Funny, I was just going to post about the same subject but I thought I'd just browse this thread through and found that nice article

I've always been a bit confused when people say that putting an AP 6-pot kit on reduces braking distance.

I simply don't understand how this would work, as it's ultimately the friction between the tyres and the road that slows the car down, not the brakes. Now, even with brakes for 10'000 pounds, you'd still have the same tyres doing the braking, meaning that the car would essentially stop in roughly the same time as one on standard brakes, provided you have the same tyres.

For example, in my standard car I can get ABS to activate at motorway speeds, so there is no need to be able to "increase braking" as the car will not stop any faster anyway (the braking is already at the physical limit set by the tyres).

I think that to reduce braking distances, you need to invest in tyres and not brakes (unless you're going to do multiple stops from high speed, as heat would build up, reducing friction between the pads and the brake discs).


Are big brake kits just for track days then (and wannabe rally drivers)?

 

I believe that larger discs and more pistons gives a better feel to braking, therefore, more confidence in the brakes themselves. I agree that multiple stops will be helped by larger discs for heat dissipation.

 

Well said mate, I posted the same the other week with regard to getting the ABS to kick in on standard brakes. Not sure what the outcome was......

I think big brakes are for people that like to waste money for the sake of it. Had a MY 00 / MY 99 for six years now and have done a few track days. Has to be said apart from a little fade (which I think even happens on big brakes) only when doing track work, my brakes work excellent.

I recently up-graded mine to OEM disk (from a motor factor) and had Godspeed groove them for me. Supplied Ceramic pads, and got to be said, so far I'm well pleased. Cost me loads less than £150 all in I was going to spend lots of money on a big brake set-up, but a mate reasoned with me and talked me out of it

Thanks Phill

 

Big brakes/more pistons in themselves don't make the braking any better, but can change the feel and balance. What they do is stop the heat buildup you get on a track leaving you with no brakes at all.

I've uprated the brakes my last 2 cars purely to overcome the heat issue. On track I found the standard Scooby brakes lasted about 1-2 laps before they became hot enough to either cause severe fade (with standard pads), or boil the brake fluid (with Mintex 1155 pads). In both cases I was left with brakes that required several pumps to work which spoilt my enjoyment a bit

I've now got the AP kit with 4pot calipers, and can't fault it for either road or track use.

Matthew