Budget Brake Performance/Improvement?

[Bimmer2Audi]

So my pads are shot and I'd like to upgrade the fronts, but a Stoptech or Brembo BBK is way out of my price range. What would you recommend?

[infinkc]

some DBA slotted rotors and hawk pads

[WMi_S4]

go big or go home mitch, like me :) whats the deal w/ your testpipes BTW??

[Bimmer2Audi]

go big or go home mitch, like me :) whats the deal w/ your testpipes BTW??

I'd love to get some Stoptechs. Prince/Mike at VAST will be doing my Piggie/test pipes soon. Give me a call sometime, we need to do a photoshoot with the two other local S4s.

[Bimmer2Audi]

What do you guys think of this set up?

http://www.ecodetuning.com/shop/cart...t_detail&p=309

[BastardS4]

What do you guys think of this set up?

http://www.ecodetuning.com/shop/cart...t_detail&p=309

geezus hell... nearly 800 dollars for basically nothing.


034 has a really nice 4pot upgrade kit for 1500$ that fits behind stock wheels. and DOESNT marry you to custom rotors that cost an arm and a leg to replace.

[abasichapman]

I have been looking for a brake upgrade too. Check this out:
http://brakeperformance.com
It may work for you.

[OldYella]

What do you guys think of this set up?

http://www.ecodetuning.com/shop/cart...t_detail&p=309

Like it was said, expensive. Piece together a kit. Do something like adams rotors in whatever combo, you can get stainless lines for like $150 for all 4 corners. Then you can get pads and fluids just about anywhere.

[JackalS4]

I'd go with Adam's group buy rotors and Hawk/Mintex/PBR or whatever pads and a good fluid bleed.

[4RingsCircus]

Like it was said, expensive. Piece together a kit. Do something like adams rotors in whatever combo, you can get stainless lines for like $150 for all 4 corners. Then you can get pads and fluids just about anywhere.

I wouldn't even bother with the lines. Wasted money, unless you plan to bump up pressure. Even then, your local hydraulics and air hose supply will have high temp stainless steel lines for a bit less. Get some pads based around your wear/dusting/braking needs. I don't know if the rotors are two piece, but I'd rather have zinc coated or anodized centers than painted, so scratches don't rust. Previous owner put cross drilled on my S, but slotted will be my choice when the time comes.

[WMi_S4]

FYI, Mitch just got new pads.....Hawk HP+.....which he hates (I think he still hates em).....so don't ever buy them

I had them on my Stoptech and removed them the first week!!! It sounded like I had bird nests for rotors!! squeaking and chirping all the time!!!

[Bimmer2Audi]

FYI, Mitch just got new pads.....Hawk HP+.....which he hates (I think he still hates em).....so don't ever buy them

I had them on my Stoptech and removed them the first week!!! It sounded like I had bird nests for rotors!! squeaking and chirping all the time!!!

The Hawk pads are by far the worst thing I have ever spent money on. DO NOT BUY HAWK BRAKE PADS.

[Pete@IE]

For street use, a good set of pads, some good fluid, and lines if you like are usually all that is required.

I like porterfield R4-S for street. They are cheap (relatively) and have good bite and not too much dust (less then oem). They do squeel *slightly* on VERY light brake application but I also put them in dry.

The only thing I really must stress is that whatever you do, use GOOD quality DOT certified brake lines. If you do go to a local hydraulics shop, make sure they are certified- the ones local to us are- and they pressure test every line and fitting before handing them over to you. Another item to watch is that stainless braid lines do not last forever on street cars, especially any type of them with a rubber liner. The stainless braid holds abrasive dirt / grime against the rubber, not to mention being very abrasive itself- in time they wear out. Some lines are stainless braid, coated and sealed- those are the best solution for street use.

Big brake kits are fun and all but in a lot of cases nothing more then bling.often times they don't do anything that OEM calipers with proper pads and ducting won't. That's especially true when you've got greasy street tires and dirty roads.

Oh, lastly- say no to drilled rotors.

[WMi_S4]

For street use, a good set of pads, some good fluid, and lines if you like are usually all that is required.

I like porterfield R4-S for street. They are cheap (relatively) and have good bite and not too much dust (less then oem). They do squeel *slightly* on VERY light brake application but I also put them in dry.

The only thing I really must stress is that whatever you do, use GOOD quality DOT certified brake lines. If you do go to a local hydraulics shop, make sure they are certified- the ones local to us are- and they pressure test every line and fitting before handing them over to you. Another item to watch is that stainless braid lines do not last forever on street cars, especially any type of them with a rubber liner. The stainless braid holds abrasive dirt / grime against the rubber, not to mention being very abrasive itself- in time they wear out. Some lines are stainless braid, coated and sealed- those are the best solution for street use.

Big brake kits are fun and all but in a lot of cases nothing more then bling.often times they don't do anything that OEM calipers with proper pads and ducting won't. That's especially true when you've got greasy street tires and dirty roads.

Oh, lastly- say no to drilled rotors.

Yes, amen to drilled rotors!!!! FTL!!! and in every day heavy street driving the stock OEM brakes are acctually better than any BBK