As for the driving, we now have far more braking capacity than with the stock equipment. Braking distances haven't necessarily been improved, but we can do them all day now. Brake dust has been seriously reduced, but there is definitely more noise. The factory pads have noise shims on the back that the performance pads do not. We tried a little anti-seize on the backside of the pad, but to no avail. We may have to look into some aftermarket shims or other means of stopping the squeal.
Our MINI is now even better than it was before. We continue to pile on the miles; just last weekend we made a quick trip back and forth to Vegas. On the first half of the trip, we averaged an amazing 37 mpg due to traffic moving along at relatively sedate 60 mph. on the second half, we were able to swing the needle just a little past the legal limit and still averaged 32 mpg. All this while driving in total comfort with the car packed full of stuff.
At A Glance
+ Improved performance with even more potential - Still can't find aftermarket dampers without doing full coilovers
Mileage: 25,650
Fuel Economy: 31.1mpg