Hello,


I’m looking for help deciding on a break upgrade for my 2004 MCS. This is my daily driver and does not see any track time, however, I do drive it fairly hard. I've been eyeing the JCW big breaks sold by out motoring for $800. The look of these on the cooper is great and reading the forum postings it seems they are a fairly decent upgrade. Also read a couple postings stating that I could get these cheaper at a mini dealership.

What seems like a better deal is a brake upgrade kit that has 2 sets of rotors, pads, ss lines and fluid for $600. The kit in particular I was looking at contained EBC sport rotors and EBC greenstuff pads.

Thoughts on the 2 options? What about other options? Don’t have a problem spending money on a good braking system. What I do have a problem with is spending money on a system that is not going to be utilized.

Thanks in advance for all advice.

 

Not sure if you need pads and rotors? Or just want to upgrade, if the later I would just check out some "Auto-X" type pads like the Carbotech AX6 or Hawk HPS Plus pads, much better stopping power fro pads. If you need to replace rotors and pads, then JCW kit is hard to pass up considering they come with everything minus the rear rotor for only $598.00
JCW Brakes at Morristown MINI $598.00
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=3751

Oh, I thought the EBC Green pads were more of a lateral move from stock, not and upgrade.

 

Thanks for the reply!

Would the JCW kit fit with the following wheels?

16" wheels MSW type 16
Offset: +37mm
Backspacing: 5.51"
Bolt Pattern: 4-100
Rec. Tire Size: 195/55-16

 

i have the EBC kit and love it. very little brake pad dust. just paint your calipers and have a very good looking and functional brake kit---

 

If those wheels will fit a 2007 or newer MCS the answer is yes.

Hope this helps...

 

Honestly I would just do the R56 Brake kit or the R53 JCW its the same thing.
its Low cost, in relation to other options
and with a set of stainless lines and high grip pads you really wont be able to claim you need more.
My R56 brakes will lock the wheels at pretty much any speed.
I can find the limit of traction quickly easily and safely.
its a very progressive kit.
the only thing i would reccomend on top of that
is removing your fog lights if you dont use them and putting brake ducts on them.
Jan from RMW ran his 262 hp stroker on the track like this and said he never found a limit to the brakes.
Danny of Mini Corsa also has 285 hp and still runs the R56 brakes.
Just my oppinion here

 

I agree with Colin, the R53 brakes are fine with or without JCW setup for 99% of MINI drivers.
One thing I have learned is that braking "Style" as much more to do with braking performance then the hardware installed. I like to talk with MINI owners about braking style and demand in helping them pick a set of pads.

 

I like that mine appear factory
Not yet has someone wandered over to my car and said nice brakes.
Though i do keep my aluminum calipers clean! and i have my centers painted factory gray.

 

no one's said

"Nice brakes?"

'demz da breaks

 

Nah and thats how I like it.
I may be somewhat persuaded to powdercoat them body color when i put nicer more open wheels on the car till then. Im just fine with them
OH and i havent added im still on factory R56 pad compounds
I cannot wait till i get some quality in there
Thanks to autocooperx for the lines though.
I need some rears now.

 

If you don't track car, why spend the money for a "big brake upgrade"?
Yes, they look cool, but why dump money toward a purchase you won't use or appreciate?
Stock "S" brakes are very good. Even for spirited driving and autocrossing.
Like you, I spent countless hours researching Brake Upgrades for my S/JCW after experiencing brake-fade during a HPDE-BMWCCA School. Money was not an issue. What I discovered was EBC Yellow brake pads. Recommend by a UK challenge cup racer. I followed her advice. I have 20K on the front pads-two more HPDE schools and four track days. Exceptional stopping power, absolutely no fade, no noise, easy on rotors, and typical/stock brake dust.
I replaced the front pads only. Replaced stock brake fluid with ATE Super Blue. You will be so amazed with the difference from the stock brakes-and so happy with all the money you will save. $104 for the fronts and $14 for ATE Super Blue fluid at Moss Mini.
You won't be disappointed.
Regards, Motorrr