[Biturbos4] Stock Brake Upgrade
AudiBiTurbo at aol.com
AudiBiTurbo at aol.com
Tue Nov 23 15:54:48 EST 2004
Although I sell Stoptech brakes, I might be able to offer some advice on the
solutions you're seeking. The core problem with the stock S4 brakes is lack
of thermal capacity. A higher temperature pad over stock will help with fade
but may aggravate the core situation. I instruct for ACCNA as well as other
clubs, so my focus tends to be for very aggressively driven cars. For the
street, a minor upgrade should suffice.
On the front brakes, you're limited to a small number of aftermarket rotor
manufacturers but several pad manufacturers. The stock S4 rotors aren't of bad
quality but are expensive. Zimmerman is an excellent and reasonably priced
alternative. They have the added benefit of slotting which should help with
surface cooling. For street use, I generally recommend a higher temp pad than
stock, since the entire system lacks thermal capacity, a higher temperature pad
will at least stave off pedal fade. Some southern USA customers run lower
temp "track pads" on the street (with the associated noise and extra wear).
Generally, a pad marketed for autocross usage will be a good choice, especially in
colder climates. Also, "track pads" generally start to have point corrosion
when exposed to winter climates, which can accelerate "chunking."
For the rears, customers with a stiffer spring rate than stock in the front
can benefit from an A8 rear disk conversion. The stock calipers and pad sizing
is utilized, but with the A8 rotor and bracket, the caliper is moved further
out from the center of the hub, increasing rear brake bias. The brackets are
a dealer item and are installed with some common sized washers as slight
spacers. Of course, the brackets are a one-time upgrade cost.
Good luck, and sorry that I can't recommend a European supplier.
Mark Rosenkrantz
AudiBiTurbo at aol.com
Binghamton, NY USA
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