Tires, Wheels, & Brakes Discussion about wheels, tires, and brakes for the new MINI.

Best Brake Kit [Opinion]

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  #1  
Old 12-14-2006, 08:10 AM
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Best Brake Kit [Opinion]

Hello
It wanted to upgrade my MINI braking system.
I am in doubts with the following sets: Wilwood; TAROX; John Cooper Motorsport; Stoptech.


Wilwood


TAROX


John Cooper Motorsport


Stoptech



--> Which of these kits advises?


If you have photographs of your MINI with Big Brake Kit, put here. I am thankful.

Best Regards
 
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Old 12-14-2006, 08:20 AM
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I say you should call Todd at TCE. I would recommend his Wilwood setup as a first choice.
 
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Old 12-14-2006, 11:06 AM
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Please note that Wilwood kit is not this kit:
http://www.tceperformanceproducts.co...s/100_2555.JPG
http://gandini.unm.edu/PublicShare/X2SandiaMINI.jpg

Your pic references the smaller Factory Wilwood kit. Not the larger 13" TCE produced version. If wheel fit (15 or 16" wheels) is your issue then you'll also need to scratch the Stoptech kit from the proposed list.

That JCW pacakge hasn't popped up much before...I'd put in on par with the smaller Wilwoods in a number of ways. How much and from where? Gots to know what the competition is up too! *Look like they might be some AP or Racing Brake custom builds.
 

Last edited by toddtce; 12-14-2006 at 11:16 AM.
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Old 12-15-2006, 02:46 AM
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Hello
Thanks for the answers.
My wheels are 17x7.5 ET45, then which the best kit for my wheel measures? No feedback about TAROX?

More opinions please, help me choose the best Brake Kit System.

My Wheel:



toddtce: do you delivered to Portugal?


Best Regards
 
  #5  
Old 12-15-2006, 04:38 AM
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This is off-topic, but may I just say that those wheels are really great. Nice choice, great finish. Who makes them, and where did you buy them?

Thanks.

P.S. Good luck with your big brake search. Did you also consider the Brembo kits out there? There's a nice kit from Detroit Tuned, (www.detroittuned.com).
 
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Old 12-15-2006, 04:40 AM
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Yes I can ship out of country however it is very costly. A 13" front kit will cost close to $300 in shipping fees. You may find it more cost effective to purchase in country or at least in Europe to keep this cost down.

Also please understand that there really is no "best brake kit". There are many options (many others beyond the few listed above) and each kit has its advantages and disadvantages. For some smaller calipers are more important, others want the biggest rotor, some want only 'floating' rotors while others are more interested in pad options, or weight or replacement part cost.....

There are too many variables to be labeled "the best".
 
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Old 12-15-2006, 07:19 AM
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What about the Brembos like Dinan sells?
 
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Old 12-15-2006, 08:12 AM
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Hello
jonneioh: Thanks I buy from UK, KEI Performance. You can see more photos of my car with the wheels here:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=84832

toddtce: You right, I agree with you there is many option, I want one kit that gives: Less weight, More brake power and Good look. With these characteristics what you advise?

chows4us: I read the Brembos are not so good compared with Wilwood or TAROX for example... but it is more one option.

I wait for more opinions...

Thanks for helping me and reply to my Post.

Best Regards
 
  #9  
Old 12-15-2006, 08:25 AM
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More OT - wouldn't it be awesome if the vendors that frequent the other boards (coughperformancedrivetraincough) had this attitude, too? It's the truth, it's hard to admit, and I think it earns respect and customers.

mb

Originally Posted by toddtce

Also please understand that there really is no "best brake kit". There are many options (many others beyond the few listed above) and each kit has its advantages and disadvantages. For some smaller calipers are more important, others want the biggest rotor, some want only 'floating' rotors while others are more interested in pad options, or weight or replacement part cost.....

There are too many variables to be labeled "the best".
 
  #10  
Old 12-16-2006, 02:44 PM
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I just got the Detroit Tuned kit. It gets installed next week, so I can't yet talk about performance, but it sure looks fantastic. Great price too.
 
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Old 12-16-2006, 02:57 PM
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the willwoods are fantastic!

The beauty is Todd can custom build a set up for you! The others come in a box and will either be over kill (too much weight, too much money, not as good as customer service) or they could be not up to YOUR task (waste of money, fad, ill suited pads, ill suited rotor size, ill suited caliper size= horrible pedal feel)

he is great at setting you up with what you need and nothing you don't. He has the options to make it perform to your expectations as well as make it BLING if you want!
 
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Old 12-18-2006, 01:39 AM
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Hello
mbcoops: I agree

Yucca Patrol: If be able to, puts some photographs of the Detroit Tuned kit installed in your MINI.

isellem: Thanks for reply, photos of Wilwood kit... Please...

More opinions

Best Regards
 
  #13  
Old 12-18-2006, 08:08 AM
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I ordered and received the Wilwood kit 11.75 from TCE.
Haven't got the time to fit it yet.
But it was the only kit that fit behind my 16' Enkei RPF1.

Todd has given me good advice and top notch service!!
 
  #14  
Old 12-18-2006, 08:36 AM
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Originally Posted by MCSJCW
..., photos of Wilwood kit... Please...
Best Regards
Here's the Plus 4 TCE Wilwood kit: 13.1" fronts with FSL calipers and rears to match, stock calipers. Slotted and plated, but not drilled. Comes with SS lines, and Al hats. Install was 1 day at home.
 
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Old 12-18-2006, 02:15 PM
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i had one of tce/todd's 13.1" bbk's on my old srt4, worked very well...did you do anything about the 'clicking' of the brake pads once they wear a little?

or should we expect that to show up every time the brake pedal is pressed...?



 
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Old 12-18-2006, 02:17 PM
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dr.phil, off topic, are those 45mm offset 17"x7.5 K1's on there?
where and how much?
no spacers needed to clear the tce brakes?
 
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Old 12-18-2006, 02:22 PM
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The "clicking" often heard is a result of the pads moving in the caliper. Being of a race bread design they don't offer a huge amount of anti-rattle support. Benefit it quicker and smoother clamping and release, down side is a bit of noise. Stop hard, release pedal, pads fall back on deck. Just that quickly.

The caliper body (both FSL and DP) has a stainless steel spring plate on top of and under the pad. They are bent in an arc and are intended to dampen movement. What works to soften this more is to place a dab of silicone under the arc and let it set up before you put the pads in place. This serves as a better dampener on the spring portion.
 
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Old 12-18-2006, 05:30 PM
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Originally Posted by robino
dr.phil, off topic, are those 45mm offset 17"x7.5 K1's on there? where and how much? no spacers needed to clear the tce brakes?
Yep, Kosei K1s as you state. I understand they are no longer made, and I was lucky to get them new from Randy Webb last year. They are one of the few rims that doesn't require spacers. There's at least 1/8" space maybe close to 1/4" with the caliper. Never rubbed, even on track days.

I haven't experienced the clicking from the front pads. They just seem to work so well. The biggest difference when taking a stock 06 MCS for a test drive were the brakes--the TCEs are just so solid with great feel.

cheers,
 
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Old 12-18-2006, 05:38 PM
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MCSJCW


All the pictured braking kits look wonderful to me. However, I'm going to make a suggestion backed by many years of low budget racing expereince(which is also the route I am embarking on). Rather than blow big dough right off the bat, consider replacing the brake lines wtih stainless steel braided ones and trying different pad compounds. I raced with many people that would buy the most expensive stuff right off whether they really needed it or not. My racing partner, also from Europe, tried to keep things affordable. This often meant looking for other solutions - often based on old timer's practices. We did pretty well, had a lot of fun, and didn't spend as much money as everybody else.
 
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Old 12-18-2006, 05:44 PM
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What about this one...

GTT/PORSCHE FRONT BRAKE CONVERSION
 
  #21  
Old 12-19-2006, 07:43 AM
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I have those black Stoptech's. Newly installed. Haven't driven on it yet and I WOULD post a pic but I'm too embarrased to post cause the rims are too dirty.
 
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Old 12-22-2006, 01:45 AM
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Hello
Thanks for the reply´s, very nice photos

The best choice goes for the Wilwood or the Stoptech. With advantage for the Wilwood system, having in accordance yours commentaries.

- Then in your opinion, which optimum setup For: braking Power and less weight?

Note: 17x7.5 ET45, is necessary make some modification to place these kits?

Best Regards
 
  #23  
Old 12-22-2006, 02:45 AM
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Originally Posted by MCSJCW
Hello
Thanks for the reply´s, very nice photos

The best choice goes for the Wilwood or the Stoptech. With advantage for the Wilwood system, having in accordance yours commentaries.

- Then in your opinion, which optimum setup For: braking Power and less weight?

Note: 17x7.5 ET45, is necessary make some modification to place these kits?

Best Regards
TCE 13 x .81
As far as fitting behind the wheel, it all depends on the wheel. Seems like most in the size you mention fit, but there is nothing wrong with adding a 5mm spacer to the front wheels of a Mini. In fact it should be considered by most.


 
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Old 12-22-2006, 05:41 AM
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You just put that pic up so I'd take it didn't you.

I'm such a sap.
 
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Old 12-22-2006, 05:57 AM
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well for one thing, you'll save what...$500-$600 on the TCE wilwoods over the Stoptech.
 


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