I bought my car with 45k miles and had them replace the brakes as a stipulation of purchase and now at 75k miles and especially after a few hours of spirited driving around a mountain the other weekend, it's about time to get new ones.

Wondering what are the proven upgrade options for better performance, less brake dust, etc. To be clear, as much as a like the JCW brake kit I can't drop 2k on brakes.

 

We've had the best luck with the EBC Redstuff pads, much lower dust but still good solid feel and bite.
If they put rotors on it before you may not need them, measure them to be sure. If you do need rotors we have some great brake rotors at affordable prices.

 

I'm pretty sure they just did pads. What should I measure on the rotors/what figures am I looking for to know if it's time to replace them? I don't notice any pulling while braking when not holding the steering wheel- that should indicate they're not warped, right? I'm pretty novice at this.

If I do need to replace them do you rec. getting some slotted ones or just oem? I see on the description of some of the dimpled and slotted ones you on WMW you reference problems with drilled ones- what's the summary on that?

Thanks Way.

 

Stop Tech drilled rotors (Tire Rack) and EBC Redstuff just installed on my 2005 S. Very pleased and a step up in braking performance

 

Not to thread jack but I'm needing brakes here very soon to and am going with slotted/drilled rotors and ebc redstuff pads for the front...but I'm curious what everyone is using for the rear? I know you need a special tool for the rears. Is it safe to use advance auto parts rear brakes or are most using aftermarket pads for the rear? Thanks.

 

I used the same drilled Stop Tech rotors and EBC Redstuff on the rear. Not sure if you really need to use the same or not. They sure look good

 

Why wouldn't you just use the same brand all around- for pads at least?

 

+1 I would think you would want all of your safety equipment (ie brakes) to be fairly equal in quality on all 4 corners.

 

You can rent the brake caliper compressor tool from Advance or multiple other part stores. It's pretty easy to use. Or you can buy one from Harbor Freight for like $35

Some people run different pads front/rear to change the braking bias although this is commonly done on cars that are driven harder on the track. You could get away with cheaper pads on the mini because the rear brakes don't do much. I would personally run the same pad all around for the street.

The drilled rotors can crack where the holes have been drilled but again this is something that really only happens with really heavy track use and aggressive pads.

 

My car came with the Wilwood BBK and I gotta say this thing is beast. Upgraded Calipers in the front and slotted rotors front and rear. I don't think I have ever pushed the brakes down 100% since I've owned it since I'd probably snap my neck haha.

So I would definitely recommend them.