[Jifster]

Hi ppl.

Me again.

- Recently had the Tar Ox 6 pot Brake conversion fitted (with 310mm Discs) to try to help anchor my 220GTT Cooper S. Here's my honest opinion (as always).

Ok. Where to start? I've been running a 220GTT for the last 13 months (with no problems at all, cheers Roland). As stated in my original GTT review, ( http://www.mini2.com/forum/engine-dr...ng-review.html ) my only concerns with such a power-hike, were the brake's complete inability to stop safely from speed, and the ludicrous amount of fade when asked to 'wooooah' on a frequent basis.

And so it was decided to finally go for a brake upgrade, before I ended up delicately removing a tree/hedge/cow (or worse) from my front end. As I'm currently running the standard S-lights (yes, yes, I know, I should get a lighter wheel), I was limited as to what I went for. After much phoning around the UK suppliers, It was decided to go for the 6 pot TarOx conversion (with 310mm discs, braided hoses, new fluid, 15mm wheel spacers, etc) to be fitted by M.E.D Protek of Leicester.

I was into the original 'classic' Mini tuning scene, and was therefore WELL AWARE of M.E.D's reputation as nigh legendary A-Series tuners, so was more than happy with them carrying out the work.

They completed the job all in good time, and as professionally as expected, leaving me to bed in the new set-up........ very gently.

I've now put on about 1000 miles since the upgrade, and here are my findings........

- Initial bite is not quite what I was expecting, it's very progressive, so a light foot means no brakes! Stand on them, however, and they feel like they're about to dislodge your suspension mountings. On querying the amount of dead-pedal, i've been assured that this is due to the extra pedal pressure the 6 pistons now need.
- Out-right stopping power is GREATLY increased, with the brakes able to pull up from high speed with minimum of fuss. Unfortunately, it seems to scare the merries out of both passengers and 'tail-gaters' alike
- Fade is virtually non-existant. In fact, almost the opposite, as the brakes seem to grip more the warmer they get (I'm sure a hard track session would eventually create fade, as it would with ANY brake set up, but for short cross-country sprints, or day to day driving, fade is pretty much eliminated).
- Most importantly (not), there is noticably less brake dust on my alloys, so that means LESS cleaning. \o/

Overall, if you are running a standard Cooper S, and you aren't trying to break records for cross-country sprints or lap times, you will probably not see too much benefit per cost involved, (although both times are significantly improved if you can brake later), but if you are running (or considering) a high performance mod, i'd pretty much say this upgrade is essential (for both improving safety AND maximising the extra power) and therefore easily justifies the cost.

Would I recommend M.E.D? Absolutely. Their reputation, integrity, and attention to detail are unquestionable.

Here endeth my report......................

[MINIMANIAUK]

There is another benefit to having a big brake kit which you havent come across yet due to having only done 1000 miles and that is the longevity of the discs/pads I have been running the stoptech kit for 17000 miles and the discs are as new ,the pads still have about 1 cm of friction material left ,so over time you will save some money on the normal disc/pad relacement cycle

[Neil the Hat]

Any chance of some pics of the fitted kit?

I had a BBK fitted in February (not Tarox) and was also initially concerned about the amount of brake predal travel... now the weather has hotted up and they are running that much hotter the overall performance has been greatly improved and they now feel as I was expecting.

Therefore I think I will swap to colder pads towards the winter as it didn't look like the required heat was getting into them on the road.

Just a thought if you are running a track day type pad.

[Jifster]

Quote: Originally Posted by Neil the Hat

Any chance of some pics of the fitted kit?

I had a BBK fitted in February (not Tarox) and was also initially concerned about the amount of brake predal travel... now the weather has hotted up and they are running that much hotter the overall performance has been greatly improved and they now feel as I was expecting.

Therefore I think I will swap to colder pads towards the winter as it didn't look like the required heat was getting into them on the road.

Just a thought if you are running a track day type pad.

No probs! Pics will be up in next few days...........

[MiniBimmer]

Hello
Great Review, Congratulations for your new brake system. When be able to put some pics

Best Regards