R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 New Brakes

Old May 25, 2012 | 07:29 PM
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New Brakes

Well last week I went to the track in my new 2004 MCS. What I found was that there was quite a lot of brake fade, and long story short I need new brakes.

Now the question is do I by some rotors and yellow stuff pads from EBC and call it done, or do I upgrade the brakes with Wilwood or the r53 JCW brakes (I really like the logo on the calipers). Are the JCW rotors on par with a good brake kit or will I just pay more for a logo?
 
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Old May 25, 2012 | 07:34 PM
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(see next post)
 

Last edited by Eddie07S; May 25, 2012 at 07:52 PM. Reason: miss-posted
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Old May 25, 2012 | 07:50 PM
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Unless you are going to become a dedicated track rat, you shouldn't need the Wilwoods. I know people who track their Gen I MCSs with the stock brakes, just like yours. But, as you found out, street pads don't work as track pads. Many people use the Yellows or the Hawk HP+. Both are about the same price. If you push beyond those, then some race pads are in your future. A lot of people like the Carbotec XP10s. There are other race pads that you can get. The plain, stock rotors are just fine. I suggest doing a search of NAM and see what others have to say on this subject. This question has been addressed a number of times.

As for the R53 JCW brakes, these are the standard brakes on a Gen II MCS, but with red paint. They are good brakes (better than the stock Gen I brakes) but not as good as a big brake kit like the Wilwoods. I have had the Wilwoods and their advantages are - they are light weight, have better cooling, have a 4 piston caliper which gives more even pad wear, are large in diameter for more brake torque and are easy to change pads on. But they cost about $900 as compared to $120 for a good set of pads for your car. Your choice.
 
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