[AidenL]

I've been looking at various brake upgrades over the past few weeks.

I'm thinking I'll stick with JCW now, as I couldn't be bothered faffing around with spacers to make different wheels fit, plus I must admit, as I have gone down the JCW route with the engine upgrade, seats, etc, I think I'd prefer to keep the car 'pure' so to speak

However, everyone seems to agree that braided houses and better brake fluid make a massive difference? So I'm thinking I'll do this as well, and get a compromise solution.

Can anyone tell me the best place to get braided hoses, and what I should be paying - I know Lohen do them for about 60-80 quid?

[dipstic&dinnerlady]

Jcw

[timmydamini]

Quote: Originally Posted by Aiden

I've been looking at various brake upgrades over the past few weeks.

I'm thinking I'll stick with JCW now, as I couldn't be bothered faffing around with spacers to make different wheels fit, plus I must admit, as I have gone down the JCW route with the engine upgrade, seats, etc, I think I'd prefer to keep the car 'pure' so to speak

However, everyone seems to agree that braided houses and better brake fluid make a massive difference? So I'm thinking I'll do this as well, and get a compromise solution.

Can anyone tell me the best place to get braided hoses, and what I should be paying - I know Lohen do them for about 60-80 quid?

Hi Aiden,

Goodridge hoses are good, do a search for a local supplier.
These people in Mallow could post them to you, they do brake fluid as well:
http://www.ears.ie/ . Ask for David, tell him what your driving.

Don't go for full race brake fluid, try Mintex 'C' tech. I can check an empty bottle for the precise description if you wish.

I reckon, for you, JCW is the way to go. No issues with fitting, clearance, longevity etc. Though fixed calipers, (4/6 pots etc.), and lighter two piece discs perform better, they require a bit more effort in fitting and maintenance etc.

Tim

[obehave]

Stoptech also make lines, it's what I have.
There's also ATE Blue

Not saying they're better, just giving other options.

[AidenL]

Thanks guys

Tim, I might give that fella a call next week then - in fact, I might try the hoses and fluid first, see how that goes......

[brady]

i had that mintex fluid in mine with braided hoses and it was very good, i enquired about different fluid at the time and was told to stick to that mintex stuff

[AidenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by brady

i had that mintex fluid in mine with braided hoses and it was very good, i enquired about different fluid at the time and was told to stick to that mintex stuff

Didn't change pads or anything?

[obehave]

Aiden;
I first did a hose and fluid change a couple years ago.

Made a nice difference. Clamping force doen't change but the initial bite feels better.

[AidenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by obehave

Aiden;
I first did a hose and fluid change a couple years ago.

Made a nice difference. Clamping force doen't change but the initial bite feels better.

Good start for me then - think I'll get that on the way

[obehave]

Quote: Originally Posted by Aiden

Good start for me then - think I'll get that on the way

It's a good safe start and easy to add to in the future.
I just had slotted rotors and new pads done last weekend.
I need to dump the BMW fluid I got at my 25K and put good stuff in there. Brakes are a bit spongy but stop very well now once they bite.

[timmydamini]

Aiden,

If you're staying with standard calipers, I'd recommend changing the pads from the stock items.

Ferodo DS2500 are a good pad, no noise and can handle high temps; www.ferodo.co.uk
If you can't source locally try www.raceshopper.com

Green stuff is also supposed to be good, haven't tried them myself.

I'd still go for the works brake upgrade, if I was you. I think that the brakes on a MCS, (let alone a Works S), need to be a bit better than stock,

[REHW]

Braided hoses and 5.1 fluid made the biggest difference on my car. They make a difference when things get hot as the rubber hoses expand making the pressure from the brake peddal ineffective and hence brake fade. For general road use I don't think they are needed unless you are really giving it prolongued abuse. On a track day its a different matter and within 3 laps you will suffer brake fade so makes this upgrade essential even with the standard callipers that I run.

As for upgraded pads you only need to change the fronts. I have run Red stuff and once hot they were fantastic but a little scarey on my commute into work on cold mornings as they don't work well when cold. I currently run green stuff and don't like these anything like as much. I am going to give some mintex pads a go next time. There are quite a few of the track day boys on here that will give you all the guidance you need on this subject. One of the advantages is the lack of dust which you will like when it comes to wheel cleaning duty!

Russell - I bought my hoses off Fabio which he had bought off Lohen but never had fitted.

[AidenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by timmydamini

I'd still go for the works brake upgrade, if I was you. I think that the brakes on a MCS, (let alone a Works S), need to be a bit better than stock,

I just ordered Works brakes

Set of braided hoses from Ears, € 100.00 plus postage, and a litre of Mintex C Spec for € 26.00

Fabio, are you paying attention !

Thanks for the pointers Tim !

[dipstic&dinnerlady]

You know it makes sense,have had Works brakes on both my cooper s improves without going over the top.

[AidenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by dipstic&dinnerlady

You know it makes sense,have had Works brakes on both my cooper s improves without going over the top.

Thats what I'm after, just a bit more bite and stopping power, without the need for spacers or added maintenance.......

[Rakey]

Quote: Originally Posted by Aiden

I just ordered Works brakes

Set of braided hoses from Ears, € 100.00 plus postage, and a litre of Mintex C Spec for € 26.00

Fabio, are you paying attention !

Thanks for the pointers Tim !

Yes Fabio, and Nylo, are you both listening

[Fabio]

Any pics Adien

[AidenL]

No pics yet

I'll sort some asap - the flash of red on the calipers looks nice with Chilli Red......... :cool

[todd tce]

Hoses enhance the feel of the brake system with the reduction of hose swelling. Great for pedal feedback and responsivness. They should not really improve braking or alter distances but the improved modulation does often aide this.

Fluid is on an 'as needed' basis. Changing fluid will not improve your braking. It wil however extend the operating temperature range if that is required. "If you do not boil what you have now, you do not need higher BP fluid". Depending upon the use of the vehicle you may find a good DOT4 is all you need spend your money on. Unless you expect a lot of hard open track use where elevated temps demand a higher boiling point.

[silverC2]

I would recommend Castrol SRF. It costs a bit more £35-£40, but from memory has one of the highest wet boiling points of all the fluids ( I might be wrong but the wet boiling point is the relevant one as this is what counts when the fluid has been exposed to the elements and had time to absorb water from the atmosphere). I use it in my porsche and the pedal is rock hard, service life is max 18ths ( I have just had it changed). I have never had any issues with fade (on track), but the brakes are massive anyway. For the extra money it is comforting to know that you've got the best fluid in your braking system.

Hope this is of help.