So yes it's not really a project but I legitimately can't think of a better word right now (sleep deprivation kicking in). Anyways... After Part I (And So It Begins...) that can be seen here, where I replaced suspension bushes, anti-roll bars and the recirculating valve, it is now time to change what I feel is the weakest part of the car: the brakes.
It was on my little jaunt across Europe last year, that the problem was made very apparent to me. I suffered massive heat fade and plumes of smoke from the front wheels while on a spirited (though not outrageous) drive through the Swiss Alps. They weren't much better up Stelvio Pass and would only last for one lap of the ring before they would fall over and need a good long rest. Bear in mind I was nursing the brakes around the ring after my previous experiences and it was wet so it wasn't terribly hot. With my intentions of returning to the ring and getting involved in Track Days, it was clear the current system was simply not up to scratch.
After debating with myself and others on the best course of action I finally took the plunge and purchased the following:
They are a set of reconditioned Brembo 4-Pot callipers from a Leon Cupra R. I won them on our favourite auction site as a full kit for a paltry £500. The kit consisted of reconditioned callipers (looking in great condition), new disks (standard plain), new stainless braided lines, new Red Stuff pads and all necessary mounting bits. A kit like this new would set you back typically over £1000 new and the callipers are quite sought after, so I think I got a very good deal. Especially considering a previous auction I was watching consisted of just the callipers in used condition (clearly marked up) without any other parts and that went for £450.
Although the disks and pads aren't what I was originally planning on buying, my budget doesn't quite stretch to replacing the disks and pads with what I really want (EBC Ultimax disks and Ferodo DS2500 pads) just yet so I will make do with what is arguably not a bad setup as it is for the time being.
As mentioned in the previous thread I have also purchased some Motul RBF600 brake fluid to compliment the kit.
The new setup will be installed in the next week or so and should make a massive difference compared to the somewhat lacklustre system on it currently. Once on, I can seriously start contemplating my trips to tracks and of course the 'ring. I can also now plan the next upgrades, where I finally up the performance with a remap and other associated bits.
More photos will be posted once the kit is on.
It was on my little jaunt across Europe last year, that the problem was made very apparent to me. I suffered massive heat fade and plumes of smoke from the front wheels while on a spirited (though not outrageous) drive through the Swiss Alps. They weren't much better up Stelvio Pass and would only last for one lap of the ring before they would fall over and need a good long rest. Bear in mind I was nursing the brakes around the ring after my previous experiences and it was wet so it wasn't terribly hot. With my intentions of returning to the ring and getting involved in Track Days, it was clear the current system was simply not up to scratch.
After debating with myself and others on the best course of action I finally took the plunge and purchased the following:
They are a set of reconditioned Brembo 4-Pot callipers from a Leon Cupra R. I won them on our favourite auction site as a full kit for a paltry £500. The kit consisted of reconditioned callipers (looking in great condition), new disks (standard plain), new stainless braided lines, new Red Stuff pads and all necessary mounting bits. A kit like this new would set you back typically over £1000 new and the callipers are quite sought after, so I think I got a very good deal. Especially considering a previous auction I was watching consisted of just the callipers in used condition (clearly marked up) without any other parts and that went for £450.
Although the disks and pads aren't what I was originally planning on buying, my budget doesn't quite stretch to replacing the disks and pads with what I really want (EBC Ultimax disks and Ferodo DS2500 pads) just yet so I will make do with what is arguably not a bad setup as it is for the time being.
As mentioned in the previous thread I have also purchased some Motul RBF600 brake fluid to compliment the kit.
The new setup will be installed in the next week or so and should make a massive difference compared to the somewhat lacklustre system on it currently. Once on, I can seriously start contemplating my trips to tracks and of course the 'ring. I can also now plan the next upgrades, where I finally up the performance with a remap and other associated bits.
More photos will be posted once the kit is on.
