Brake kit questions.

[jwight]

All seriousness aside, according to the Road & Track Road Test Summary, braking results as follows (60 to 0 mph): smart fortwo - 130 ft; VW R32 - 134 ft; M-B C350 Sport - 135 ft. Yeah, there are cars that stop shorter than the smart, but with those two as benchmarks I'm happy with the stock brakes. If bigger brakes float your boat, have at it.

[WilyB]

Originally Posted by lowndex

I am hoping to reduce the heavy front nose dive during hard braking.

Stiffer springs/shocks might help too.

[mendo]

Originally Posted by lowndex

I'll start saving for a full set: front and rear. I have Wilwood front and rear kits on my other vehicle. I love the added braking performance. I am hoping to reduce the heavy front nose dive during hard braking. My Wilwood kits allowed my other car (weighs 4400 lbs) to squat and brake more evenly versus the classic front nose dive. Thus, the stopping distance is greatly reduced.

Nice, I put a set of Wildwood discs on a '32 roadster, plenty of brakes for that light of a car!!

show us pics when you get them.

[Ron F]

I would love to find an aftermarket front disc brake pad set that wouldn't produce the excessive brake dust that the factory pads produce. Anyone found such a pad? Ceramic maybe?

[mendo]

Originally Posted by jwight

All seriousness aside, according to the Road & Track Road Test Summary, braking results as follows (60 to 0 mph): smart fortwo - 130 ft; VW R32 - 134 ft; M-B C350 Sport - 135 ft. Yeah, there are cars that stop shorter than the smart, but with those two as benchmarks I'm happy with the stock brakes. If bigger brakes float your boat, have at it.

That is impressive!!

Anyway, he is going to do it anyway, which I understand. each has the right to do what they want to their car.

I am looking forward to seeing the install pics and finished product!

[SunDiego]

I am interested in seeing the brakes installed as well. I wouldn't pay $3000 just for brakes though!

[GHammerly]

I vote for the stock brakes too.
Also have no problem with fancy aftermarket brakes.
Pros.
-Usually lighter then stock because aluminum calipers are much lighter than cast iron stock calipers, rotors may be lighter in some cases.
-Less caliper flex = better feedback.
-More braking power and fade resistance
-Bling factor
Cons.
-Cost$$$$$$$$$$$$$holy cow!!!!!!
-Performance may dissapoint (not allways better braking distances).
-May need new set of wheels depending on brake size.

[Bigperformance]

I started making 6pot calipers specifically for the original smart back in 1999.
These are designed to fit under the original 15" rim and use stock front discs.
Here is a photo of them.

Welcome to BIG Performance : Online Shop : Performance : 6 pot callipers

Additional Images pot callipers


These calipers are £880 and include the stainless hoses and brake pads.

[Dunerunner]

Originally Posted by Bigperformance

These calipers are £880 and include the stainless hoses and brake pads.

Does that price include shipping across the pond?

[PJJSR]

Originally Posted by jwight

As an experienced owner, I recommend the stock brakes all around. They're more than enough for this car.

i agree with Jwight, however for "looks" and more stopping power (if the engine has upgrades) rear disc brakes would be nice to have. what I personally would like to see, is a kit that allows the stock front disc brakes to be used in the rear and get larger disc front brakes for the car. I believe that S-Mann (Dan) is working on something to the fact.

anyone, any ideas ???