So it's time for me to change out the brakes on my 2005 R53. The rotors are warped and vibrate on braking (kind of scary when driving aggressively). Rather then get them resurfaced I'd like to upgrade to some drilled and slotted options.

I found these two sets on Amazon that seem to have good reviews and are a good price:


and


Does anyone on NAM have any experience with either of these kits? I'd like the drilled and slotted to help keep the heat out of the brake fluid. My main use of the car is commuting on the highway about 70 miles a week and the occasional weekend mountain rides

I will not be auto crossing or tracking this car in the immediate future, so I'm not worried about track performance.

Thanks in advance!

 

Slotted and drilled rotor REDUCE thermal capacity so will do the opposite of what you are looking for, more metal = more thermal capacity. The purpose of that stuff is to allow gas to escape on old style pads that off-gas when hot. they can also be of some benefit when wet.
The downside is increased risk of cracking when very hot, like after a mountain run. The holes are a good place for cracks to start. They can also fill up with crud if you are on a muddy or gravel road.
If performance is your goal buy quality solid rotors and some good pads. I suggest Hawk.
You can also upgrade to R56S calipers and rotors in front, same as R53 JCW brakes. Brake ducts may also get you what you seek.

Also change your fluid often, like every 6 months for best performance, but annually is pretty good. High $ fluids are great, but you will get most of the benefit from frequent changes good less $ fluid.

 

Do not go cheap on something that can kill you if it fails. Get some decent solid rotors and a brand name pads.

The above post is right on.....

 

Way Motor Works has been in the MINI business for 15 years and is well respected

he's put some packages together and I've found his recommendations reliable

he's got one with simple solid rotors and EBC red pads which is what I ran on my 07 for quite a while

http://waymotorworks.com/02-06-coope...es/brake-kits/

drilled and slots are bling for your driving . . .

if you really want more brake force you can put the fronts from a GEN2 on a GEN1 ... they are a bit larger ..... it is what the GEN1 JCW had .... (can't just slap rotor and pad ... must change the caliper and its hanger.)

 

Hmm thank you for the input everyone! This gives me quite a bit to think about. I understand about wanting to go with OE quality but for the price it almost seems worth trying for a little while and reporting back! If they end up being any good it may be an option worth pursuing... Or I may just end up going with OE style replacements (will be a bit more expensive but not terrible).

 

Like he said we have great and reliable options that we actually use in our shop.

But another option to consider that would actually be an upgrade it grabbing some used R56 S front calipers and then just new pads and rotors with them so you can do the front brake upgrade. Bang for the buck this is an awesome setup and very affordable. We make custom brake lines to make it all bolt directly on too.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/stainl...rsion-kit.html

or kit
https://www.waymotorworks.com/front-...rsion-kit.html

 

Hey can you guys make your website available overseas? I’m in NZ and I can’t see or purchase your products. I have a shipping relay point in the USA.

 

Thanks for the input everyone! I've still got some time before I make a decision so it's nice to know all my options. I probably won't do the R56 upgrade since my daily commuting with occasional mountain drives hasn't seen any brake fade or lack of power.

Once I have another car to daily drive and the R53 becomes a purely weekend/autocross car I'll see about possible upgrades, but that's still many years out.

Regardless, I'll keep the thread updated with my decision.

 

Do those brakes require 17" wheels, or can they work with 16s? I have the 16x7 Rota RBs, so was curious as I have no plans to switch wheels.

 

If those wheels will fit a stock R56 Cooper S then they will fit, if not then you're stuck with the brakes you have. It all depends on the spoke design as some 16s will work and some won't as it will just depend on the shape of the spokes and how thick they are.

Sorry we don't do any international orders or shipping so it wouldn't do you any good. And we will not ship to a freight forwarder.

 

I installed drilled/slotted rotors and ceramic pads on my R53 and love them. I also have them on my Jaguar. Bonus: the ceramic pads reduce a lot of brake dust and keep your wheels cleaner. Unless you're doing track duty you don't need high-dollar race brakes. Don't let anyone talk you into parts you don't need.

 

Got one of WMW's R56 conversion kit, refurbished calipers and ceramic pads. I am super happy with the results. It ended up costing me around $600. Highly recommend this upgrade if you're already replacing pads and rotors.

 

Do you remember or have a link to the kit that you bought for your car?

Thanks!

 

After doing some searching on Mach V Motorsports' website, as well as checking out the Rota RB Wheel Gallery thread on here, it would appear that the 16x7 size WILL fit all Minis up to 2013 except the 2008 or newer JCW, and Countryman, and Paceman cars as well. I suspect new brakes are in my future at this rate.

 

Here is the kit that you just add your R56 calipers to
https://www.waymotorworks.com/front-...rsion-kit.html

 

I'm sure it's been mentioned.......but keeping fresh brake fluid in the system is very important. Most people never chance it out, and since it absorbs moisture over time.......if you get the brakes hot, you can boil the water in the fluid and cause bubble to form. Air in the brake system is a no go.

Flush the old fluid out every year....easy to do, and keeps things working properly.

In regards to "aggressive" track type brake pads.....make sure you use something that has a strong bite when cold. Several years ago I tried some aftermarket pads on my MINI (can't remember the exact brand)....and they worked awesome when nice and hot, but if I was driving around and everything was cold, and I had to get on the brakes hard......they were horrible until a few seconds went by and they started to heat up and grab. If you had an "oh crap" moment, you might not have very good brakes for a second or two...definitely not something you want for a street drive car.

For rotors.....I've also tried the drilled an slotted rotors. Like others have said, they are great for a track car that gets the rotors glowing red hot and you need some extra cool and space for when the pads "degas".....but for a street car, that's just less rotor area that touches the pad when you stomp on the brakes. And also like others have said, the set I ran developed lots of cracks between the holes. I went back to a standard OEM type rotor and was much happier.

The next time I have to do the brakes on my MINI, I'm going to order that R56 upgrade kit from Way Motor Works.


...just some things to think about.