Wondering what everyone thinks about the R56 MCS brakes, aka the JCW brakes. I think they're good, is it worth it to upgrade to some brembo or wilwood or stoptech?? How much better are those kits than stock?

 

What do you plan on doing with your car, that is going to dictate what if any mods are needed in the braking department?

Jason

 

Yes, there is a very important braking mod required for the R56. It involves cutting a hole in the floor approximately 1ft x 1.5ft so that drivers can extend their legs to contact the roadway with the soles of their feet. This is not modern technology, but has been proven effective by Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble.

(So sorry if no one finds this humorous. I'm sick and don't feel well)
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c3...orini/fred.jpg

 

I agree. In general, no...it was more necessary on the R53, but the JCW upgrade for the MCS makes upgrades less needed for the overall balance of the car.

 

I have the JCW kit on my R53 and also have driven Mach V's R56 while I'm doing some work on it. I have to say...brake feel is quite different. The R56 brakes are touchy.....more on/off and harder to modulate. Perhaps it's the rumored stainless lines vs. my stock rubber ones?

 

I've test driven the R 56 MCS and done a few runs with it at autocross and I agree the brakes are more touchy. You just have to get used to them and adjust. No real need to swap anything yet. Later as pads become available that would be the first step and for those that need to brake again and again then upgraded brake fluid makes sense.

For street use, no need to upgrade the R56 MCS brakes. Besides, larger brakes usually means less wheel clearance and potential problems.

For R56 MC, you can upgrade pads and brake fluid as needed for your intended use. Not many optional pads available yet.

 

So now that we have some time with our MINI's what is the preffered replacement brake pad for AutoX/Street?