MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Modifications & Technical Area => Performance Modifications => Topic started by: davidwizard on December 26, 2009, 11:08:17 pm

Title: hi spec brakes
Post by: davidwizard on December 26, 2009, 11:08:17 pm
hey all, i have gti mk5, I like track days (when weather is ok) and thinking about brake system upgrade. The dilema is what to choose: r32 brakes with 2 piece discs or hi spec (which i like becouse of price) what do you think about 4 pot monsters, are they trouble-free? :driver:  thanks
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: paulk on December 26, 2009, 11:54:53 pm
iv heard mixed feelings on the high spec brakes...some love them some dont....most seem to agree there better as fast road upgrades but not quite good enough for track day abuse...trouble is with most big brake upgrades alcon ap tarox etc the prices are very high ...
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: chungster on December 27, 2009, 10:54:24 am
i would stay well away from Hi Spec if I were you.....plenty of horror stories out there.

Stick to AP's / Alcon's / VWR, or have the brake god that is DaveB1970 sort out a custom set up for you.

Unfortunately the old adage of "if you want to play, you have to pay" is very true especially when it comes to proper brakes for use on track.

My R32 345mm set up will be ok for the odd track day here and day, and providing you dont hammer it too much and leave them to cool, but as Dave will say they can and will fade if abused! They're not designed for track use remember.

Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: gobbleplease on December 27, 2009, 04:27:56 pm
As said above with hispec TBH they do work well but im not sure about reliability. I done major research in to these for my M3 and decided against them, pad choice is ok but not the best
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: davidwizard on December 29, 2009, 04:11:47 pm
i would stay well away from Hi Spec if I were you.....plenty of horror stories out there.

Stick to AP's / Alcon's / VWR, or have the brake god that is DaveB1970 sort out a custom set up for you.

Unfortunately the old adage of "if you want to play, you have to pay" is very true especially when it comes to proper brakes for use on track.

My R32 345mm set up will be ok for the odd track day here and day, and providing you dont hammer it too much and leave them to cool, but as Dave will say they can and will fade if abused! They're not designed for track use remember.





thanks guys, and what you think about calipers from TT mk2 (340x30)? I know that they are almost the same as R32, but i didn't found 2-piece rotors on them :sad1: Do somebody produce them? thanks
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: davv on January 21, 2010, 06:52:14 pm
it is interesting, why do everybody use R32 calipers and doesn't use tt 3.2?
maybe tt32 calipers are the same as r32, and only discs are differ??
does anybody knows?? :smiley:
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: xxx_mojo_xxx on January 21, 2010, 07:22:01 pm
I can confirm from personal experience of the reliability and quality issues with Hi-Spec. 

Interestingly, I am still going for them - purely based on an offer they have extended due to my traumatic experiences - some of which were life threatening!!!  :driver:

Will let you know how it goes...
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: QD MBE on January 21, 2010, 07:24:12 pm
i would stay well away from Hi Spec if I were you.....plenty of horror stories out there.

Stick to AP's / Alcon's / VWR, or have the brake god that is DaveB1970 sort out a custom set up for you.

Unfortunately the old adage of "if you want to play, you have to pay" is very true especially when it comes to proper brakes for use on track.

My R32 345mm set up will be ok for the odd track day here and day, and providing you dont hammer it too much and leave them to cool, but as Dave will say they can and will fade if abused! They're not designed for track use remember.





thanks guys, and what you think about calipers from TT mk2 (340x30)? I know that they are almost the same as R32, but i didn't found 2-piece rotors on them :sad1: Do somebody produce them? thanks

x2 - Dave B is the resident brake guru.  i am running porker 996TT calipers on a 350x32mm disc, and they work.  I mean really work!  got them under a 18"x8" BBs VZ (shoe-horned is the term i think)  they are really progressive, but when needed, by god they work, allied with the S3 rear set up I have they are fantastic.  the mod was not without problems, but Dave B has an OCD for brakes, so sorted out in no time.

give dave B a PM.

 :happy2:
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: davv on January 21, 2010, 07:53:52 pm
i would stay well away from Hi Spec if I were you.....plenty of horror stories out there.

Stick to AP's / Alcon's / VWR, or have the brake god that is DaveB1970 sort out a custom set up for you.

Unfortunately the old adage of "if you want to play, you have to pay" is very true especially when it comes to proper brakes for use on track.

My R32 345mm set up will be ok for the odd track day here and day, and providing you dont hammer it too much and leave them to cool, but as Dave will say they can and will fade if abused! They're not designed for track use remember.





thanks guys, and what you think about calipers from TT mk2 (340x30)? I know that they are almost the same as R32, but i didn't found 2-piece rotors on them :sad1: Do somebody produce them? thanks

x2 - Dave B is the resident brake guru.  i am running porker 996TT calipers on a 350x32mm disc, and they work.  I mean really work!  got them under a 18"x8" BBs VZ (shoe-horned is the term i think)  they are really progressive, but when needed, by god they work, allied with the S3 rear set up I have they are fantastic.  the mod was not without problems, but Dave B has an OCD for brakes, so sorted out in no time.

give dave B a PM.

 :happy2:

i would with pleasure, but i live in Moscow... in addition for 1000 pounds i can get here custom bbk, quality of which is very good, but i don't have a lot of money to spend them (for new season i should spend 2000 pounds: tyres, forged wheels, eibach springs and maybe tt 3.2 kit,) how much do 996 turbo kit costs, and are they the same as Cayenne turbos calipers??
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: MAT ED30 on January 21, 2010, 08:05:47 pm
i dont think i would waste my money on Hi spec after seeing  what happened to the brakes MO had  :surprised: :scared:
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: davv on January 21, 2010, 08:12:26 pm
we have discuss about tt 3.2 (340x30) calipers actually :happy2:
im trying to figure out do they fit r32 brake discs (345x30)...
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: xxx_mojo_xxx on January 21, 2010, 08:13:45 pm
i dont think i would waste my money on Hi spec after seeing  what happened to the brakes MO had  :surprised: :scared:

Agree, unless you're able to get the ridiculous offer that I'm getting them at  :pomppomp:
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: MAT ED30 on January 21, 2010, 08:15:28 pm
i know mate but just keep an eye on them   :smiley:
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: xxx_mojo_xxx on January 21, 2010, 08:16:22 pm
i know mate but just keep an eye on them   :smiley:
I realise I'm going to be a guinea pig....  :jumping:
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: davv on January 21, 2010, 08:30:09 pm
i know mate but just keep an eye on them   :smiley:

you say that hi-specs are not reliable, than you say to keep an eye on them  :smiley:
or you mean that i should sidestep?
or you mean that i need 996 kit?
im confused :scared:
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: RedRobin on January 21, 2010, 08:42:58 pm
i know mate but just keep an eye on them   :smiley:
I realise I'm going to be a guinea pig....  :jumping:

....Mo, you mentioned the words trauma and life threatening. It doesn't matter how free of charge they are or even if they paid you - It's simply not worth the risk imo and we don't want to be reading tragic news about you, mate.
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: xxx_mojo_xxx on January 21, 2010, 09:01:18 pm
 :love: I'm touched Robin!
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: davv on January 21, 2010, 10:20:08 pm
:love: I'm touched Robin!

but after all you can drink your champaign :drinking:
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: Top Cat on January 21, 2010, 10:27:02 pm
:love: I'm touched Robin!

but after all you can drink your champaign :drinking:

 :chicken:    :grin:   :congrats:
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: jonnyc on January 21, 2010, 11:08:36 pm
....Mo, you mentioned the words trauma and life threatening. It doesn't matter how free of charge they are or even if they paid you - It's simply not worth the risk imo and we don't want to be reading tragic news about you, mate.

Im with you Robin.. Brakes are not something that I would try and get a bargain on thats for sure..
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: MAT ED30 on January 22, 2010, 12:37:33 am
Stick with the vwr brakes mate u know they are being tested to death before we get them and are out for pressure tests as we speak and you know a big company like vwr and caparo are not going to supply crap and down right dangerous products
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: xxx_mojo_xxx on January 22, 2010, 09:05:43 am
I'll let you know how things go...getting them fitted this afternoon.

Think of me as a "test pilot" - will let you know how it all went.  :confused:
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: RedRobin on January 22, 2010, 09:20:45 am
I'll let you know how things go...getting them fitted this afternoon.

Think of me as a "test pilot" - will let you know how it all went.  :confused:

....Well, it's entirely up to you of course, but any hint of a problem and I'd be straight into the workshop for their removal.

I'm not saying that AP Racing's brakes are the best of all out there but when they fitted mine the night before a trip to Germany I had total confidence in their product. They insisted on coming out with me for a test drive anyway.

Have you driven a GTI with brakes such as AP, Tarox, VWR, to make a comparison?

They probably aren't quite as bad as most of us are tending to think but I suggest you book a session at Bruntingthorpe where there's plenty of space!
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: MAT ED30 on January 22, 2010, 10:38:02 am
i had a good look at there brakes at autosport and they were all a little big bling  :rolleye: like they had been made just for show  :rolleye: i am sure if u have any problems u will let us know and if they are awesome u will let us know  :smiley:
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: xxx_mojo_xxx on January 22, 2010, 07:59:54 pm
Got the brakes fitted today.  First impressions are very encouraging.   :pomppomp:

The brakes have totally transformed the way I drive now.   :driver:

Despite being a lot larger calipers and discs they appear to be lighter.  I got to lift the entire kit, and then later the stock kit - the stock kit was considerably heavier despite being minuscule in comparison to the Hi-Spec kit.

I've already done over 150 miles in them.  That includes a drive from Dartford to Luton, then on to Birmingham and that was in the wet with it pouring down.

I must admit I was very nervous at first (considering my past experiences) but as I spent more time with the brakes my confidence has grown.

Stopping power is awesome...and yet they are totally usable around and about town.  They do look a bit bling but once fitted they look no more outrageous than a set of the VWR or an AP racing kits.

So, when's the next track day? Can't wait to put them through their paces - the Feroda pads just seem to add to the magic!!!  :happy2:

If all is well this should complement my next mods.  The THS intercooler has arrived and the Autotech HPFP is due Monday.  I may have some more good news in the next fortnight or so  :pomppomp:   Exciting times for me... 

Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: RedRobin on January 22, 2010, 08:15:21 pm
^^^^
Thank goodness you are alive! I've been worried about you all day! [just joking]. No, but good to hear you are pleased and have better braking power.
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: xxx_mojo_xxx on January 22, 2010, 08:42:00 pm
Matt, when your next down to VWR?  I'd like to meet up so we can compare and contrast our brake kits....
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: davv on January 22, 2010, 09:18:27 pm
Matt, when your next down to VWR?  I'd like to meet up so we can compare and contrast our brake kits....
\

but you should have the same tyres and wheels "...
no?
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: MAT ED30 on January 22, 2010, 09:42:00 pm
maybe next week but who knows  :laugh: i will text when i have a date to go in mate  :happy2:
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: chungster on January 22, 2010, 10:19:19 pm
VWR brakes still in testing / development?

But jonnyc's already got a set on his car?  :confused:
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: Top Cat on January 22, 2010, 10:21:36 pm
VWR brakes still in testing / development?

But jonnyc's already got a set on his car?  :confused:

Jonny has gone for the Project MU ones i believe, Mat is waiting for there new kit from a different supplier, which is a bit cheaper i think.  :happy2:
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: MAT ED30 on January 23, 2010, 12:43:18 am
Yes as Tc says mine are made in the uk for Vwr by caparo and mine will be the first to be on a road car  :grin:  can't bloody wait lol
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: DaveB@Vagbremtechnic on January 23, 2010, 09:22:30 am
Yes as Tc says mine are made in the uk for Vwr by caparo and mine will be the first to be on a road car  :grin:  can't bloody wait lol


Actually its a bloody good job you can !!!!!!    :wink:  :wink:
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: MAT ED30 on January 23, 2010, 12:11:13 pm
i  know but they have be bang on and be tested to death before they go on a car on the road so i am not too fussed as the last thing you want is crap brakes that should do a job and just dont  :smiley:
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: davv on January 23, 2010, 12:14:09 pm
vwr costs a lot due to reliability, thats the main reason of extra $$
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: MAT ED30 on January 23, 2010, 12:21:31 pm
vwr costs a lot due to reliability, thats the main reason of extra $$

very true  :smiley:
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: xxx_mojo_xxx on January 23, 2010, 04:14:58 pm
Reliability does come at a premium, I agree. But I have come to realise BBK providers make profit in the range of 100%-200%.

That's a pretty healthy margin if you ask me! 
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: QD MBE on January 23, 2010, 04:22:10 pm
Yes as Tc says mine are made in the uk for Vwr by caparo and mine will be the first to be on a road car  :grin:  can't bloody wait lol


Actually its a bloody good job you can !!!!!!    :wink:  :wink:


It's ok Dave, I have supplies................................ :popcornsoda:


(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.opticstalk.com%2Fuploads%2F3182%2Fpopcorn.jpg&hash=6afcce0af30e54cb45d753dee199c772d7edc666)
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: DaveB@Vagbremtechnic on January 23, 2010, 10:37:15 pm
Reliability does come at a premium, I agree. But I have come to realise BBK providers make profit in the range of 100%-200%.

That's a pretty healthy margin if you ask me! 

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sherv.net%2Fcm%2Femo%2Flaughing%2Frofl.gif&hash=fc1d559870763378ccea7b2edd713c4354d02a0c)

Not this one.......
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: chungster on January 24, 2010, 09:35:26 am
VWR brakes still in testing / development?

But jonnyc's already got a set on his car?  :confused:

Jonny has gone for the Project MU ones i believe, Mat is waiting for there new kit from a different supplier, which is a bit cheaper i think.  :happy2:

sorry but this pic makes them look IDENTICAL to the ones on the VWR stand at Autosport, and those they have on their own website?

JC

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fo304%2Fjonnnny28%2FDSC05403.jpg&hash=95a884eb21994a34b59cff21bb0204f2c76aa411)

VWR

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.volkswagenracing.co.uk%2FGolf%25205%2520Pages%2FPicture%2520412c.JPG&hash=e7f98892b596f9879bc6b2d6707015257841e1e4)
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: QD MBE on January 24, 2010, 09:40:30 am
 :popcornsoda:
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: xxx_mojo_xxx on January 24, 2010, 10:21:33 am
Interestingly, the Hi-Spec kit has 12 bolt fixing the bell to the disc - rather than 10. 
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: DaveB@Vagbremtechnic on January 24, 2010, 12:27:11 pm
Can anybody tell me where I can get some of those obviously threaded bobbins affixing the disc to the bell, it appears that they've tapped the bobbin and used it as a nut for a bolted application - cant see any other way of having done it.

Really need some at the moment the stiffening bar on my R8 caliper keeps getting in the way
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: MAT ED30 on January 24, 2010, 12:34:49 pm
not the same mate
http://www.volkswagenracing.co.uk/Golf%205%20Pages/Golf%20Brakes%20Kit.html
new vwr brakes
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: chungster on January 24, 2010, 08:18:58 pm
hmmm ok my 2 year eye test is defo overdue!

TAXI!  :signLOL:
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: jonnyc on February 06, 2010, 04:51:57 pm
Jonny has gone for the Project MU ones i believe, Mat is waiting for there new kit from a different supplier, which is a bit cheaper i think.  :happy2:

VWR stopped suppling the Project Mu brakes as there pretty expensive and a little too extreme for most.. There f*cking amazing though which is why I have them on my car!

Its not just a matter of performance but safety, when it comes to brakes you get the best that you can afford..
Title: Re: hi spec brakes
Post by: RedRobin on February 07, 2010, 06:19:21 pm

Its not just a matter of performance but safety, when it comes to brakes you get the best that you can afford..


....Yup! I'm sure I've said this before: It's better to have good brakes and not need them, than to need them and not have them.

It's one thing to consciously plan and use your brakes on track but on the road you never ever know when you'll be very glad of that extra stopping power.