I've been tracking my 2005 R53 with stock calipers, Centric High Carbon rotors, and StopTech Street Performance pads and I feel it is time to go to the next step and get bigger brakes.

Wilwoods have been recommended for their fit and they retain the use of the parking brake. True?

For track use, Wilwood recommends slotted (not drilled) rotors, so unless someone recommends otherwise, I'll go with these.

I have 17" R98 wheels. I don't plan on running anything smaller. I have KW V2 coilovers and 10mm spacers on the front wheels.

Wilwood front brakes are available in 4 piston 11.75" and 12.19" sizes, and 6 piston 12.88". Is there any reason not to go with the largest size?

Any installation issues? Will I need spacers on the rear? Anything not included in the kits that I'll need (I plan to get the complete kits with brake lines, plus the parking brake kit)?

Do the pads support the pad wear sensor? If not, how do you terminate the sensors?

Any other comments or recommendations welcomed.

Thanks,

Deven

 

Here is an eBay vendor I'm considering buying from. They've been very responsive to my questions and have excellent feedback. Link is to slotted and drilled rotors, but I will get just slotted:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/WILWOOD-DISC-BRAKE-KIT-MINI-COOPER-13-11-75-DRILLED-ROTORS-RED-CALIPERS-/290960939075?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ACooper&hash=item43be9f9843&vxp=mtr

 

not sure the 12.88 assembly would fit on a r98 with a 10mm spacer, although this would be the best brake setup for tracking since you have all that much more rotor and caliper to heat up. stay away from drilled since excessive heat can make them crack. technically plain face rotors are the best.

 

Give Todd at TCE brakes a call. He can answer all those questions and is a Wilwood dealer. I would not get the rear calipers unless you just need to have them match for visual reasons. Todd sells a rear disc kit that allows you to run matching larger 2 piece rear discs on the stock rear caliper.

 

Did speak to Todd at TCE. Extremely helpful. He suggest the Plus 3a kit for the fronts and the Plus 1 for the rears. This page has a complete description:

http://www.tceperformanceproducts.co...01-06/kits-16/

 

Offered as early as 2003 the TCE 13" FSL kit is still the most versatile, full size brake kit for the MINI yet today. And it's even less expense....and somewhat 'better' than it was over ten years ago!

Today's kit uses the (new) FSLi - an internal cross over caliper. No external cross tubes now. Also these calipers are fit with the deep cup forged pistons; replacing the stamped ss ones from long ago. From the TCE side the new, larger aluminum hat offers 12 bolt attachment as well as venting properties not seen on the 8 bolt parts. Mount brackets now have pressed in threaded inserts; no more tight fit fingers to tighten things and the TCE hoses have the proper fit BMW custom made hose ends.

Lastly the TCE 13 kit is the only modular kit to offer standard .810 width castings but also a direct fit .920 heavy duty casting for hard track use. All without effecting the spoke clearance.

Sales pitch? Sure, why not?! It was proven then to be a helluva a value and is even more so today!

I know there are many options and some might be better on certain levels but for the value and function when using 17" wheels...this one's still the benchmark.