StopTech BBK 332 vs 2Bennett 330 mm Stage2

**tazzzmania** · 02-05-2010 11:32 AM

Hi Brake Gurus

I am looking into upgrading my brakes. B5 S4, in the process of Stage 3 with RS6. The car is daily driven, and will see track 2-3 times a year. I don't plan to put 18" wheel because of all the pot holes and broken roads here in the east coast.

After some research, I ruled out the following
1. ECS stage 3 (not originally designed for our car, and not much good reviews)
2. Brembo... too expensive and I think overkill for my need
3. Alcon .... too expensive and I think overkill for my need

I did lot of research and kind of narrow it down to the following option.
Stoptech 4 piston with 332 mm
2Bennett 330 mm stage 2 or stage 2 gt. 4 piston vs 6
Stoptech stage 2 kit

Since I am in east coast and winter salt is an issue.. which ever I choose I shall get the zinc plated rotors.

My question:
1. Any of you have experience with 2Bennett stage 2 or both Stoptech and 2Bennett and would like to provide your real world experience or thoughts.

2. Anyone care to share 4 piston vs 6 piston real world experience, pros and cons, any effect on the master cylinder pushing 4 vs 6 piston as originally it is supposed to push 2.

3. For my driving need, should I just go with stoptech stage II kit and save money ? Or would you even recommend picking up a used set of above mentioned BBK if possible to match the Stop Tech stage II kit?

4. Given similar price range between StopTech and 2Bennett which one would you pick.

Here is detail on 2Bennett stage 2 kit

2 Rotors 330-350 mm diameter x 32mm, gas vented, directional vane, Zinc plated
2 6 piston Brembo calipers (standard silver or red) (4 piston if non GT)
2 Hard anodized billet aluminum hubcentric center hats
2 Hard anodized billet aluminum mounting brackets
All hardware needed
4 corner set of stainless steel braided lines
Set of high performance brake pads. Several compounds available.
1 bottle of ATE super, Motul racing fluid or Pentosin fluid

**Undisputed** · 02-05-2010 01:46 PM

I was facing the same decision when I was looking at a BBK. This was probably 3-4 months ago. I decided to go with the Stoptechs. There was a variety of places where I could get pads and replacement rings. I had looked at the 2Bennett setup and it looked good, but alot of people are running the Stoptech setup. Normally I like to do things my own way and don't follow the direction of others, but with all the positive feedback out there about Stoptech, I went with them and have been very happy.

I didn't want to go with upgraded pads and new rotors. If I were you, I'd just pickup a used BBK and be done with it. Especially if you find one in new condition. Mine was really dirty, but that was irrelevant since I was repainting the calipers anyway. There are some RS4 fronts in the classifieds for $1,300 right now. I got my Stoptechs for far less than that. You can probably expect to find some for $900-$1000 shipped. Why spend $600 or so on new rotors and pads when you can get the whole setup for not that much more. Get what you really want the first time and be happy. Otherwise you'll always look at them and wish you had em'.

Aside from the fact that they stop beautifully, they just look great. I get looks all the time. I'll pull up to a stoplight and the people in the car next to me will just stare at the front wheels. That's always fun.
I haven't tracked the car, but I will be doing quite a few canyon runs. I'm in Southern California. So I'm certain that they'll perform great.

**tazzzmania** · 02-05-2010 02:11 PM

Thank you for sharing... and yes your wheel with the yellow caliper looks cool :).

**Undisputed** · 02-05-2010 03:00 PM

No prob. Be sure to let us know what you decide to go with and post some pics.

**EBG 18T** · 02-05-2010 05:16 PM

if i had to choose between the 2 kits i would get the SToptech kit just because of the variety of pads and the ease of getting replacement parts. I currently have the ST40 kit on my other car and it is great as a daily driver and weekend track use.