Them's the Brakes

[buddysnack]

I am in the market for some new brakes for my Avant. From what I have read, the best brakes in order are:
-Alcon
-Brembo
-Stoptech
....and these are big bucks. In the price range I am looking for, there doesn't seem to be such a clear "best". The two main brakes I am looking at are the Cayenne Turbos, and Avalon's Wilwood Big Brake System. Both are in a similar price range...but which are best? It seems like the Porsche Brembos are the best looking brake, but it sounds like the Wilwoods are better in the stopping department. Any experience or opinion on these or other BBK systems in a similar price range?

Here is the data on the Wilwoods: http://http://www.avalonmotorsports.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_2_13_336& products_id=629

[SunS4Avant]

You look at MTM brakes? just as pricey, but i got no clue what are the best. i hear nothing but good things from all these companys

[HotSauce]

I don't quite get what you're asking?

Brembo and Stoptech are true, two piece floating setups and are designed for track duty. ECS/JHM/Wilwood etc. setups are nice but should not be compared to the Brembo or Stoptech systems as they are simply different beasts.

What is the purpose of the upgrade?

[M.S4]

the Wilwoods don't have any dust seal fwiw depending on your climate.

[buddysnack]

I don't quite get what you're asking?

Brembo and Stoptech are true, two piece floating setups and are designed for track duty. ECS/JHM/Wilwood etc. setups are nice but should not be compared to the Brembo or Stoptech systems as they are simply different beasts.

What is the purpose of the upgrade?

I might take it to the track every now and then...mostly they are to support a stage 3+ upgrade. I had previously changed rotors and pads, but am still left for wanting in the braking department.

[buddysnack]

the Wilwoods don't have any dust seal fwiw depending on your climate.

So Canada is a bad idea?

[nthusiastt]

You're not going to go wrong with any of those options. Get the appropriate pads for your application and properly bed them, those are the biggest things

[onemoremile]

I'd put Stoptechs above the Brembos especially if the rears are staying stock. That said, for the money the Cayenne/Treg 6 pot Brembos are an amazing deal. I plan to put them on the A4 and allroad and maybe a friend's s4 project.

[Trigger Happy]

Does anybody know how much the Wilwood kit costs without the rotors?

[andream88]

just search for a B7 RS4 brake system. it's a direct fit.

[sqitis]

just search for a B7 RS4 brake system. it's a direct fit.

Direct fit to the B5 S4? All around, both front and rears fit our cars without any special brackets?

[andream88]

Direct fit to the B5 S4? All around, both front and rears fit our cars without any special brackets?

fronts are a direct fit.

rears need redrilling of the hubs mounting holes to a larger diameter, then are a direct fit as well.

[HotSauce]

I might take it to the track every now and then...mostly they are to support a stage 3+ upgrade. I had previously changed rotors and pads, but am still left for wanting in the braking department.

If this is the case, you'll be fine with most of the kits mentioned. ECS Stage 3/4 or JHM's kit are both excellent deals and have lots of pad options.

[buddysnack]

If this is the case, you'll be fine with most of the kits mentioned. ECS Stage 3/4 or JHM's kit are both excellent deals and have lots of pad options.

Any opinions on Brake Bias as well? I have a friend with the JHM kit up front (on a sedan not a wagon), and under hard braking he gets some serious dive. JHM sells a kit for the rears as well, just not sure if they are balanced.

[csosnowski]

fronts are a direct fit.

rears need redrilling of the hubs mounting holes to a larger diameter, then are a direct fit as well.

do these need to be tapped as well or is it just a clearance drill?

[andream88]

do these need to be tapped as well or is it just a clearance drill?

it's just a clearance drill.
the bolts are inserted from the back of the hub, as it's the caliper carrier which is tapped.
OEM B5 caliper carriers have 10mm tapped holes, B7 have 12mm ones (IIRC).

here's a link with the install instructions:
http://audisrs.com/viewtopic.php?t=481&start=0