Are Big Brake Kits Worth It?

Have you ever wondered if buying a big brake kit is worth your money? Well, in this blog, we will be testing stock brakes versus a power brake big brake kit to determine if the upgrade is worth the investment. We will be conducting multiple tests to measure the stopping distance and performance of each brake system. The results will help you decide if upgrading to a big brake kit is the right choice for your vehicle.

Testing Methodology

We will be testing the brakes from 80 km/h down to a complete stop. The tests will be conducted three times to ensure accurate results. Each test will consist of stopping at the same cone in the same spot. We will measure the stopping distance using a measuring tape, and the average of the three tests will be recorded.

Results of Stock Brakes

After conducting the tests with the stock brakes, we found that the stopping distance varied. The first test resulted in a stopping distance of 98 ft, while the second test yielded a distance of 87 ft 5 in. The third test showed the worst result at 99 ft 8 in. These varying distances highlight the importance of braking technique, with harder braking resulting in longer stopping distances due to the ABS kicking in.

Benefits of Big Brake Kits

Now, let's take a closer look at the big brake kit and its features. The first noticeable difference is the size of the rotors. The stock rotor is significantly smaller compared to the big brake kit rotor. This size difference allows for better heat dissipation, as the upgraded rotors are designed with directional fins that pull more air out of them.

Another advantage of the big brake kit is the use of slotted rotors. Slotted rotors provide a fresh surface for braking, as a small layer of pad is continuously removed during braking. This ensures optimal braking performance at all times.

Additionally, the big brake kit comes with upgraded calipers. The aluminum six-piston calipers are lighter and dissipate heat more efficiently. They are designed to work in conjunction with the master cylinder of the vehicle, providing a modular brake pedal feel. The smaller pistons exert higher pressure due to their smaller surface area, resulting in a more precise and responsive braking experience.

The calipers also feature built-in temperature gauges, allowing you to monitor the heat of your brakes. This is particularly useful for enthusiasts who push their vehicles to the limit and need to ensure their brakes are operating within safe temperature ranges.

Testing the Big Brake Kit

After installing the big brake kit and completing the recommended break-in period, we conducted a series of tests to measure its performance. Despite the rainy conditions and colder road temperatures, the big brake kit delivered impressive results.

When using full pedal-to-the-metal braking, the big brake kit achieved a stopping distance of 85 ft, which was comparable to the best result achieved with the stock brakes. However, the real difference was observed when employing threshold braking techniques. With threshold braking, the stopping distance improved to 76-78 ft, a significant improvement over the stock brakes.

It is important to note that the primary advantage of big brake kits is their ability to manage heat more effectively. This is particularly beneficial during prolonged braking, such as descending steep hills. Big brake kits prevent brake fade and maintain optimal braking performance even under demanding conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the results of our tests indicate that investing in a big brake kit can greatly enhance the braking performance of your vehicle. While the initial cost may be significant, the improved modulation, shorter stopping distances, and superior heat management make it a worthwhile investment for those who value optimal braking performance.

However, it is important to consider your specific driving needs and vehicle modifications before deciding to upgrade to a big brake kit. If you frequently carry heavy loads or engage in spirited driving, the benefits of a big brake kit may outweigh the initial cost.

We hope this blog has provided valuable insights into the performance and benefits of big brake kits. If you have any further questions or would like to see us test other automotive upgrades, please leave a comment below. Thank you for reading!