1st Gen R53 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Front brakes

Your other option is to go for a big brake kit. Then it won't matter what brake pads you have on the front, the additional torque will stop better than OEM. Also, I happen to be selling a front BBK in great condition with newly rebuilt calipers, street pads, track pads, and stainless steel lines.

http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/1st-generation-parts-sale/14329-big-brake-kit-sale.html

 

I'll assume you're at a beginning group level on the track, or else you would already be aware street pads aren't appropriate. Of the aftermarket pads mentioned, Stop Tech Street Performance pads can handle the transition from street to blue group skill level with an instructor, but once you're at solo skill level, a dedicated track pad is what you'll want.

I have a couple other street favorites in R53 caliper fitments, but what you said here "maintain a reasonable budget" doesn't apply, and neither does low dusting. More bite (when hot) and less fade, can't be had with less dust. If you need a hard brake (not talking about air in the system), you will want a hard brake very badly, and you won't give a hoot about dust.

 

Yes they will fit. But you have to use half-height stick on weights.
A good tire shop will know how to do that for you.

Hope this helps...

 

R84 wheels over R56 calipers and R56 sized rotors:






This conversion blows your "maintain a reasonable budget". Try aggressive pads, plain new rotors, fresh fluid, and proper bed-in first. Tony Nuzzo raced door-to-door on R53 calipers and rotors with some success.

 

I've recently replaced all my rotors and pads. I went with the slotted and dimpled rotors from Brake Performance.com They come with a lifetime warranty against warping. I went with the cermik pads from EBC. I bought the red stuff ones. Claims lowest dust with great stopping ability for street use. Red stuff claims about 1,000 miles for best break-in time. My first 1,000 miles, IMO, brake dust was not as miminal as they say. However, now that I'm barely over 1,000 miles on 'em, it does seem to be getting better. I don't have any squeal either. We'll see how it goes. Good luck!!

 

EBC puts a coating on their pads to help them bed into the rotors. I think that may be the source of that early dusting until they have bedded in completely.

 

Seriously.....check out the Cool Carbon pads.

 

^ Do you get paid commission? :smilewinkgrin:

 

:biggrin5:

If I did it hasn't paid off......I am just really ,really impressed with them so far. Best pad I have ever had.