My brakes need replacing and I try and follow a rule of upgrading things as they need replacing. So I’m looking at doing the brakes.
I don’t particularly need bigger brakes. However, I would like some nice looking drilled and grooved black discs, some fast road pads, braided hoses and red calipers. Definitely red calipers!
I’m hoping to do all 4 corners with as little hassle as possible. I drive the car regularly, so ideally don’t want it off the road for too long. I’ve been considering buying some reconditioned calipers from mx5parts and sending them to BCS to be painted, or maybe just painting them myself, then buying in the other parts and taking it to my local dealer to have it all fitted. Just looking for some forum wisdom I guess, from those who have done something like this before. Any recommendations on parts or any gotchas to look out for?
That sounds like a good bet which won’t particularly empty your pockets either. I like the red concept. As for pads, Roddisons do pads for track/road and Mintex 1144’s are also an option. Pad prices are around a oner for the fronts and a little less for the rears.
Piccy when its done though !!
Hi
I have to question the need for drilled and grooved front disks, is this for track use of purely aesthetics?
I have tried these on a MK2 and to be honest the feel and noise has put me off for life.
Many have stated before that the standard vented disks are more than adequate for normal use and many “fast road” pads need plenty of heat to give a better “bite”.
If your car is a daily beware of these updates as they can actually reduce your braking efficiency when cold.
As always your choice, but brakes are not to be messed with lightly.
I have to agree with above standard discs and pads, the Mazda genuine fit are pretty decent kit.
Properly serviced brakes do a decent job at stopping the car. Consider also a brake fluid flush too can work wonders.
Red calipers, now you’re talking. DIY job, not me entirely I’ve touched them up but these were done on my car when purchased, refreshing next year.
Emptied my basket and just ordered new calipers and stainless hoses and caliper paint. I’ll use stock discs and pads and ask the garage to flush the fluid through.
Thanks for the wise words, probably just saved me a fortune!
A couple of years ago, I replaced the original discs (which were badly rusted, especially the rears) and pads, with some Brembo units from ECP during one of their discount weekends. Got the lot for about the £150. Painted the calipers at the same time. Very pleased with them.
I went with Mtec discs, Ferodo pads and kept the callipers silver. The brake lines are HEL braided ones. The callipers and hangers were all smoothed down to remove the mould lines before painting and lacquering. I’ve never wasted money on calliper paint ever, just good prep and high temp paint/lacquer and never had a problem.
