I already have a decent set of slotted/drilled rotors. Why doesn't someone make multi-pistoned calipers for the front 275mm rotors? Some of us don't want the extra weight/expense of a complete BBK

 

Not all BBK's are heavier than stock

 

He already got an earful from me on that :smile: . WW's race kit will save a bunch of weight, 11 pounds! But, we haven't answered his question though...

 

To the point, I want to save money, if that's possible

 

The shedding of wieght in adding the TCE/Wilwood BBK is one of the main reasons I went with them. They are lighter then stock for sure.


You can see'em on my link below.

 

MSFITOY,


Check out these units (http://www.minisport.com/new-mini-sh...s-product.html), not the cheapest, but they are 4-POT and do fit in the stock location. They are the same size as stock and they come in anodized colors. Not sure if the cost is for all 4 or just 1. I would guess all 4 at that price.

Why don't BBK kits come with any sort of matching rear calipers? I don't get it. When the BBK kits come on production vehicles (i.e EVO VIII, G35, SLK35...) they always come with a matching set of rear brake calipers. It makes the car look more balanced. It looks really funny having a massive rotor in the front with these shiny bright calipers, and then to see the really flimsy stock rotor in the rear with the tiny stock caliper. For the kind of money that is spent, it would be nice to at least have a half decent look to the whole setup. I know everyone is about the performance, but I don't see people punching big wholes in their hoods for intake scoops. While performance is good, it would be cool to also have the look to go with it.

 

Perfect timing for this thread. I was just about to ask if anyone had used the mini sport calipers. The reason i want them is in case i go to 15 inch summer wheels....and my winters wheels are 15 inches as well so a BBK would cause conflicts

has anyone used them or have any opinion on them

 

Wow...the price...$1090 + shipping I was hoping someone would come up with something more cost effective. That's nearly the price for a true BBK. Ok...I'll settle for a $700 pair of two piston CNC 275mm calipers that looks slightly better than a red baked potato. Anyone? Yes...I would prefer it in red. My brakes were red in 1986 and they will be red forever regardless how many people has them now

Thanks for info anyway dgszweda1

 

"Why don't BBK kits come with any sort of matching rear calipers?"

A couple of reasons;
First most BBKs address the needs of the front brakes as this is where your money is best spent. Second, the added cost of a rear drives up the kit price- nobody would 'include' them, they'd sell you a front and a rear. Lastly, the issue of the parking brake caliper on the MINI very much limits what can be done. If you wish to remove the parking brake that opens up opportunity for you. Few sales of such kits however make this a One Off build for sure.

 

my vote is the park brake...too expensive to engineer something to replace it.

on another note: MSFITOY, what are you looking to gain from the new calipers?

 

Come on, how much does it cost to throw in even a cheap set of two piston calipers with the same color as the front and the same design. I don't think it is that much more, especially when a lot of these kits are in the $2000 range.

 

Possibly better modulation with more pistons and better looks? Like I said...anything is better than the single piston, potato shaped thingy BMW calls a caliper Some of the better qualities of a true BBK only less extreme and less cost. I have decent cross drilled/slotted rotors...don't want throw that investment away...and they're hardly small by industry standards at 275mm.

 

You must not be reading what I posted. It's not a cost related issue. It's an engineering and sales issue. Very, very few folks will opt for a rear kit without a parking brake. The calipers can be had for very little as you say. Shop many of the aftermarket suppliers and you'll find some for as little as $75ea. Ebay even.

If you want a twin pot that is actually sized about right and not too much piston area look for a set for the Mits 300GT from Autozone. Quite inexpensive and with 1.5" pistons they are pretty much what you have now or close in size.

 

the park brake is the issue here, it is integrated into the rear caliper, engineering a drum-in-disk and all the necessary hardware is quite expensive, and I don't know that I've ever heard of an integrated, opposed piston caliper...interesting concept, would be very difficult to modulate the outboard piston, though. and even engineering a larger integral PB caliper would be expensive, and probably close to impossible for a small shop.

well, they are smaller than stock by 2 whole mm.
I really haven't looked into the brakes, I tried to get our benchmark team to benchmark them, but they just weren't that special.
I am surprised that they aren't a 2pot caliper on the fronts, but then 2pots do have their own issues.
as far as color goes, you can buy epoxy paints for calipers, I think they run $35-ish for enough to paint 4.
I don't have a solution, but I could certainly spend a lot of time discussing these things, and throwing out options...the ones on the top of my head are rather expensive.

 

Sorry you just stated a few times about the added cost in your post. Why can't aftermarket calipers be made with a parking brake capabilities.

I thought it would be cool. The current setups really look aftermarket and not so integrated (which is probably why they are called aftermarket in the first place). I just pulled up next to one of the new SLK35's the other day and it looked cool seeing the rear and front brakes matching in red color (and they weren't aftermarket). It makes it look more higher end.

 

Now that we are all on the same page for the complexity issue, yes there is a set of opposed piston parking brake calipers being worked on at this time. When they are out I'm sure they will migrate into this platform as well as a number of others.

Cost on the other hand will still be or then become an issue again I suspect.

You want a twin pot, opposed parking brake caliper now? Try an early 70 VW Karman Ghia. Been years but I think my 'vert had this. Worm screw adjusting for the brake, but twin pot. Maybe Type III as well. Man. Memory lane...At that, not alum, too much piston area by todays standards and limited to a .375 disc. But you asked.

 

Does anyone have a part number for the stock MINI front calipers? Are they the same as an older 3-series or 5-series?

Many of the Euros had a sister car that had twin-piston or four-piston calipers.

Example A3 Golf had the Audi 5000 (twin) which had the Audi RS2/4 (four piston). They all bolted on. Hmmm, wonder if they fit the MINI too?