Lightweight Brake Discs/Rotors

[Aviry]

Hi all,
So i know my OEM S3 brakes are super heavy and tend to fade, so i was looking around for an upgrade.

I read about all the possible upgrades (R8, Porsche, AP Racing, VWR and so...) Since Israel is a place that has regulation that makes importing Brakes components super hard and even expansive as hell, i have started to search for other options.

Is there a good, LightWeight brake discs/rotors that can be a straight swap for the OEM 12.5KG?
Will i benefit (brake fade wise) from a good drilled/slotted discs and good pads? or will i just enjoy less unsprung weight?

i saw on AP Racing's site they have 345x30 "R32" discs. does that match the S3? how much weight would i cut? and should i expect better braking and less fade with this setup?

Brake Gurus, help me here :/

 

[S3Alex]

The biggest weight penalty on the S3s brakes comes from the calipers themselves.

They weigh twice as much as the VWR calipers I have,and the discs may save a bit,but nowhere near as much.

 

[Aviry]

thanks for the replay Alex.
well, according to this:
http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/a3-s3-...96-ap-racing-6-pot-s3-conversion-weights.html
and this:
My Big Brake Kit

discs weight more than callipers, and i can save at least 3 KG.

i know i can save more with good callipers but i can't get my hand on better callipers (at least now) so i want to get some light weight discs (which are rotational weight which i would feel even more than)

so, what are my options?

 

[mjr901]

Buy drilled TTS discs. it's 1.5kg lighter a side. they come as 340mm not 345mm.

They bolt straight on, they apparently can take more stick as the air directional vents are designed better.

dont worry about the -5mm, that eliminates the horrible grooves you get on the 345mm discs.

I have spoken to DaveB about these.

Straight fit with normal calipers.

£150 the pair + £12 postage.

 

[S3Alex]

thanks for the replay Alex.
well, according to this:
http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/a3-s3-...96-ap-racing-6-pot-s3-conversion-weights.html
and this:
My Big Brake Kit

discs weight more than callipers, and i can save at least 3 KG.

i know i can save more with good callipers but i can't get my hand on better callipers (at least now) so i want to get some light weight discs (which are rotational weight which i would feel even more than)

so, what are my options?

I see what you're getting at,but take into account the fact that the calipers alone are half the weight,and way more than twice as effective as the stock items.

If the only thing you can easily get hold of is the discs,they will make a difference,especially with better pads.

 

[coreythorny]

Buy drilled TTS discs. it's 1.5kg lighter a side. they come as 340mm not 345mm.

They bolt straight on, they apparently can take more stick as the air directional vents are designed better.

dont worry about the -5mm, that eliminates the horrible grooves you get on the 345mm discs.

I have spoken to DaveB about these.

Straight fit with normal calipers.

£150 the pair + £12 postage.

i will keep this in mind as mine will be done soon

 

[Aviry]

found this:
Upgrade with 2-piece light weight rotor and gain hp for your MK5 R32 (check the dyno

but the price on those "Racing Brakes" is insane.

 

[mjr901]

i will keep this in mind as mine will be done soon

That price is a DaveB special, think this is his last set and they will get more expensive unfortunately.

I almost ready for brakes, but im undecided, think I may look at some zerosixty ones.

 

[S3Alex]

I almost ready for brakes, but im undecided, think I may look at some zerosixty ones.

I'm giving a set of these a try on the rears,due partly to the lack of rear brake upgrades (apart from one that DaveB said is possible but difficult),with a set of Mintex 1155 pads,to restore a bit of rear balance on mine.

 

[mjr901]

I'm giving a set of these a try on the rears,due partly to the lack of rear brake upgrades (apart from one that DaveB said is possible but difficult),with a set of Mintex 1155 pads,to restore a bit of rear balance on mine.

Nice to see we're on a similar wave length

 

[S3Alex]

Nice to see we're on a similar wave length

DaveB gave me a quote and spec list for a total rear rebuild and it was serious,cost and time-wise.

I have too many other things on the go right now,but getting a little more rear bias would be nice,and Dave suggested this as a compromise.

 

[coreythorny]

I'm giving a set of these a try on the rears,due partly to the lack of rear brake upgrades (apart from one that DaveB said is possible but difficult),with a set of Mintex 1155 pads,to restore a bit of rear balance on mine.

pretty sure k-sport do a rear 8-pot upgrade

 

[Sevv]

pretty sure k-sport do a rear 8-pot upgrade

does it come with the cable for the E-Brake ?

 

[S3Alex]

pretty sure k-sport do a rear 8-pot upgrade

I may be reading their ad wrong but they quote for rear pads,and the other kits are front brake kits.

In any case,I don't know of anyone else offering an 8 pot rear which would totally shift the bias to the rear......most of the braking is on the fronts,although I can't remember the exact percentages,but I know on my Escort it was heavily biassed to the front.