, A4, S4, A6, TTBMW: E36/E46 3 Series/M3, E60, Z4Mercedes-Benz: C, CLK , EVW: Jetta/Golf IV 1.8T/VR6, New Beetle 1.8T, B5/B5.5 Passat
Rear Brake Kit ApplicationsBMW (including M models): E46, E90, E39, E60, E63, E64, E65, Z4, Z8, X5Audi: B6/B7 A4, S4Porsche: 993, 996, 997.
Brembo North America800.325.3994www.brembo.com/us
Brembo, an industry leader in the production of high performance braking systems, are the first choice of most vehicle manufacturers when searching for high performance brake upgrades on production vehicles. The standard Gran Turismo (GT) brake kit uses either a four-, six- or eight-piston caliper with sequentially sized pistons and a pair of cross-drilled or slotted two-piece rotors sized up to 380mm, or a one-piece rotor sized up to 355mm. The kit also includes high performance brake pads and DOT/TUV-certified Goodridge(r) stainless-steel braided brake lines. Standard caliper colors include red, black and silver.Price: $1,295-$4,295
ApplicationsAudi: A3, A4, S4, A6, S6, TT, Allroad, A8BMW (including M models): E36, E46, E90, E39, E60, E63, E64, E65, Z3, Z4, Z8, X5, Mercedes-Benz (including AMG models): SLK, C, CLK, E, SL, S, CLMini Cooper SPorsche (including Turbo models): 911, 930, 993, 996, 997, Boxster, Cayman SVW: Golf/Jetta III, IV, V, Passat, New Beetle
Rear Brake Kit ApplicationsBMW (including M models): E46, E90, E39, E60, E63, E64, E65, Z4, Z8, X5Audi: B6/B7 A4, S4Porsche: 993, 996, 997.
Introduced at SEMA in 2005, the Gran Turismo (GT) six-piston aluminum Monobloc caliper is the latest development in Brembo brake technology. Key features include a caliper that utilizes an integral bridge for maximum stiffness under extreme braking conditions and a large pad volume for performance and long wear. The caliper integrates differential piston bores to ensure even brake wear and accommodates brake rotors sizes ranging from 355mm to 405mm. As with all Brembo brake systems, the Monobloc is fully compatible with vehicle ABS and traction control systems. Standard caliper colors include black, red, silver and yellow.
ApplicationsBMW: E90 325i/330i, E46 M3, E60, E60 M5, E63/E64, E63 M6Ferrari: 360 Modena, F430 Mercedes-Benz: SLK55Porsche: 996 C2, 996 C4, 996 C4S, 996 Turbo, 997 C2, 997 C2S